What is an Academic Offence? | What is a Penalty? | What About AI? | Academic Integrity Appeals | Need Assistance?
Fanshawe College defines academic integrity as the commitment to uphold honesty and ethical behaviour in all academic work, for yourself and others. It ensures fairness in education and the evaluation of academic performance. Academic integrity protects the value of your educational journey and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. These principles are central to Fanshawe College’s mission and reputation.
Both faculty and students share the responsibility to uphold academic integrity and have the right to appeal decisions related to academic offences.
An academic offence occurs when the principles of academic integrity are violated.
Examples of academic offences, as outlined in Policy A136: Academic Integrity , include but are not limited to:
If you are found to have committed an academic offence, you may receive a Formal Warning or a Penalty.
A penalty is a disciplinary action taken by faculty in response to an academic offence. The severity of the penalty depends on the nature of the offence and may include:
You may receive up to three penalties, all of which are recorded by the College. A third penalty results in expulsion.
Because violations of academic integrity can have serious consequences, it is essential to take proactive steps to ensure your academic work meets integrity standards.
AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney may seem like convenient shortcuts but using them without permission can result in an academic offence.
Each professor will specify whether AI tools are permitted in their course. Always consult your professor before using AI in your academic work.
Remember: there are no shortcuts to success. Learning to think outside the bot, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills will benefit you throughout your career.
If you receive an academic offence but believe you did not commit it, or if there was a serious procedural error, you have the right to appeal.
Learn more about the appeals process by reviewing the Student Academic Appeals Brochure.
Student Academic Appeals Brochure
If you need support, please contact the Vice President, Advocacy and College Affairs using the link below. Your email should include:
