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Introduction to Academic Integrity

Resources to help understand what academic integrity, academic ethics, and plagiarism are in practice

Librarian Contact Information

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Angie Oehrli
Contact:
2178 Shapiro Library

919 S. University Ave.

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1185

734 936-2376
Website

What Is Academic Integrity?

The International Center for Academic Integrity defines academic integrity as a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to six fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage. From these values flow principles of behavior that enable academic communities to translate ideals to action. 

The U-M College of Literature, Science, and Arts defines academic misconduct as “academic dishonesty may be understood as any action or attempted action that may result in creating an unfair academic advantage for oneself or an unfair academic advantage or disadvantage for any other member or members of the academic community.”

Honoring the precepts of academic integrity and applying its principles are fundamental responsibilities of all scholars. The University Library and the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching have created this site to help the university community uphold these ideals. Our intention is to increase understanding of what academic integrity is in practice.

Why Should I Care About Academic Integrity?

Everyone learns better when we trust that the values of academic integrity are actively engaged by our fellow students and colleagues. It is important to learn to integrate others' work and ideas ethically into your own work in many facets of your life from school to work environments.

There can be many ramifications for not adhering to principles of academic integrity, such as 

  • You could be suspended, with or without conditions.
  • You could fail your assignment or your course.
  • You could receive a notation in either your unofficial or official transcript.
  • You could be permanently expelled from school.
  • Your degree could be withheld or revoked.
  • You erode trust that could impact your future professional and personal integrity