Academic Integrity

I. PREAMBLE

At Atlas University, truth is sacred.
Academic integrity is not merely an academic expectation but a moral covenant rooted in the commandment, “Thou shalt not bear false witness.”
Every act of learning and research is worship before Yahweh; to falsify, plagiarize, or deceive is to profane that worship.

This Policy establishes the standards of academic honesty, the procedures for addressing violations, and the ethical responsibilities of students, faculty, and administrators to uphold the integrity of knowledge.

II. PURPOSE

The purposes of this Policy are to:

  1. Promote a culture of honesty, responsibility, and trust.

  2. Define academic misconduct and its consequences.

  3. Provide fair and consistent procedures for investigation and resolution.

  4. Preserve the reputation of Atlas University and its degrees as symbols of truth and virtue.

III. SCOPE

This Policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff involved in academic work at Atlas University—whether on campus, online, or in affiliated programs.
It governs coursework, examinations, research, publications, and all academic submissions.

IV. PRINCIPLES OF THE ATLAS HONOR CODE

Every member of the Atlas University community affirms the following oath:

“As a scholar of Atlas University, I commit myself to truth in word, thought, and deed.
I will neither give nor receive dishonest aid, nor falsify my work.
I will hold myself and others accountable to the standards of integrity set forth for the glorification of God through all disciplines.”

Violations of this oath are violations of both academic and spiritual covenant.

V. DEFINITIONS OF ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

1. Plagiarism

Presenting another’s words, ideas, or data as one’s own without proper citation.
Includes copying, paraphrasing without acknowledgment, or using AI or ghostwriting tools without disclosure.

2. Cheating

Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, assistance, or devices in academic work.

3. Fabrication or Falsification

Inventing data, citations, or results; altering documents or records.

4. Unauthorized Collaboration

Working with others on assignments meant to be completed individually.

5. Multiple Submissions

Submitting the same work for credit in multiple courses without permission.

6. Sabotage

Interfering with another student’s academic work or research.

7. Misrepresentation

Lying or misrepresenting facts to gain academic advantage (e.g., false excuses, falsified transcripts).

VI. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Students

  • Maintain honesty in all academic endeavors.

  • Report observed violations of the Honor Code.

2. Faculty

  • Clearly state expectations for collaboration, citation, and technology use.

  • Report suspected violations promptly using Form AI-01: Academic Integrity Report.

3. Administration

  • Educate the community on academic ethics.

  • Ensure fairness and confidentiality in all proceedings.

VII. REPORTING AND RESOLUTION PROCEDURES

1. Reporting

  • Any member of the community may report suspected misconduct to the Academic Integrity Officer (AIO) or the course instructor.

  • Reports must be made in writing within ten (X) business days of discovery.

2. Preliminary Review

The AIO conducts an initial assessment within five (V) business days to determine if sufficient evidence exists.

3. Informal Resolution

Minor or first-time offenses may be resolved through faculty-student conference and written agreement.

4. Formal Hearing

Serious or repeat cases are referred to the Academic Integrity Council (AIC), composed of three (III) faculty and two (II) student representatives.

  • The student is notified in writing and may submit a statement and evidence.

  • Hearings are confidential, recorded, and conducted within fifteen (XV) business days.

5. Determination and Sanctions

The Council issues a decision within five (V) business days after hearing.
Sanctions may include:

  • Written warning or probation.

  • Grade reduction or assignment failure.

  • Course failure.

  • Suspension or expulsion from the University.

6. Appeal

Students may appeal to the Provost within ten (X) business days of the Council’s decision.
The Provost’s decision is final.

VIII. RECORDKEEPING

All records of violations, hearings, and sanctions are retained for seven (VII) years by the Academic Integrity Officer in compliance with the Records Management Policy.

IX. PREVENTION AND EDUCATION

  1. Annual workshops on academic ethics and research integrity.

  2. Honor Code orientation required for all new students.

  3. Integration of integrity instruction into freshman and graduate seminars.

  4. Digital plagiarism and AI-detection systems maintained by the Office of Research and Innovation.

X. CONFIDENTIALITY

All proceedings under this Policy are confidential.
Information shall be shared only with individuals directly involved in the case or legally authorized parties.

XI. SPIRITUAL AND ETHICAL FOUNDATION

Atlas University teaches that intellectual honesty is inseparable from discipleship.
Knowledge divorced from truth corrupts both scholarship and soul.
Repentance and restoration are encouraged where integrity has been breached, but deceit unaddressed will not be tolerated.

XII. REVIEW AND AMENDMENT

This Policy shall be reviewed biennially by the Academic Integrity Council, approved by the Provost, and ratified by the Board of Trustees.