Academic Integrity

A Message from Brendan Mullan, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs

In a university setting, honesty in learning and inquiry is among the most fundamental of our operating principles. Unfortunately, not all who come to the University fully recognize this fact; they sometimes assume that academic dishonesty might go undetected at Michigan State just because this is such a big place.

If charges are brought, a panel of faculty and students adjudicate and recommend n the College of Social Science, incidences of academic dishonesty are taken very seriously. When sanctions. These panels impose severe sanctions for academic dishonesty; suspension from the University for a first offense is not uncommon.

The “Spartan Life Student Handbook and Resource Guide” contains the MSU general student regulations and a section on students’ rights and responsibilities. Even though common sense should tell you what most of the rules are, please take time to read them; hearing panels do not accept “ignorance of the law” as an excuse. Students who violate these rules affect not only themselves but also the integrity, hard work, and honest effort of other students. As new members of a university community of scholars, it is your collective obligation to join us in abiding by and enforcing the rules that make us a community.

Additional information about plagiarism can be found on the MSU Ombudsman’s web site.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the issues raised in this message, I encourage you to discuss them with your academic advisor.

Best wishes for success in your academic career at Michigan State University in the College of Social Science.