The policies and procedures set forth herein are subject to revision; changes are effective when they are posted online.

Vision and Purpose

At Bay Path University [the “University”], students are expected to act as responsible members of a higher education community grounded in mutual respect, ethical behavior, and a shared commitment to academic and personal growth. By enrolling, students agree to uphold the University’s policies, both in and out of the classroom, and are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the rules and expectations that govern their academic and co-curricular experience. The Academic Integrity Policy aims not only to evaluate and address violations but also to offer education and guidance to prevent future misconduct and reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of honesty, trust, and responsibility in academic work.

Academic Integrity Committee

The University Policy on Academic Integrity is overseen by a Chair, who is a faculty or staff member with experience in academic affairs. This Chair leads the Standing Committee on Academic Integrity, which serves the entire University across all divisions, including the Traditional Undergraduate, BPU Online, and Graduate programs. The Committee is composed of faculty and staff members who bring direct experience in teaching and/or working with academic issues, ensuring a well-rounded and informed approach to academic integrity. The Chair works in collaboration with the University administration to uphold and administer the Policy. All activities of the Committee, including those of the formal Hearing Board, take place within the University community and do not constitute legal proceedings.

Academic Integrity Violations

The University affirms that all students, regardless of age, background, current circumstances, or past academic experience, have the ability to learn and succeed. Through programs designed to build skills, knowledge, and values, the University supports students in achieving high academic and professional standards. To make the most of these opportunities, students are expected to engage fully in the learning process by producing their own original work in all assignments, exams, and projects. Representing another person’s work as one’s own is not only academically dishonest but also prevents the development of essential academic skills and habits of mind.

As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly becomes a part of everyday life, students are expected to use such tools ethically and in alignment with course expectations. Unauthorized or undisclosed use of AI to generate or complete assignments constitutes academic dishonesty. Students will receive instruction on the responsible and appropriate use of AI from their instructors or academic programs, and are responsible for understanding and adhering to any guidelines provided. Academic integrity is central to the mission of the University, and violations will be addressed in accordance with institutional policies and procedures.

Categories of Academic Misconduct

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the types of violations outlined below. While this list reflects common forms of misconduct, it is not exhaustive. Plagiarism typically takes two main forms: presenting as one’s own the ideas, words, images, or other creative works of another without appropriate acknowledgment, or using or relying on another’s work without crediting the source, even when only minimal information is available to identify it for citation. This definition extends to content that is either fully generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools or is original work that has been substantially revised, refined, or restructured through AI assistance.

Self-plagiarism is the reuse of one’s own previously submitted academic work, in whole or in part, without prior approval from the current instructor. Although the work originates from the student, presenting it as new undermines the educational process and the expectation that each assignment demonstrates fresh engagement with course content. Cheating is defined as the use of unauthorized means to gain an unfair academic advantage. It includes, but is not limited to, using resources not approved by the faculty member, such as textbooks, notes, websites, AI, or the work of other students, to complete examinations or assignments; giving or receiving information about the content of assignments, quizzes, tests, or exams without explicit instructor permission; using unauthorized electronic devices during assessments.

Fabrication is the intentional falsification or invention of information, data, or citations in any academic exercise without authorization. This includes inventing data for laboratory experiments
or other assignments, misrepresenting sources of information, and altering and submitting previously completed academic work without the prior approval of the instructor.

Other Examples of Academic Dishonesty include a wide range of behaviors that compromise the integrity of the academic environment. These actions may involve assisting others in committing violations, such as sharing completed assignments, exams, or other academic materials; disruptive or obstructive conduct that interferes with teaching and learning; accessing University systems without permission; and misusing or distributing course materials without authorization. Any act that affects the fairness or accuracy of the fact-finding or Hearing Board process, including withholding information, making false or misleading statements, or retaliating against individuals involved in reporting or investigating violations, also falls under this policy.

Note: Violations of academic integrity are typically handled within the university, but certain actions can also break the law. For example, fraud may apply if false information is used to obtain admission or financial aid. Copyright infringement can occur when students copy or share materials without permission. Computer misuse, such as unauthorized access to systems or grade tampering, may violate state or federal cybercrime laws.

Note: Any faculty member who perceives such behavior by any student(s) during instruction may request that the student(s) leave the learning environment, whether on-ground, in synchronous online sessions, or within asynchronous online platforms. Furthermore, the faculty member may contact various resources for support as warranted for the given situation, such as Campus Public Safety (cps@baypath.edu) for local, on-ground issues; the Student Conduct Coordinator; the Title IX Coordinator; IT (techsupport@baypath.edu); and/or local authorities. The faculty member must also report the conduct in writing by email to integrity@baypath.edu as soon as possible.

Reporting and Responding to Academic Integrity Violations

Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy, along with any supporting documentation, should be reported via email to the Academic Integrity Standing Committee at integrity@baypath.edu. A student may self-report a violation before it is discovered or reported. While the student may still face academic penalties, disciplinary sanctions will generally not apply on a first offense unless the conduct is particularly egregious. Self-reporting will be considered a mitigating factor in determining any consequence. Although students are not obligated to report others, they are encouraged to do so in support of the academic community’s integrity. Students can report suspected violations to any faculty member or administrator, who will forward the report. Failure to report a known violation is not, in itself, a policy breach, but it may contribute to ongoing dishonesty within the institution. All reports will be recorded in a confidential Infraction Log, which will be reviewed in the event of subsequent violations. All participants in the reporting and resolution process are expected to maintain confidentiality.

Informal Resolution

When the Chair receives an allegation of a potential violation of the Policy, they will review the Infraction Log to determine if the student has a record of any prior allegations. For all reports, the Chair will support the faculty member by providing guidance as needed, while allowing the faculty member to remain the primary information gatherer. The Chair will ensure that the correct procedures are followed and provide direction, if requested, on further action:

For a first violation, the faculty member should privately discuss the incident with the student, review the seriousness and potential consequences, gather all relevant information, and consult with the Chair if needed to ensure consistent application of the policy. The faculty member may treat the situation as a teachable moment, especially if the student appears unfamiliar with academic integrity standards. The faculty member may permit the student to revise or redo the assignment, or to submit original work for partial credit, or may assign a failing grade for the assignment.

For a second violation, regardless of whether it occurs in the same course or a different one, the student will be required to complete a plagiarism tutorial (e.g., Academic Writer (APA) Plagiarism Tutorial). The faculty member may permit the student to revise or redo the assignment for a reduced point value, or may assign a failing grade for the assignment or course, at their discretion. Students must provide proof of tutorial completion before resubmitting work.

For subsequent violations, escalating sanctions may apply, including a failing grade for the assignment or course, and potential referral to the Academic Integrity Committee or Dean for further disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University or program.

In cases of Informal Resolution, the faculty member should notify the Chair by email, providing details of the violation and informing the student of the intent to resolve the issue. If the student
accepts the resolution, the matter is closed and recorded. If the student declines the resolution, the violation is egregious, or the issue cannot otherwise be resolved informally, a Formal Resolution may be required, and the matter will be referred to the Academic Integrity Committee. Informally resolved cases only result in academic sanctions, but a Hearing Board may impose a broader range of academic and disciplinary sanctions, including suspension or expulsion (see below). If the issue is not resolved by the end of the term, an Incomplete ("I") grade will be entered until the matter is resolved.

Hearing Board Process (Formal Resolution)

If an academic integrity violation is not resolved informally or is deemed egregious, or if the student has prior violations, the Chair will escalate the matter to a Formal Resolution and notify the reporting faculty member(s) and the student. The student will receive a summary of the complaint, their rights, and the option to consult a liaison. The Hearing Board will consist of the Chair (or designee) and two faculty members (at least one from the student’s division) and one member of the Standing Committee. The faculty member and student may request the disqualification of members in the case of a potential conflict of interest or bias that could compromise the fairness of the hearing, and replacements will be made by the Chair. The Hearing Board will meet within 14 days of being assembled, either virtually or in person, to determine if a violation occurred based on a preponderance of evidence and impose sanctions if necessary. The student may present witnesses and relevant information, and the Chair will gather additional testimony. Afterward, the Board will deliberate privately. (If multiple students are involved, a single hearing may occur, though requests for separate hearings can be made.) Prior violations will be considered during the hearing, and the decision will be communicated within 7 days. Sanctions for found violations may include failing grades, suspension, dismissal, or expulsion.

The Vice President of Academic Affairs may impose an interim suspension if a student poses a threat to campus safety, disrupts operations, or jeopardizes University property. During the interim suspension, the student may be restricted from campus or specific areas, with access granted only at designated times. This suspension is temporary and does not replace the regular conduct process, which will proceed as scheduled. The hearing process is designed to ensure fairness and integrity, with all participants expected to adhere to established guidelines throughout. Before the hearing begins, the Chair will review these guidelines to ensure that everyone understands the rules. Participants must remain respectful, maintain confidentiality, and be honest throughout the process. The standard of evidence used will be the ‘preponderance of evidence,’ meaning it must be more likely than not that a violation occurred. Each party involved will have the opportunity to present their case, including evidence and witnesses.

Rights and Regulations

Students involved in the hearing have specific rights, including the right to respond to the allegations, present evidence, call witnesses, have an advisor or support person present, ask questions of the Hearing Panel, and appeal the decision. While students can be accompanied by an advisor, the advisor’s role is strictly to advise the student, and they are not allowed to ask questions, make oral arguments, or disrupt the hearing in any way. Prior to the hearing, the Chair will supply witness lists, evidence, and documents to the reporting faculty member(s) and student, and copies will be provided to the hearing committee at the beginning of the hearing. During the hearing, the Chair will present the complaint, and the student will be given an opportunity to respond. The committee will have the discretion to determine the relevance of evidence and witnesses and may pose questions as appropriate. Other involved students may also present relevant information through the committee.

All participants must act in a courteous manner, and any disruptive behavior will result in sanctions. If a student fails to attend the hearing without a valid reason, the hearing may proceed without them. The hearing will be private, and confidentiality must be maintained by all parties. Public access to the hearing will not be allowed unless required by law. These guidelines ensure a fair and transparent process for addressing conduct violations.

Appeals Process

A student who believes the decision of the Hearing Board is unsupported by evidence, the result of procedural error or bias, or seeks reconsideration of sanctions may appeal within 7 days of receiving the notification. Appeals must be submitted in writing to integrity@baypath.edu, addressed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. The Vice President of Academic Affairs will review the appeal to determine its merit, which may include considering newly discovered evidence not available at the time of the hearing. The Vice President of Academic Affairs may either uphold the decision, return the matter to the Hearing Board for further consideration, or make a final decision on the appeal. The Vice President of Academic Affairs’ decision is final and may not be appealed further.