Academic or professional misconduct includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized use of artificially generated content, fabrication of data or records, unauthorized collaboration, resume or credential falsification, unauthorized use of resources, violation of test-taking conditions, or otherwise engaging in activity prohibited by the University or Academic Integrity policy.  

Please review the Undergraduate Student Academic Integrity Policy.

Information regarding the University Student Conduct Code can be found here: University Student Conduct Code.

The following information is provided as a guideline to summarize the prohibited behaviors for students while engaged in academic scholarship at WashU.  Students should refrain from the following:

Cheating

The term cheating includes but is not limited to: (i) use of any unauthorized assistance or source in taking quizzes, tests, examinations or other assessments; (ii) use of or referral to  sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; (iii) acquisition or possession without permission of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the University faculty or staff; or (iv) knowingly providing any unauthorized assistance to another student on quizzes, tests, examinations, or other assessments. 

Plagiarism

The term plagiarism includes, but is not limited to: (i) use by paraphrase or direct quotation of the published work of another source without properly crediting the author or source with footnotes, citations or bibliographical reference; (ii) unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or by an individual or company engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials; or (iii) unacknowledged use of original work/material that has been produced through collaboration with others.

Unauthorized use of artificially generated content

The term unauthorized use of artificially generated content, includes, but is not limited to: (i) use of artificial intelligence tools or other tools that generate artificial content in taking quizzes, tests, examinations, or other assessments without permission from the instructor; (ii) submitting work for evaluation as one’s own that was produced in material or substantial part through use of artificial intelligence tools or other tools that generate artificial content without permission from the instructor; (iii) using artificial intelligence tools or other tools that generate artificial content in a manner contrary to instructions from the instructor; or (iv) using artificial intelligence tools or other tools that generate artificial content in a manner that violates any other provision of these rules concerning academic dishonesty.

Fabrication or Falsification of Data or Records

Fabrication or falsification could include but is not limited to: (i) altering information on any exam, problem set, or class assignment being submitted for a re-grade; (ii) altering, omitting or inventing laboratory data to submit as one’s own findings (this includes copying laboratory data from another student to present as one’s own;, modifying data in a write-up, and/or providing data to another student to submit as one’s own); (iii) falsification of experiential learning records, including practicum/internship hours, feedback forms and evaluations, and authorizing signatures. 

Other Forms of Academic Misconduct
  • Knowingly make false allegations of academic misconduct against another student. 
  • Request an academic benefit based on false information or deception. This includes requesting an extension of time, a better grade, or a recommendation from an instructor. 
  • Make any changes (including adding material or erasing material) on any test paper, problem set, or class assignment being submitted for a re-grade. 
  • Willful sabotage or damage to the efforts or work of others. The term sabotage includes, but is not limited to, the unauthorized interference with, modification of, or destruction of the work or intellectual property of another member of the University community. 
  • Steal, deface, or damage academic facilities or materials. Collaborate with other students planning or engaging in any form of academic misconduct.  
  • Submit any academic work under someone else’s name other than one’s own. This includes but is not limited to sitting for another person’s exam; both parties will be held responsible. 
  • Engage in any other form of academic misconduct not covered here.