Academic Integrity

De Anza College is committed to excellence in the pursuit of learning and academic achievement by its students.

To further this goal, the college is committed to providing academic standards that are fair and equitable to all students in an atmosphere that fosters integrity on the part of student, staff and faculty alike. The student’s responsibility is to perform to the best of his or her potential in all academic endeavors. This responsibility also includes abiding by the rules and regulations set forth by individual faculty members related to preparation and completion of assignments and examinations.

The submission of work that is not the product of a student’s personal effort, or work which in some way circumvents the given rules and regulations, will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of the faculty to clearly define the requirements and rules applicable to their courses for all students.

An applicable paragraph of the California State Educational Code (§ 76130) is quoted: “Code of Student Conduct: The college has an obligation to specify those standards of behavior essential to its educational mission and campus life. The following types of misconduct for which students are subject to disciplinary sanction apply at all times on campus as well as to any off-campus functions sponsored or supervised by the college: cheating, plagiarism or knowingly furnishing false information in the classroom or to a college officer.”

De Anza College considers the following principles essential to its educational mission and its community life

• Mutual respect between students, faculty and staff
• Pursuit of studies with honesty and integrity
• Respect for college and personal property
• Compliance with all rules and regulations

What is Academic Integrity?

As a student at De Anza, you join a community of scholars who are committed to excellence in the teaching and learning process. We assume that all students will pursue their studies with integrity and honesty; however, all students should know that incidents of academic dishonesty are taken very seriously. When students are caught cheating or plagiarizing, a process is begun which may result in severe consequences. It is vitally important to your academic success that you know what constitutes academic dishonesty. 

It is the student’s responsibility to know what constitutes academic dishonesty. Interpretations of academic dishonesty may differ among individuals and groups. However, it is expected that De Anza students will refrain from the behavior outlined. If you are unclear about a specific situation, you should speak to your instructor.

What Is Academic Dishonesty?

The two most common kinds of academic dishonesty are cheating and plagiarism.

Cheating is the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work through the use of dishonest, deceptive or fraudulent means, such as

• Copying, in part or in whole, from someone else’s test
• Submitting work presented previously in another course, if contrary to the rules of either course
• Altering or interfering with grading
• Using or consulting any unapproved sources or materials during an examination, including consulting with other students or using electronic equipment such as cell phones, unless authorized by the instructor
• Committing other acts that defraud or misrepresent

Plagiarism is representing the work of someone else as your own. This may include

• Incorporating the ideas, words, sentences, paragraphs or parts of another person’s writings without giving appropriate credit, and representing the product as one’s own
• Representing another’s artistic or scholarly works such as musical compositions, computer programs, photographs, paintings, drawings or sculptures as your own
• Submitting a paper purchased from a research or term paper service, including the internet
• Undocumented use of internet sources

Other examples of academic dishonesty include

• Purposely allowing another student to copy from your paper during a test
• Giving homework, term paper or other academic work to another student to plagiarize
• Having another person submit any work in your name
• Lying to an instructor or college official to improve your grade
• Altering graded work after it has been returned, then submitting the work for re-grading
• Stealing tests
• Forging signatures on drop/add cards or other college documents
• Collaboration without permission of instructor
• Gaining unlawful or unauthorized access to college or district computers or servers

Consequences of Academic Dishonesty

Academic and/or administrative sanctions may be applied in cases of academic dishonesty.

• Academic consequences may include
• Receiving a failing grade on the test, paper or exam
• Having course grade lowered
• Receiving a grade of F in the course

Administrative consequences may include

• Disciplinary probation
• Disciplinary suspension
• Expulsion

Students may also be subject to arrest or monetary fines if the academic dishonesty offense violates state or federal law.

Student Records

The Student Development & EOPS Office maintains a record of students who have engaged in academic dishonesty. This information is used to identify and discipline students reported for academic dishonesty more than once.

Related policies and procedures are printed in the college catalog. Copies are available from the Student Development office located downstairs in the Hinson Campus Center.