Academic Honesty Policy

Policy Author:
AVP Student Success

Responsible Office – Department:
Student Success

Effective Date of Policy:
October 5, 2026

Purpose and Scope:

Academic integrity is the foundation of all scholarly work and intellectual pursuits at Daemen University. This Academic Honesty Policy establishes clear expectations for ethical conduct in academic endeavors, including, but not limited to, coursework, examinations, research, and collaborative projects. Upholding these standards is essential not only to maintaining the credibility of degrees awarded and the reputation of the institution, but also to fostering an environment centered around academic curiosity and lifelong learning. All members of our academic community – students, faculty, staff, and administrators – share in the responsibility of understanding and adhering to these principles. This policy outlines what constitutes academic dishonesty, explains the procedures for addressing violations, and underscores our commitment to supporting students in developing the habits necessary for ethical scholarship. By committing to academic honesty, we affirm our dedication to truth, fairness, and the pursuit of knowledge with integrity. 

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty, of which cheating and plagiarism are the most common examples, is a serious violation of the principles of higher education. Daemen University takes the position that academic honesty is to be upheld with the highest degree of integrity. The University has a responsibility to support individual thought and the generation of new ideas. This cannot be done when violations of academic honesty go unchallenged.

Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to:

1. Use of any unauthorized assistance in preparation, or during the completion, of course assessments (e.g. quizzes, tests, examinations).
2. Dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments.
3. The acquisition, without permission, of student assessments or other academic materials belonging to a member of the University faculty or staff.
4. Any form of plagiarism, which includes, but is not limited to:
   1. the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of published or unpublished work without full and clear acknowledgement; or
   2. the unauthorized use of materials prepared by another person, source, or service; or
   3. engagement in the selling or unauthorized distributing of academic materials (e.g. papers, quizzes, exams); or
   4. submitting previously or simultaneously submitted work —in whole or in substantial part—from a previous or concurrent course for academic credit in another course, without prior and expressed consent of the instructor.
5. Completing assignments with AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) without permission from the instructor, or as directed in the syllabus or assignment instructions.
   1. Instructors reserve the right to request an explanation of any assignment response. 
   2. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with Daemen University’s Position Statement and Guidance regarding Generative AI Tools found on Daemen University’s website.

Consequences

When there has been a violation of the principles of academic honesty, one or more of a number of possible consequences may be enforced. These consequences include, but are not limited to:

• automatic failure of the work/assessment in the course; 
• automatic failure of the course;  
• suspension from the degree program;
• expulsion from the degree program; 
• suspension from the University;
• expulsion from the University.

In recognition that no two circumstances are identical, administered consequences may vary based on the situation and nature of the violation.

Processes and Procedures:

When a faculty member has reason to suspect a violation of academic honesty has occurred, they will first notify the student in writing. The faculty member is encouraged to meet with the student  to discuss the notification and potential consequence(s) (see above). The student retains the right to refute the allegation in writing for purposes of clarification, explanation, or denial. Upon determination by the faculty member that a violation has occurred, a copy of the notification, a written description of the violation with supporting evidence, and consequences imposed, will be submitted to the Associate Vice President for Student Success. Ordinarily, this information, inclusive of the student’s response if provided, will be kept on file in accordance with federal student record retention requirements. 

Should a consequence  beyond the course level be recommended by the faculty member, the appropriate Department Chair(s) will be notified. If the recommendation is supported by the Chair of the department in which the course where the violation occurred is housed, the Committee on Academic Standards will then be notified.

The CAS will review all submitted materials in a timely manner, typically within 30 days. If suspension or expulsion is recommended, all materials along with the recommendation of the CAS will be submitted to the VPAA/Provost with notification to the appropriate College Dean. If suspension or expulsion is upheld, the College Dean, Department Chair, and CAS are notified by the VPAA/Provost, who holds final authority on the outcome. The CAS will communicate, in writing, the final decision to the student with appropriate institutional parties copied.  

Upon receipt of an additional reported offense(s), materials in the student’s file will be formally presented to the Committee on Academic Standards (CAS) for review. The Chair of the CAS will also notify the student that the materials will be the subject of CAS deliberation and will inform the student that they may write a letter regarding the offense(s) to the CAS for purposes of clarification, explanation, or denial. This letter should be submitted to the Chair of CAS within ten business days from the date the student is notified of the alleged additional violation(s). CAS will review all submitted materials in a timely manner, typically within 30 business days. All faculty members who have reported offenses by the student will be invited to participate in the deliberations. 

Based on their review of all submitted materials, the CAS may recommend  additional consequences  beyond those imposed by the instructor(s). In cases where suspension or expulsion is recommended, either from the degree program or the University, the VPAA/Provost will be notified. If suspension or expulsion is upheld, the College Dean, Department Chair, and CAS are notified by the VPAA/Provost, who holds final authority on the outcome. The CAS will communicate, in writing, typically within five business days, the final decision to the student with appropriate institutional parties copied.

Appeals: Students may appeal any decision made by the CAS, as part of the CAS process, within 10 business days of receipt of a communicated decision by writing to the committee in the care of the Associate Vice President for Student Success. The Committee will only consider new evidence on appeal. The determination made by the appellate body, upon conclusion of the appeal process, is final.