Information for Faculty
The support of faculty is essential to cultivating a culture of academic integrity. Faculty members are encouraged to support the Undergraduate Honor System and are expected to abide by the procedures designed for the effective implementation of the Undergraduate Honor Code.
All members of the University community are expected to adhere to the policy pertaining to the reporting and adjudication of violations of the Honor Code. Initiating formal procedures when academic misconduct is suspected is a necessary and obligatory component of each member of the University community. Any suspected violations of the Honor Code should be reported promptly, in writing, to the Assistant Provost/Director of the Office of Undergraduate Academic Integrity.
Forms for this purpose are available from all department offices, the Undergraduate Honor System office, and the honor system website. A faculty member involved in a case is also expected to cooperate with Undergraduate Honor System personnel, attend hearing panels, faculty-student resolution meetings, and to maintain confidentiality.
In addition, the Undergraduate Honor System offers the following guidelines to faculty:
Cases of academic misconduct should be reported within 10 class days from the date of discovery. "Class Days" are understood to be fall and spring semester days, excluding weekends and holidays where the university is closed, as well as Reading Day and Exam Weeks.
- Faculty are encouraged to describe prohibited behavior and the consequences of such activity to students, as well as to openly discuss academic integrity with students in their courses early and throughout the semester.
- When an alleged violation is detected, the suspected student(s’) paper should not be collected until the test is completed. However, any evidence that would be necessary in an investigation should be collected immediately. The test should be graded without prejudice and the alleged violation should be reported to the Undergraduate Honor System. Please provide the original of the assignment in question in the submission of evidence. Grades should not be adjusted in a course to compensate for suspected dishonesty.
- If a professor suspects that a student or students are cheating, it is permissible to speak with the suspected student(s)—after the test or other work has been completed—and indicate these suspicions. However, it is not permissible to penalize or berate the student(s) or to take any other adverse action that might affect the student(s).
- Faculty members are not required to proctor quizzes, tests, and examinations. Faculty are expected to personally administer the examination and to remain within reasonable proximity of the examination room to answer questions that may be raised by the students. However, it is not a compromise of the Undergraduate Honor Code to stay in the room or visit frequently, when a test is being given. In fact, precautionary measures in the spirit of reducing the opportunity for academic misconduct are advisable, especially in large classes. Seats should be spaced in examination rooms whenever possible. Alternate test forms may be used. In some rare cases such extreme measures as requiring ID when a test is handed in may be necessary to prevent organized “paid substitutes” from taking tests for other students.
- Faculty are encouraged to speak with the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Academic Integrity to obtain information designed to prevent academic misconduct.
The faculty, along with the students and other university personnel, share the responsibility for cultivating a culture of academic integrity and honesty through upholding the Undergraduate Honor Code.
Educational Classroom Tools
Our office offers many educational tools for faculty to use within their classrooms. Please check our events page for any ongoing events from our office. In addition, please feel free to utilize the classroom tools below.
Learning Module
Online learning module offered through Canvas. This is a self-enrollment course that is open all year. Students will be provided an overview of the honor system, information about the honor code, and tips and resources on how to be successful at Virginia Tech. Feel free to share the enrollment link with your students
Classroom Presentations
We can offer both synchronous and asynchronous presentations to your students. Presentations can be tailored to meet the needs and expectations of the class. Classroom activities and discussions can also be organized. Request a presentation or consultation or email honorsys@vt.edu.