Student Voices
Creating a Culture of Academic Integrity
Culture of Academic Integrity at Colby (by Kyra)
The Colby Affirmation is the foundation of social and academic life here at Colby. It outlines the shared values and beliefs that guide our community both inside and outside of the classroom. During our time on The Hill, we strive to achieve intellectual growth as individuals and to encourage the intellectual growth of our peers. Thus, as the Affirmation states, “We agree to take ownership of our academic work, to submit only work that is our own, to fully acknowledge the research and ideas of others in our work, and to abide by the instructions and regulations governing academic work established by the faculty.”
Beyond this, we pledge to hold ourselves and our peers accountable to this statement. The Colby Community is not only a group of individuals who inhabit the same space, but also individuals who learn and grow together under the guidance of our professors. The Colby Community is built on respect for ourselves, others, and our environment. By submitting work that is entirely our own and acknowledging the research and ideas of others, we are demonstrating respect to our peers, our professors, the larger community, and to our own intellectual journeys. Here at Colby, we have many resources to help us produce our best work when we have challenging assignments. On The Hill, we are able to take advantage of tutors, our professors, or the Farnham Writing Center when we need extra help with our assignments.
Colby Students value integrity, honesty, and accountability in all aspects of life. Our time at Colby prepares us for whatever the future may hold. Producing our best work at Colby with integrity and honesty prepares us to produce ethical, quality work in our future careers, no matter what time constraints or pressures we will face.
Negligence & Dishonesty
A student’s guide to negligence and dishonesty (by Ray)
(short version: Stay away from both!)
Negligence:
A case of Academic Negligence is reported for minor offenses, where the work in question constitutes only a small portion of the final grade for a course. This act is committed unintentionally but must still be regarded as a serious matter. Negligence may occur as a result of inadequate preparation or differences in expectations based on the student’s experiences before coming to Colby. An offense of negligence will require more education on and attention to the proper practices of academic honesty and integrity, thus, no more than one infraction should occur during a student’s time at Colby. Multiple reports of negligence may result in an offense of academic dishonesty, which is further discussed below. Common instances of academic negligence occur when a student fails to acknowledge another person’s words or research, including those of a collaborating classmate, or use of another’s work without due credit or citation. Sanctions for academic negligence are less serious than those of dishonesty, and will include an educational module on ethics and responsibility in academics.
Dishonesty:
Academic Dishonesty consists of a more serious violation of course rules and ethics. This is an intentional act of deception or misrepresentation. Academic dishonesty can occur in various forms in different disciplines of study. Deliberate failure to comply with the standards of academic integrity stated in the course syllabus or Colby College Student Handbook will result in a report of dishonesty. Additionally, repeated offenses of academic negligence can lead to a report of dishonesty, and will require a meeting of the Academic Review Board and greater sanctions for the violation. Generally, expectations in understanding ethical academic practices are higher for upperclassmen, especially seniors.
Resources
Resources Available for Academic Success (by Ray and Kyra)
In the Fall of my final year at Colby, I (Kyra) sustained a concussion that made it very difficult for me to complete my coursework in a timely fashion. I was very nervous about finishing my classes and staying on top of my schoolwork, so I spoke to my academic dean and my academic advisor before approaching my professors. Although I was unable to finish several courses during the semester itself, I worked with my professors to create a unique plan of action for each class. By being candid with my professors, I received the support that I needed to finish my semester’s coursework with extensions on papers or an agreement to finish my courses over JanPlan.
We have many resources available on campus to help us when we’re not sure how to complete our academics. Whatever happens it’s crucial that we conduct our work honestly and with integrity. Checking the syllabus or attending your professor’s office hours can help to clear up any confusion about course expectations. Requesting a tutor is also a great way to receive guidance in a particular course. Additionally, students working in the Farnham Writers Center (located in the second floor of Miller Library) can provide help to students struggling with adapting to Colby’s standards of writing. A meeting with your academic advisor can help to address broader concerns not limited to a specific class.