How to Prevent Academic Misconduct

Guidelines for preventing academic misconduct are outlined below. Taking a proactive approach to academic misconduct is the best practice for minimizing and managing cheating.

  • Familiarize yourself with Michigan Tech’s Academic Integrity Policy.
  • Take reasonable precautions against academic misconduct in preparing and administering academic exercises, including examinations, laboratory activities, homework, and other assignments.
  • Clearly define in writing (e.g., syllabus, website) permissible or expected collaboration on any assignment, as well as other academic integrity issues that pertain to the course.
  • Act to prevent academic misconduct from continuing when a possible infraction has been observed or reported.
  • Report any incident of academic misconduct to the Office of Academic and Community Conduct.
  • Express expectations and standards from the beginning of the course.

Practices that Promote Academic Integrity

  • Emphasize expectations for academic integrity early in courses.
  • Encourage students to support the academic integrity policy.
  • Eliminate or reduce the opportunities to violate the policy.
  • Identify and refer to the dean of students those who violate the policy.

Factors that Promote Academic Misconduct

  • The sanctions for academic integrity violations are not consequential.
  • The instructor’s understanding and support of academic integrity is low.
  • There is little chance of being caught.