Student Resources

The Academic Integrity Pledge reflects SCU’s commitment to a culture of integrity and applies to all students. Santa Clara University Students affirm the following commitment to academic integrity:

“I am committed to being a person of integrity. I pledge, as a member of the Santa Clara University community, to abide by and uphold the standards of academic integrity contained in the Student Conduct Code.”

Academic Integrity expectations can vary by course, instructor, assignment, and academic discipline. Make sure you understand what is expected of you, including expectations for collaboration, sources, technology, and other resources. 

• Follow your instructor's expectations for collaboration.
• Properly cite and acknowledge sources: MLA Guide, APA Guide, Chicago Manual of Style
• Know which resources and technology you may use.
• Understand your instructor's expectations for artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology.
• Protect your work.
• Plan ahead and ask for help. 
• Ask your instructor when you're unsure.

Before you submit, ask yourself:

• Did I follow the assignment instructions?
• Did I follow the instructor's collaboration guidelines?
• Did I use only the resources and tools that were permitted?
• Did I give credit to sources appropriately?
• Does the work accurately represent my own contributions?

If you’re unsure whether something is permitted, ask your instructor before submitting your work.

If your instructor suspects that you may have violated the Academic Integrity Policy, they will meet with you to discuss the concern before making a decision. 

1. Your instructor will contact you. You can expect to receive written notice of the concern and an invitation to meet. 
   
2. You will have an opportunity to respond. Your instructor will describe the concern and relevant information and should give you an opportunity to share your perspective, ask questions, and provide additional information.
3. Your instructor will make an academic determination. After reviewing the available information, your instructor will determine whether you are responsible for an Academic Integrity Policy violation. 
4. Your instructor will communicate the decision and academic outcome. If you are found responsible for an Academic Integrity Policy violation, the instructor will explain the academic outcome(s) that apply to the course. These may include a warning, an opportunity to revise or repeat an assignment, a reduced or failing grade on an assignment, or a reduced or failing grade in the course. If your professor determines that there is not sufficient evidence to find you responsible for an Academic Integrity Policy violation, they may still provide feedback or ask you to clarify, revise, or appropriately cite your work as part of the normal academic and instructional process.
5. You may appeal the academic determination or outcome. If you wish to challenge the instructor’s decision or academic outcome(s), contact the chair of the department in which the course is offered. If the instructor is the department chair, contact the dean of the school or college where the course is offered.

The academic process is led by your instructor and establishes the academic response to the violation. The student conduct process is administered by the Dean of Students Office and does not replace or overturn the academic decision or outcome(s) established by your instructor.

If it is determined that a violation occurred, the matter will be reported to the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office will review the report and determine whether a University conduct response is appropriate. 

Learn more about the Student Conduct Process.

If you become aware of a possible academic integrity violation, you may report your concern to the Dean of Students Office using the Academic Integrity Reporting Form.