Academic Integrity
Upholding the Standards of Academic Excellence
Our Commitment
Queensgate International School's Academic Integrity Policy is designed to align with the Ontario Ministry of Education's Growing Success Document. Our goal is to ensure that all students understand and adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty, preparing them for future academic and professional success.
What is Academic Integrity?
Academic integrity is the commitment to honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility in all academic work. It is the foundation of scholarly and educational excellence.
Why It Matters
Maintaining academic integrity is essential for fostering a culture of honesty and responsibility. It ensures fair evaluation and prepares students for ethical professional conduct.
Definition of Academic Dishonesty
Engaging in any form of academic dishonesty or misconduct to obtain academic credit or advantage is a serious offence under this policy.
Plagiarism
Examples include:
- Copying or paraphrasing the work of others without proper citation
- Misrepresenting someone else's work as one's own
- Copying another student's work
- Translating work from one language to another without citation
- Using the same piece of work for two different courses or assignments
Cheating
Examples include:
- Viewing or using unauthorized materials during tests or exams
- Bringing unauthorized notes or electronic devices into an examination
- Giving or receiving unauthorized aid on assignments or tests
- Sharing or copying another student's work
- Theft of tests or examination materials
Roles and Responsibilities
Teacher
- Assemble relevant evidence and interview the student if academic dishonesty is suspected
- If the explanation is satisfactory, the process stops
- If the explanation is unsatisfactory or if dishonesty is denied, communicate with the Principal within 24 hours
Principal
- Examine the evidence and interview the student(s)
- Inform parent(s) as needed about the investigation, including the allegations, policy, and potential outcomes
Guidelines for Deciding Consequences of Academic Dishonesty
Examinations
Academic dishonesty on Midterm and Final exams warrants expulsion and may result in that decision.
Other Evaluations, Assignments, or Tests
Grades 9, 10, and 11
First Offence
- Receive a zero on the test or assignment
- Complete an alternative assignment with a maximum value of up to 50% of the original assignment
Repeated Offences
- Parents informed
- Zero on the test or assignment
- Complete an alternative assignment with a maximum value of up to 50%
- One-day in-school suspension
Grade 12/Pre-University
First Offence
- Receive a zero on the test or assignment
- Complete an alternative assignment with a maximum value of up to 50%
- Inform parents
- Write a letter demonstrating understanding and assurance against future dishonesty
Repeated Offences
- Zero on the test or assignment with no opportunity for an alternative assignment
- Zero included in the final grade calculation
- Potential further disciplinary action up to expulsion
Importance of Academic Integrity
Maintaining academic integrity is essential for fostering a culture of honesty and responsibility. Students must understand the seriousness of academic dishonesty and its consequences.
This policy ensures that all students have a clear understanding of the expectations and the importance of integrity in their academic journey. By upholding these standards, we prepare students for ethical conduct in higher education and their future careers.
Academic integrity is not just about following rules—it's about developing character, building trust, and contributing to a community of honest scholarship.
Additional Resources
Questions About This Policy?
If you need clarification on any aspect of our Academic Integrity Policy, please don't hesitate to reach out to our administration.
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