The academic dishonesty policy applies to all students enrolled at CIA, including but not limited to those in courses, seminars, internships, and experiential learning opportunities.

No student shall knowingly perform, attempt to perform, or assist another in performing any act of academic dishonesty. The term “knowingly” means that the student submitting the work knows that it will be for academic credit or advancement. “Knowingly” does not mean that the student must have known that the act was a violation of the College’s Academic Dishonesty Policy.

Academic Dishonesty comes in many forms. The following list is not exhaustive, and a student may be documented and found responsible for violating the College’s Academic Dishonesty Policy for an offense that may not be listed below.

1.    Cheating: Use and/or solicitation of use of unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aides or other devices in any academic exercise. This definition includes unauthorized communication of information during an academic exercise.

Examples: Copying from another’s paper, or receiving unauthorized assistance during a quiz or examination, submitting artwork that is not original, soliciting and/or sending a substitute to take an examination; unauthorized collaboration on take- home work and unauthorized use of Artificial Intelligence as outlined within a course syllabus.

2.    Plagiarism: Presenting the work of another as one’s own (i.e., without proper acknowledgment of the sources). Plagiarism can occur through written work, as well as, orally, visually, or conceptually.

Examples: Utilizing commercial writing services, obtaining and submitting work done by another as one’s own, and not acknowledging sources including Artificial Intelligence sources. Lastly, copying artwork or copying work found on the internet and submitting it as one’s own. Within the context of the studio environment, plagiarism involves using the imagery or ideas of someone else and submitting them as their own. Submitting a project that uses someone else’s plan, image, method or device without acknowledging the source is plagiarism.

3.    Fabrication and Falsification: Fabrication is defined as inventing or counterfeiting information; falsification is defined as unethically altering information.

Examples: Inventing or altering data or research results; fabricating research processes; false citation of a source; falsifying attendance records in class or internships sites; falsifying material relating to course registration or grades; falsification, forgery, or misrepresentation of academic records or documents including admissions materials, transcripts and/or practicum or internship documentation; communication of false or misleading statements to obtain an academic advantage or to avoid academic penalty.

4.    Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same paper, oral presentation or piece of work for credit more than once without prior written authorization.

5.    Complicity/Unauthorized Assistance: Intentionally or knowingly allowing another to commit and act of academic dishonesty. Giving or receiving assistance in connection with an examination or any other academic endeavor that a faculty member has not authorized. 

Examples: Allowing a student to copy from a test, giving or receiving answers to an exam before the test; completing academic work for another or allowing another to complete an academic exercise for the student.

All acts of Academic Dishonesty diminish the integrity of the College and are taken very seriously by the school. Students accused of Academic Dishonesty will participate in CIA’s student conduct process and, if found responsible, will be subject to appropriate sanctions. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, any one or a combination of the following:

• Warning
• Reduced grade including a failing grade for the assignment
• Reduced grade including a failing grade for the entire course

A warning is a verbal or written reprimand for violating the College’s standards of academic conduct. This action will also serve as a warning against future incidents as they will result in more severe sanctions. Warnings will not be noted on a student’s transcript but will be noted in their student file.

In some cases, where Academic Dishonesty is determined to be egregious or pervasive, the College reserves the right to place students on probation or issue suspensions or expulsions.

Note: When the sanction of a lowered or failing grade is given, the student may not challenge the grade through the College’s grade grievance procedure.

If a faculty member has reason to believe that a student has engaged in Academic Dishonesty, they shall promptly discuss the matter with the student and shall consider whether the student has violated the Academic Dishonesty Policy. The faculty member then has the following options:

1.    If the faculty member determines that no act of Academic Dishonesty has occurred, the matter shall be considered closed and shall not be reported further.

2.    If the faculty member is unsure as to whether a violation has occurred, they shall consult with the Assistant Dean of Students or immediate supervisor for review and discussion.

3.    If the faculty member is persuaded that an act of Academic Dishonesty has occurred, they shall report in writing their findings, reasons for their conclusion with appropriate supporting materials and, on a separate sheet, a list of possible witnesses promptly to the Assistant Dean of Students for review. The faculty member shall not impose a remedy without the involvement of the Assistant Dean of Students.