Ball State University has a thriving intellectual community. A hallmark of this community is that students and faculty uphold academic ethical standards, meaning that they are honest, trustworthy, and responsible in their educational endeavors. The Office of the Vice Provost of Academic Affairs is responsible for the overall administration of the Student Academic Ethics policy.
Download Policy (PDF)
Download Reporting Form (PDF)
The following are suggestions for faculty and students to uphold academic integrity:
Faculty: Supporting Academic Integrity

Preventing Academic Dishonesty:

  • Use authentic assignments that are unique to the course student learning outcomes and refresh often. 
  • Make explicit on your syllabi and discuss with students your expectations regarding actions that are acceptable vs. not (and why), especially regarding using classmates' work, using generative AI, and collaborating with peers. Include on your syllabi links to the student academic ethics policy and ethics reporting form.
  • Discuss with students why it is important for all in the learning space to act with academic integrity, what they see as cheating,  and how to prevent it. These issues may be more complicated when students are learning online. 
  • Discuss ways that students can summarize or paraphrase without inadvertently plagiarizing. Refer students to the resources in the adjacent tab "Students: Acting with Academic Integrity."

When you become aware of a potential academic ethics violation:

  • Review the reporting process outlined in this document and the "Process" section below.

Understand Academic Integrity and Academic Dishonesty

Avoid Accidental Plagiarism

As always, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Linh Littleford with any questions about the policy, appropriate resolutions, or preventative measures.

Process

Faculty or staff members who suspect a potential violation of academic dishonesty should follow these procedures.

  • Email the student to schedule a meeting within five school days.
  • Meet with the student to discuss the violation and the resolution.
  • A student may disagree with either the accusation and/or resolution. If so, the Office of the Vice Provost will meet with the student.
  • Paperwork is held on file for five years.
  • There will not be a notation of academic dishonesty on the student’s formal record.
  • The professor cannot alter a student’s grade without turning in the Academic Ethics Reporting Form.

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Important Information Regarding AI

Currently, there is a lot of discussion about the different ways AI can enable and disrupt learning for many students. As faculty continue to strive for authentic assessment and meaningful engagement, we offer a few helpful articles and resources.

Resources

Syllabus Information

Discussion

Links for Additional Information

Looking for more information about what counts as plagiarism and how to prevent it? See these helpful links and tutorials.

Helpful BSU Links

Please contact these BSU offices for help dealing with classroom disruption, authentic assessment, policy questions, and student support.

Questions?

If you have any questions during the process, please contact Dr. Linh Littleford.

If you need advice or have personal issues, academic difficulties, health problems, or have questions about University policies and procedures; you may seek help from the Dean of Students.

For questions concerning disciplinary actions you can inquire at the Office of Student Conduct.