ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

As scholars in Christian community, we seek to glorify God in all that we do, practicing good stewardship of our intellectual gifts and the gift of education. The academic integrity policy below Is built upon three core principles:

• Truth: Students should be honest and forthright about the sources of information used in assignments and exams.
• Virtue: Students should follow the guidelines established by their professors for assignments and exams.
• Service: When concerns about academic integrity arise, we follow a clear process that balances accountability and grace, allowing us to grow together in community.

Violations of academic integrity take various forms, including plagiarism, cheating, falsification, or inappropriate use of Artificial Intelligence.  Each of these forms is explained below, along with the process for investigating and addressing violations of academic integrity and the consequences for such.

Plagiarism

To plagiarize is to present someone else’s work—his or her words, line of thought, or organizational structure—as our own. This occurs when sources are not cited properly, or when permission is not obtained from the original author to use his or her work. By not acknowledging the sources that are used in our work, we are wrongfully taking material that is not our own and misrepresenting our own work. Another’s person’s “work” can take many forms: printed or electronic copies of computer programs, musical compositions, drawings, paintings, oral presentations, papers, essays, articles or chapters, statistical data, tables or figures, etc. In short, if any information that can be considered the intellectual property of another is used without acknowledging the original source properly, this is plagiarism. Plagiarism may include:

1. inserting verbatim phrases, sentences, or longer sections from a source without attribution
2. substituting synonyms or reordering clauses from a source, rather than expressing the ideas in an original sentence
3. using a source’s line of logic, thesis or ideas
4. combining paraphrasing with verbatim sentences to create a paragraph or more of text
5. submitting or presenting someone’s complete published or unpublished work (paper, article, or chapter)
6. submitting another student’s work for an assignment, or allowing another student to submit your work
7. purchasing an assignment and submitting it as your own
8. reusing or modifying previously submitted work (e.g., from another course) for a present assignment without obtaining prior approval from the instructors involved
9. aiding another student in plagiarizing in the above or other ways

Cheating

Cheating is obtaining or helping another to obtain credit for work accomplished by deceptive means. This may include:

1. talking or communicating through signals with another student during a quiz or exam
2. using unauthorized materials such as electronic devices, written notes, or unauthorized website tabs during an exam
3. copying or sharing information during an exam
4. taking, using, sharing, or posting an exam or answer key
5. leaving during an exam to obtain information
6. providing false information about the procedure used to take an exam or complete an assignment
7. claiming credit for work not accomplished personally

Falsification

Falsification is the alteration of information, documents, or other evidence in order to mislead. This may include:

1. fabrication or falsification of data, analysis, citations or other information for assignments, exams, speeches or any other academic work
2. forgery or unauthorized alteration of official documents, credentials, or signatures
3. misrepresentation of one’s academic accomplishments, experiences, credentials, or expertise
4. withholding information related to admission, transfer credits, disciplinary actions, financial aid, or academic status

Unauthorized Use of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence for academic purposes is prohibited unless explicitly authorized by members of the faculty for their assigned courses. Some professors allow students to use Artificial Intelligence for tasks like brainstorming, research support, and exam preparation, but this is permissible only with explicit instructor permission and proper disclosure/citation. Each course syllabus includes guidelines for how Artificial Intelligence may be used in the class (if at all). Students should take special care with programs that provide grammar checks and revision suggestions, as some of these programs use Artificial Intelligence to substantially re-write papers and may be in violation of a professor’s syllabus guidelines. When Artificial Intelligence is used, it must be cited using the standard citation method of the relevant academic discipline (APA, MLA, etc.) unless directed otherwise by the professor.

Students are responsible for reading syllabus guidelines at the beginning of the semester and contacting their professors with any questions. Students may not submit AI-generated content as original, misrepresent the source of their work, use Artificial Intelligence to circumvent the learning objectives or a course, or violate data privacy. Using Artificial Intelligence in ways prohibited in the class syllabus is considered academic dishonesty.

Consequences for Plagiarism, Cheating, Falsification, and Unauthorized Artificial Intelligence Use

When academic dishonesty is suspected, the student is offered an opportunity to meet with their professor to discuss the issue. These conversations give students an opportunity to share their perspective, and professors an opportunity to review academic expectations reinforce the nature of academic integrity and the values of a scholarly Christian community. Following this conversation, the professor determines whether academic dishonesty has occurred. If the professor determines that academic dishonesty has not occurred, no further action is needed. If the professor determines that academic dishonesty has occurred:

For a first offense in a course, the student typically receives a zero on the assignment or exam, and a Report of Academic Dishonesty* is submitted via Faculty Central. At the professor’s discretion, the student may be allowed to revise and resubmit the assignment/ exam (with or without points penalty) rather than receiving a zero. 

For a second offense in a course, the student typically receives a failing grade in the course, and a Report of Academic Dishonesty* is submitted via Faculty Central. The School/ College Dean of the student’s major convenes a meeting with the student and student’s Department Chair to discuss the concern.  

Repeated violations of the academic integrity policy (in the same class or different classes) will result in additional disciplinary sanctions, up to and including dismissal or expulsion from the university.  The School/College Dean will determine such sanctions.

*Additional information about Reports of Academic Dishonesty: Reporting is required whenever a professor determines that academic dishonesty has occurred. Faculty should submit one report via Faculty Central for each incident and should complete the report as soon as possible after the incident occurs. Reports should describe the evidence used to determine that academic dishonesty has occurred, including the name of any programs used by the professor to detect cheating, plagiarism, or AI use and a copy of the report those programs generated. Reports of Academic Dishonesty are submitted electronically via Faculty Central and automatically forwarded to the Department Chair or Program Director who oversees the course where the academic dishonestly occurred.

Whenever a second (or more) Report of Academic Dishonesty is submitted for the same student, additional notification (including copies of all reports) is sent to the School/ College Dean who oversees the student’s major. 

Appeals

Students’ Rights The goal of the appeals policy is to ensure a fair, transparent, and educational process for students who wish to contest findings or sanctions related to alleged academic dishonesty. Students subject to academic integrity allegations have the right to receive notice of the specific allegation and to review the Academic Integrity Report (including any supplemental evidence) submitted by their professor. They have the right to respond, to have an impartial review by the Department Chair, Dean, and/or Provost, and to receive a timely decision with clear notification of outcomes. Confidentiality will be maintained in a manner consistent with FERPA and institutional policies. Students have the right to appeal without facing retaliation.

Grounds for Appeal  Students may appeal a finding and/or sanction based on the following grounds: insufficient evidence to support the finding, new evidence that could materially affect the outcome, excessive sanctions that are disproportionate to the violation, or bias or conflict of interest affecting the integrity of the process.

Formal Review Process Students may initiate an appeal by emailing the appropriate academic administrator—this is the Department Chair or Graduate Program Director who oversees the course. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 14 business days after receiving the initial decision from the professor. Students should clearly state the grounds for appeal and include supporting evidence or explanation. The Chair or Director will review the student’s appeal, along with the original Report of Academic Dishonesty and its supporting documentation and make a determination.

Students who have additional concerns after the first level of appeal may continue the appeal process by requesting review by the School or College Dean who oversees the course. The final level of appeal is to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. The decision of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs is considered final and the matter is not subject to further appeal.

Outcomes and Documentation At each level of appeal, the reviewing authority may uphold the original finding and sanctions, uphold the original finding but modify the sanctions, or reverse the original finding. Whenever a student appeals to a Chair/ Director, Dean, or Provost an addendum is added to the original report so the student’s file accurately reflects the outcome of their appeal.

COMPUTER USAGE: STUDENT GUIDELINES 

(This section is excerpted from the Vanguard University Student Handbook)

As an educational institution, VU is firmly committed to the discovery of truth, the life of the mind, and the free interchange of ideas. The University recognizes that in order for the best learning to take place, students will be exposed to hostile, offensive, and even subversive ideas, so that the students can confront and wrestle with the whole range of ideas and philosophies in the intellectual marketplace. It is therefore the position of the University that students should use maturity and self-discipline in accessing potentially offensive material.

At the same time, VU is more than just an educational institution. It is a spiritual community committed to nurturing its members, providing them with good values and an atmosphere as positive and wholesome as possible.

The Information Technology Department, therefore, reserves the right to regulate or prohibit access to obscene, pornographic, and unlawful materials (such as by way of the internet) and distribution of such materials over the campus network.

Students using University computing and network resources are required to use them in a manner consistent with the University's standard of conduct. The framework of responsible, considerate, and ethical behavior expected by the University extends to cover the use of campus facilities and network resources and networks throughout the world to which electronic access has been provided by the University. Computing and network resources and user accounts are owned by the University and are to be used for university-related activities only. Computer equipment and accounts at VU should be used for legitimate instructional, research, and administrative or other approved purposes. By enrolling at the University students agree to abide by the guidelines listed herein and in the official Technology Use Policy.

Student Computing and Network

VU makes available computing and network resources for use by the University's students.

VU students have certain privileges. They include:

• Use of Campus LAN, Wireless LAN, and intranet
• E-mail
• Use of internet

Campus Printer Kiosks

Vanguard University provides several print kiosk stations on campus that feature high quality laser printers.  Print transaction can be made via the http://print.vanguard.edu website from either the wired or wireless network anywhere on campus by uploading supported documents to the Web Print tab and selecting the kiosk location desired.  Documents will not be charged or printed until they are released by logging in to the kiosk or remotely under the Jobs Pending Release section of http://print.vanguard.edu.   This allows students to print from their room or wirelessly and not worry if their print job will be accidentally removed by another student. For kiosk locations please visit the web page at https://www.vanguard.edu/student-portal/it. 

Student Responsibilities

To protect the quality and reliability of computing and network resources, students must observe the following responsibilities. This list is not comprehensive, but it includes the responsibilities that students accept whenever they choose to use the University's computing resources and/or network, which the University provides:

• Student use of the campus network, the internet, and e-mail must be consistent with the mission and character of VU. VU's information technology resources may not be used for any unauthorized purpose or for any activity that is harmful, illegal, obscene, or harassing.
• Students must not apply for a user-ID under false pretenses. Once a student has received a user-ID for access to the VU network, e-mail and computer systems on that network, he/she is solely responsible for all actions taken when that user-ID is used.
• Students must not share or use another person's user-ID, password or e-mail account. Students should never leave a terminal or PC while logged on and leave it unattended for more than a few minutes. Students should never write down their user-ID and password. Students should also change passwords frequently.
• Students must not intentionally seek information about, browse, copy, or modify a file belonging to another person, whether at VU or elsewhere, unless that student has been granted explicit permission by the owner of the file.
• Students are authorized to use only computer resources and information to which they have been granted access. Students who encounter or observe a gap in system or network security should immediately report the gap to the manager of that system. Abuse of a discovered gap rather than reporting it can result in disciplinary action.
• Students that are not certain they have permission to copy, compile or manipulate software or data should assume that they do not have permission.
• The University's policies on harassment apply equally to electronic displays and communications as they do to more traditional means of display and communication. Students must not display or transmit images, sounds or messages that could create an atmosphere of discomfort or harassment for others.
• Messages, sentiments, and declarations sent as electronic mail or postings must meet the same standards for distribution or display as printed documents.
• Students are not permitted to send spam e-mail to faculty, staff, or students on campus. Email regarding official VU business or events must receive approval through the IT Department and be routed through the division or department sponsoring the event.
• Use of the network folder is a privilege for academic purposes. Students are expected to stay within the space limits posted in the main lab.
• Students must not degrade computing or network performance in any way that will prevent others from meeting their educational or university business goals. Academic work by students takes precedence over personal usage.
• Students are not permitted to use or connect their personal network equipment to the Vanguard Network including wireless routers, network switchers or network hubs.  VUIT will provide additional switches if necessary.
• Students must not create or willfully disseminate computer viruses. All students should be sensitive to the ease of spreading viruses and should take steps to ensure all files are virus-free.
• Students must not install any additional software on VU computer equipment.
• Equipment and supplies for VU labs should be treated with care. Any student who abuses equipment or takes supplies from the labs will lose lab privileges and be charged the cost of repair or replacement. Any student who steals equipment will be prosecuted under the law.

COMPUTER DISHONESTY

Violation of Copyright

Copyrighted programs and printed documentation may not be copied, distributed to others, or used on any machine outside of the computer labs, unless permitted under the terms of the software licenses between VU and the software manufacturers. Unauthorized copying is theft. Moreover, students with personal computers on campus are expected to not participate in software pirating or use pirated software.

Invasion of Privacy

The files and programs of other people are private property. It is unethical for you to read, alter, or copy such private programs or files, unless you have explicit permission to do so by the owner.

Disciplinary Procedures

If you violate any of the above guidelines, disciplinary action will be taken. The University reserves the right to monitor traffic on the network, including contents, and to examine files on the system which are connected to the network. Depending upon the seriousness of the offense, the following procedure will be followed:

1. You may be required to perform community service.
2. You may be required to pay a designated fine. If computer equipment is damaged, you will be required to pay for replacing the damaged equipment.
3. You may have your computer privileges temporarily or permanently revoked.
4. You may lose credit for the assignment, test, or even the entire course.
5. You may be dismissed from the University.
6. In serious cases, your name and a description of the violation(s) may be reported to the police. California Penal Code Section 502 makes certain computer abuses a crime, and penalties can range up to a $10,000 fine and up to three years in prison.

You may appeal any decision to the Student Conduct Committee.

Internet Material

All members of the VU community are encouraged to practice discretion and restraint in the materials that they access over the Internet. Obscene, pornographic, or unlawful materials accessed over the Internet are neither educationally nor spiritually purposeful and therefore should be avoided. Student use of the Internet is a privilege which can be revoked for cause.

CLASSROOM CONDUCT

All students have the right to learn without interference from others.  Faculty members have the authority to protect this right by creating and maintaining an environment that is conducive to learning. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of all others and does not disrupt the learning experience of others. Should an instructor determine that a student's conduct is disruptive, the instructor may impose the student's immediate removal from the classroom. The student may be referred for disciplinary action.  The student may appeal to the Department Chair, and, if necessary, to the relevant school/college dean, and finally to the Provost.