Academic Integrity Guide for Students
As UNM Lobos, we strive to foster a learning environment where integrity, mutual understanding, and equity are at the core of our academic community. We want students to grow into thoughtful, ethical individuals who value transparency, show respect for others, and take responsibility for their actions. Our goal is to support students in developing the confidence and character to act with integrity, even in challenging situations.
"Each student is expected to maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity in academic and professional matters.” (UNM Catalog, Student Code of Conduct, and the UNM Pathfinder)
What is Academic Dishonesty?
Academic dishonesty is a violation of the University of New Mexico Student Code of Conduct.
According to Section 2.4 of the Student Code of Conduct, academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
- Dishonesty in quizzes, tests, or assignments
- Claiming credit for work not done or completed by others
- Hindering the academic work of other students
- Misrepresenting academic or professional qualifications, whether within or outside the University
- Providing false or incomplete information on applications or other University records
Examples of Academic Dishonesty
- Using unauthorized materials or devices during an exam. (e.g., notes, calculators, phones)
- Copying from another student's test or assignment.
- Submitting work completed by someone else as your own.
- Buying or selling work done by others
- Using someone else’s words, ideas, or research without proper citation.
- Submitting a paper or project that was written by another person (including AI) without permission or acknowledgment.
- Paraphrasing content without giving credit to the original source.
- Inventing data or sources for a project, lab report, or research paper.
- Altering academic records, transcripts, or official documents.
- Misrepresenting reasons for absences or late work.
- Working with others on assignments that are meant to be completed individually.
- Sharing answers or solutions on exams, quizzes, or homework without permission.
- Allowing another student to copy your work or use your assignment as their own.
- Taking a test or completing an assignment on someone else’s behalf.
- Sharing test questions or answers with others who haven’t taken the exam yet.
- Misusing academic materials such as stealing, hiding, altering, or damaging exams or lab equipment.
- Accessing or circulating unauthorized exam materials such as answer keys or assessment materials.
- Using generative AI in assignments where it is not allowed.
- Submitting AI-generated content without acknowledgment when originality is required
Understanding Factors That Contribute to Academic Dishonesty
- Learn to manage your responsibilities by planning ahead and balancing your academic, social, and personal commitments. Time management helps you stay on track without shortcuts.
- Be mindful of peer pressure and avoid engaging in dishonest behavior, even if others encourage collaboration or cheating against course policies. Make choices that reflect your own values and responsibilities.
- Recognize and manage performance anxiety by seeking support and using campus resources instead of resorting to dishonesty. Academic pressure is normal, but cheating is not a solution.
- Avoid making excuses to justify dishonest actions such as:
- Telling yourself the assignment isn’t importance.
- Assuming it's acceptable to cheat because the course isn’t required for graduation.
- Believing no one is harmed by academic dishonesty.
- Justifying misconduct as helping a friend.
- Thinking the instructor doesn’t care about academic integrity.
- Assuming cheating is acceptable because others in the class are doing it.
- Blaming others or comparing yourself to students who cheat does not lessen the impact of misconduct.
- Watch out for self-justifying thoughts that minimize dishonest behavior. Telling yourself it’s “just this once” or that the assignment doesn’t matter can lead to long-term consequences.
Guidelines to help you uphold UNM’s academic integrity standards and stay on track with your academic and professional goals.
Take responsibility and commit to academic integrity by upholding honest learning practices and report any suspected academic dishonesty through the appropriate university channels. Many students stay committed to academic honesty because they value learning, want to earn their grades fairly, respect their peers and instructors, and understand the long-term importance of ethical behavior. Aim to do the same.
Know what counts as misconduct, including cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and assisting others in dishonesty. If you're unsure, review your syllabus, ask your instructor, or attend office hours to gain a clearer understanding of course expectations.
Recognize that academic integrity violations can have broader consequences, potentially affecting your personal integrity, academic standing, loss of scholarships, academic goals, and impact career prospects or future professional licenses.
If you're having difficulty, reach out for support. Talk to your instructor, connect with resources like CAPS or the Graduate Resource Center, or join a study group.
Ask If you are unsure about assignment instructions, exam rules, or collaboration guidelines, contact your professor before the deadline to ensure you understand what is expected. Understanding expectations can help you avoid unintentional violations.
Use technology responsibly by understanding how to properly use AI tools, citation software, and online resources in line with course expectations.
Be mindful of cultural differences academic expectations may vary across cultures, so take time to understand UNM’s standards. If you are an international student new to academic life in the United States, take time to speak with your instructors, attend office hours, and learn about UNM’s academic integrity policy and available academic resources. Expectations may differ from those in other educational systems, so asking questions is encouraged and supported.
Effectively manage your time to complete assignments and reduce the risk of academic misconduct caused by last-minute pressure.
Take clear notes and always give proper credit when using ideas or words from any source, including books, articles, media, or online content.
Be mindful and avoid helping others commit academic dishonesty by not participating in or assisting with academic or research misconduct. Keep your completed assignments to yourself, as sharing your work can unintentionally lead to violations.
Stay in regular communication with your professors and supervisors. They are there to help you understand expectations and succeed with integrity.
Understand the Broader Consequences of Academic Dishonesty
Cheating can become a habit that damages your reputation, relationships, and career beyond the classroom.
Plagiarism is theft. Using someone else’s work without credit takes away their recognition and opportunities.
Academic dishonesty prevents instructors from accurately assessing your knowledge and skills. This can lead to unearned credentials and inadequate preparation for future academic or professional challenges.
Earning a degree through dishonest means may result in entering a profession without the necessary knowledge, potentially putting others at risk and damaging your professional reputation.
Academic dishonesty reflects not only on your institution but also on you as a student. You are responsible for upholding the values of honesty and integrity, which shape how others perceive your degree and your future professional reputation.
Cheating or falsifying work on sponsored projects can result in legal action, financial penalties, and loss of future university partnerships, which may limit student research opportunities and harm your academic and career goals.
Academic dishonesty can lead to increased monitoring by faculty, reducing time spent on meaningful learning and lowering the overall quality of education for everyone.
While cheating may feel like a short-term solution, it can lead to increased stress, self-doubt, and diminished confidence over time, which may impact your academic success and personal growth. .
Academic dishonesty can lead to academic penalties such as a failing grade or being withdrawn from a course. It may also be reported to the Dean of Students Office, resulting in a student conduct process that can lead to additional institutional sanctions.
Resources
UNM Pathfinder- Academic Dishonesty
Center for Teaching & Learning- Student Learning Support
Center for Teaching & Learning- Academic Support for Online Students
GEO- International Student and Scholar Services
UNM Anderson School of Business- Academic Conduct Expectations - Students
Graduate Studies- Academic Integrity for Students
HSC Combined BA/MD Degree Program and CTL- Academic Support Services
