Academic Honesty Policy
Academic honesty is the hallmark of excellence and the foundation of higher education, requiring honesty in scholarship, research, and all coursework. Students are always expected to submit their own work for all assignments, present their own work and ideas in discussions, and properly cite original authors and sources. Success in classes and programs must be achieved without violating the Academic Honesty Policy.
To preserve the integrity of NeuAge Institute programs and maintain high education quality, faculty and administration address any charges of a violation of the academic honesty policy. At each penalty level, the case is reviewed by the Academic Affairs Committee. The due process procedures include a formal request for inquiry and research to prove or disprove the charge. A proven violation carries academic penalties. Students who violate the Academic Honesty Policy will typically receive a warning for a first offense, be placed on probation for a second offense, and may be dismissed from the institution for a third offense.
Students may appeal cancellation but may not appeal warnings or probation. For egregious violations, students may be immediately dismissed from their program. The Office of the Registrar, alongside the Academic Affairs Committee, reserves the right to issue any penalty subject to the severity of the violation.
Academic Honesty Violations
The following violation types are significant as they summarize various breaches of academic honesty. This list is not exhaustive but captures predominant violations. Students must honor policy guidelines to preserve the integrity of their grades and certificates.
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is a breach of NAI’s Academic Honesty Policy, whether intentional or unintentional, encompassing all forms of dishonesty in academic endeavors. Such behaviors include, but are not limited to, actions that confer an unfair academic advantage. Examples include:
- Presenting identical work for multiple courses or assignments
- Seeking or acquiring answers to examination questions
- Manipulating grading in any manner
- Engaging in fabrication, falsification, or forgery
- Participating in bribery
- Inventing or falsifying data
- Citing a nonexistent source
- Submitting altered or fraudulent academic records (e.g., transcripts, training hours, resume)
- Using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting contents of exams, records, or assignments
Cheating
Cheating involves seeking or aiding in acquiring credit for work or improving performance through dishonest means. It includes purchasing essays, copying assignments, posting assignments online for solutions, or paying someone to do one’s work. Sharing one’s student username and/or password is also prohibited. Instances include:
- Taking or receiving copies of an examination without permission
- Copying from another individual’s test or exam
- Using or displaying unauthorized notes or “cheat sheets”
- Allowing someone else to assume one’s identity
- Misrepresentation or deception with student officials, faculty, or staff
- Attempting to alter examination content
- Discussing exam questions or answers without authorization
- Submitting work not authored by the student (e.g., ghostwriting or AI-generated content)
Failure to Cite Literature Sources
Neglecting to properly acknowledge sources of information, ideas, or data used in academic work is a form of plagiarism. This includes:
- Omitting Citations: Not providing citations for ideas or direct quotations, falsely presenting these ideas as one’s own.
- Inadequate Attribution: Incomplete or inaccurately formatted citations.
- Paraphrasing Without Crediting the Source: Failing to credit the original source even when paraphrasing.
Students should follow APA 7th edition guidelines for citation and referencing.
Misrepresentation, Fabrication, Forgery, and Falsification of NAI Records or Academic Work
Providing false information on NAI forms, applications, or any submitted work is a serious violation. This includes:
- Representing oneself as another student for an exam
- Furnishing false information to NAI staff or on official records
- Forging, altering, or misusing NAI documents or identification
- Falsification of any written examination, record, or assignment
Plagiarism
Plagiarism involves using someone else’s words or ideas and representing them as one’s own without proper citation. This includes:
- Using direct quotations without quotation marks and citation
- crediting the source
NAI reserves the right to review graded exams/assignments for plagiarism and change grades if necessary.
Unauthorized Access to Official NAI Materials
Students may not access, alter, or destroy educational materials (e.g., exams, grade records) without authorization. Unauthorized access includes sharing student usernames and/or passwords.
Malicious/Intentional Misuse of Computer Facilities and/or Services
Students are prohibited from maliciously or intentionally misusing computer facilities or services. Violations include state and federal law breaches and NAI computer usage rules, resulting in disciplinary action up to academic dismissal.
Academic Misconduct Investigation
Investigations ensure fairness and transparency in maintaining academic integrity. They are initiated after a second or subsequent offense. Disciplinary actions may include:
Warning:
- Documented counseling and review of NAI’s academic honesty policy
- Mandatory training on academic honesty
- Revision and resubmission of work with possible grade penalty
- Submission of an alternative assignment
- Issuing a letter reporting the offense
- Reducing or assigning zero for the piece(s) of academic work
- Lowering the course grade
Probation and Dismissal:
- Assigning zero for the course with a transcript notation
- Denying permission to register
- Suspension of academic privileges
- Expulsion
- Rescinding the student’s degree
- Other appropriate penalties
Conditions for Dismissal:
Students may be dismissed for:
- Not adhering to NAI rules, regulations, policies, and code of conduct
- Not maintaining academic good standing
- Not meeting financial responsibilities
- Subsequent academic honesty violations
Graduates found to have plagiarized after graduation may have their certificate revoked.
Academic Honesty Appeal Process
Students may appeal decisions related to academic honesty violations and dismissal. Appeals must be sent to the Office of the Registrar within 7 days of receiving the dismissal. An appeal form will be provided. Submission of an appeal does not guarantee removal of the penalty. Decisions on appeals are final.
Re-entry Policy
Dismissed students seeking re-entry must submit a written request to the Dean, meet with a review panel, and receive a decision within seven business days.
Student Identification Numbers
Student numbers are issued for specific NAI purposes. Abuse of these numbers, including malicious use or sharing, may result in permanent dismissal.
