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Academic Integrity

What is Academic Integrity?

students dressed in graduation gowns and hats (tassle at the front), lined up in a row and smiling

Academic Integrity means acting with the values of honesty, trust, respect, responsibility, fairness and courage in learning, teaching, and research to ensure that the credentials granted by RRC Polytech accurately represent demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities.

All members of the RRC Polytech community are expected to demonstrate these values through College learning activities, relationships and commitments.

The International Center for Academic Integrity defines academic integrity as a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to these six fundamental values:

  1. Honesty
  2. Trust 
  3. Fairness
  4. Respect
  5. Responsibility
  6. Courage

Red River College Polytechnic is a member of the International Center for Academic Integrity and works to support students in understanding and practicing academic integrity during their studies.

The RRC Polytech Academic Integrity Policy

RRC Polytech recognizes the diversity of our student body, and its responsibility to ensure that all members of the RRC Polytech community are treated fairly and respectfully in defining, supporting and evaluating Academic Integrity. RRC Polytech will promote a shared understanding of Academic Integrity and adopt a proactive and educative approach to creating a culture of Academic Integrity.

Where there is a concern that a student has engaged in an Academic Integrity Breach, RRC Polytech will address that concern in accordance with the Procedures. An emphasis will be placed on supportive responses that focus on education and restitution, and that seek to restore trust and positive relationships between students and instructors.

Responsibilities:

Academic Integrity responsibilities are identified for all members of the RRC Polytech community, including the institution, faculty, staff and students. 

Student Responsibilities

Students are encouraged to discuss Academic Integrity expectations with their course instructors. RRC Polytech students are responsible for upholding the values of Academic Integrity by:

  1. Demonstrating honesty when completing entrance requirements;
  2. Submitting assignments that show their own knowledge, skills, and abilities;
  3. Keeping their completed course work secure by not sharing personal course work with peers or file-sharing services;
  4. Distributing tasks fairly in group work so that the final product demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the whole group;
  5. Giving credit for the Intellectual Output of others by including the source name and location;
  6. Working independently when writing tests and exams, using only resources allowed by the instructor;
  7. Finding reputable support from those who will help the learning process, but will not complete the work on the student’s behalf;
  8. Contacting RRC Polytech’s Library and Academic Services for research and academic supports as required;
  9. Representing oneself fairly and truthfully when taking classes online, to continue to uphold the values of Academic Integrity;
  10. Presenting accurate information when representing one’s accomplishments at RRC Polytech.

See the A17 Academic Integrity Policy for more details.

Why is Academic Integrity Important for Students?

The certificate, diploma or degree that you receive from RRC Polytech is a statement that you completed a learning process and have a specific set of knowledge, skills and abilities.

A photo of a student holding a pen, listening intently in a classroom of students

Academic Integrity is foundational to the reputation of both programs and graduates because it ensures that the credentials awarded by the institution are valid and can be trusted by others, like employers and the public. 

This is incredibly important for you as a student. You will be working hard to do your best in your studies, and you want your credential to have value when you graduate.

As a student, you play an important role in upholding and contributing to a culture of academic integrity at the College by striving to demonstrate your own knowledge, skills, and abilities throughout your studies and by seeking appropriate academic help when you need it. 

In doing so, you are also protecting the quality and validity of your RRC Polytech credential.