What is Academic Integrity?
Academic integrity represents a set of values connected to maintaining honesty and fairness in our learning environment. The International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI) lists 6 fundamental values of academic integrity: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

Why is Academic Integrity Important?
The importance of producing original work helps to maintain intellectual creativity and also prevents academic misconduct. This university takes pride in being home to some of the world's leading researchers and we aim to create an intellectual environment that stimulates critical thinking and innovative research in our students.
You are a member of U of T and it is your responsibility as a student to maintain your commitment towards producing original work. It is always rewarding to be praised for your own original ideas rather than stealing the thoughts of someone else. It is only by producing original work and receiving feedback on it that you will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and develop your academic skills.
As a student at UofT, you are responsible for reading and understanding the Code of Behavior on Academic Matters which highlights all matters related to academic integrity at UofT.
The University of Toronto classifies academic misconduct into six categories:
1. Forgery - Falsifying or altering any document required by the University. For example, circulating a forged, altered, or falsified document such as a university degree or a medical note.
2. Unauthorized Aid / Assistance - Possession or use of aids that are not permitted by your instructor. For example, using or being in possession of a cellphone, collaborating with other students, utilizing external tutoring services, use of Generative Artificial Intelligence software (e.g. Grammarly AI or ChatGPT). Tip: Always ask your instructor what aids are and are not permitted with any assessment for each course!
3. Impersonation - To impersonate another person or have someone impersonate you. For example, having a friend take an exam for you.
4. Plagiarism - To represent as one’s own any idea or expression of an idea or work of another in any academic assessment. For example, failing to cite your work or citing improperly. Tip: Visit the UTM Library for citation help!
5. Resubmitting Work - To submit work that has previously been submitted for credit in another course without receiving permission from the instructor. Tip: Speak to your instructor if you would like to submit an assignment where you have worked on the same/similar topics in another course!
6. Concocting References / Information - To submit any academic work where you have concocted a reference or information. This could be including a citation that is made up or including a statement of fact that is not true. Attention: Many Generative Artificial Intelligence software generate false references!
