UA Fort Smith is committed to helping students attain the highest level of academic achievement. That achievement is predicated on a foundation of scholastic integrity in all aspects of students’ academic work. This absolute standard of academic honesty lies at the heart of any pursuit of learning and the award of any degree or certificate. All students, faculty, and staff of UA Fort Smith are responsible for understanding and abiding by the academic honesty policy. The University supports faculty and staff in the good faith application of these policies as they conduct their official duties.

This policy is only one element of the University’s commitment to academic honesty; students will find this institutional value, and the practice of scholastic integrity, reflected in many ways in all University programs and services.

Academic dishonesty in any form, including using unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise; plagiarism; forgery; falsification of records; unauthorized possession of examinations; any and all other actions that may improperly affect the evaluation of a student’s academic performance or achievement; and the assistance of others in any such act, is forbidden.

An instructor who has proof that a student is guilty of academic dishonesty may take appropriate action, up to and including, assigning the student a grade of “F” for the course and suspending the student from the class. A description of the incident and the action taken will be reported to the appropriate dean and will be placed in the student’s file in the Records Office.

The student may appeal either the finding of academic dishonesty or the penalty, or both, to the Academic Integrity Committee within three (3) business days of notification. Appeal forms may be obtained from Student Advisement. Upon appeal, a student will be allowed to continue in class until the appeal is adjudicated. The Academic Integrity Committee acts as arbitrator in such situations, presenting its findings and recommendation to the provost for review.

In cases of repeated offenses, the provost may take appropriate action, up to and including permanent suspension from the University, or solicit the recommendations of the Academic Integrity Committee. A copy of such action will be placed in the student’s file in the Records Office.

Repeat incidents of academic dishonesty could result in the assignment of a grade of “FX” on the transcript, clearly indicating the failing grade was the result of academic dishonesty.