Academic Honesty

Students of Housatonic Community College are expected to do their own work on assignments, laboratory exercises, quizzes, examinations and any other academic work. Academic dishonesty ultimately injures the individual and depreciates the value of grades received by other students. Cheating in any form is viewed by the faculty, the students and the administration as a most serious offense.

Academic dishonesty can result in your receiving an “F” grade on the paper or exam in question, an “F” grade in the course, suspension from College, or expulsion from College. The last two penalties - suspension or expulsion from College - can only be invoked through the Academic Dean. Faculty members may invoke the first two penalties - an “F” grade on the paper or exam in question or an “F” grade in the course.

Faculty members try to explain to students exactly what is meant by academic dishonesty and plagiarism and what the penalties are at the beginning of the semester. If you are unsure of what the policy is or whether an activity might be considered academic dishonesty or plagiarism, it is wise to consult with the faculty member prior to undertaking the action or submitting the paper.