.01 Standards of Academic Conduct

Academic integrity lies at the heart of intellectual life. As members of a diverse community committed to the advancement of knowledge, we affirm the importance of respecting the integrity of one another's work. The Academic Integrity Code for American University describes standards for academic conduct, rights and responsibilities as members of an academic community, and procedures for handling allegations of academic dishonesty. As an institution of higher learning, American University views academic integrity as an educational as well as a judicial issue.

The first obligation of a student is to pursue conscientiously the academic objectives which he or she has set. Accordingly, it is expected that each student will conform to the regulations of the university, of the college or school in which he or she is enrolled, and of the classes in which he or she is registered. It is further expected that all examinations, tests, written papers, and other assignments will be completed according to the standards set forth in this code.

By registering as a student at American University, all students acknowledge their awareness of the Academic Integrity Code each semester at the time they acknowledge their awareness of university registration policies. Faculty members should remind students in their classes each semester of the Academic Integrity Code and may require that students sign a statement that they have adhered to the Code when writing a specific examination or paper.

Students are responsible for becoming familiar with their rights and responsibilities as defined by the Academic Integrity Code and are responsible for knowing the requirements for their particular courses (regarding such issues as collaborative work, use of study aids, or take‑home examinations). Students are responsible for learning the conventions of documentation and acknowledgment of sources required in academic discourse.