What is Academic Integrity?

“Academic integrity” refers to a set of conventions that scholars follow in their work, and which generates credibility, trust, and respect within the academic community. As a student, earning a university degree in a fair and ethical way also involves following these conventions.

Violations of academic integrity can lead to disciplinary actions under York University’s Senate Policy on Academic Honesty. Effective time management and study skills can help students avoid feeling desperate and engaging in actions which violate academic integrity. See the Time Management module.

Pursuing a degree with integrity

The most serious breaches of academic integrity involve intentional dishonesty, such as submitting an assignment purchased online or written by a friend, paying another person to write an exam, or lying in an
academic petition. However, even attempting to lighten ones workload by colluding with peers without permission may fail to meet the standards of working with integrity.

The conventions governing the ethical conduct of academic work vary depending on discipline and type of research, and they can initially seem confusing. As you move through your studies, you will learn (both implicitly and explicitly) the expectations and conventions for conducting research with academic integrity. These conventions are important, so never hesitate to approach your instructors regarding any uncertainty you might have about them.

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