Academic Misconduct Descriptions

Misconduct in research or scholarship includes fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, reviewing, or reporting research. It does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data.

Texas A&M University students are responsible for authenticating all work submitted to an instructor. If asked, students must be able to produce proof that the item submitted is indeed the work of that student. Students must keep appropriate records at all times. The inability to authenticate one’s work, should the instructor request it, is sufficient grounds to initiate an academic dishonesty case.

Academic dishonesty includes the commission of any of the following acts. This listing is not, however, exclusive of any other acts that may reasonably be called academic dishonesty. Clarification is provided for each definition by listing some prohibited behaviors.

Cheating

A broad category that includes intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials or assistance in completing an exam or assignment. Click HERE to see definitions, examples, and tips on avoidance.

Fabrication/Falsification

Two closely linked behaviors involving making up, modifying, or manipulating information or university documents. Click HERE to see definitions, examples, and tips on avoidance.

Multiple Submissions

This misconduct is based on a student reusing material from an assignment in one class for another without pre-approval by the instructor. Click HERE to see definitions, examples, and tips on avoidance.

Plagiarism

The most common type of misconduct reported to the Honor System Office, this is using someone else's intellectual content (ideas, words, pictures, etc.) with giving appropriate credit or attribution. Click HERE to see definitions, examples, and tips on avoidance.

Complicity

Often overlooked, this is the 3rd party violation of intentionally helping or enabling someone else to commit academic misconduct. Click HERE to see definitions, examples, and tips on avoidance.

Other Types of Misconduct

This category contains the following types of misconduct: Abuse and Misuse of Access and Unauthorized Access, Violation of Departmental or College Rules, and University Rules on Research. These areas may be reported to the Honor System Office but will often involve breaking other university rules or laws and may be reported through other departments and subject to additional sanctioning. Click HERE to see definitions, examples, and tips on avoidance.

SPECIAL NOTE ON GROUP PROJECTS

If someone in a group commits academic misconduct, the entire group could be held responsible for it as well. It is important to clearly document who contributes what parts of the joint project and to know what group members are doing and how they are getting the material they provide.

OTHER TYPES OF CONDUCT CONCERNS

Student rule violations outside of the academic classroom environment are reported through Student Conflict Resolution Services.

To report a behavioral concern on the part of a member of the student body, faculty, or staff, refer to the Tell Somebody Reporting process.

To report instances of suspected waste, fraud, or a suspected ethics violation, use the Texas A&M University Systems Risk, Fraud, and Misconduct Hotline.