Academic Honor Code

Academic Honor Code at Hofstra

Academic integrity is critical to your college education and maintaining the Hofstra Honor Code is the responsibility of the entire Hofstra University community:

"As a member of the Hofstra community, I pledge to demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior in all aspects of my life, both inside and out of the classroom. I understand that I am accountable for everything I say and write. I will not misrepresent my academic work, nor will I give or receive unauthorized assistance for academic work. I agree to respect the rights of all members of the Hofstra community. I will be guided by the values expressed in the P.R.I.D.E. Values. I accept the responsibility to follow this Honor Code at all times."

Students who are caught violating the Honor Code by cheating or plagiarizing, even if done so unintentionally or by mistake, may receive an Honor Code Violation and penalty.

Here is a list of basic next steps and resources to help you:

1. Know the course expectations. Communicate with faculty when you are unsure of your responsibilities or the class expectations. Faculty members hold office hours. If you cannot make the scheduled times, talk to your professor to schedule an appointment.

2. Refer to your course syllabi to learn about each of your instructor’s rules about the use of AI/ChatGPT in their classes. As we are beginning to see the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), we must guard against potential misuse. It is imperative that you fully understand that misuse of AI/ChatGPT may be considered an Honor Code Violation. If you are unsure, ask your instructor.

3. Understand and respect the rules of the testing environment. Listen to your professor and/or read exam rules prior to starting the exam. In most cases, this means putting away all electronic devices including smart phones and watches, headphones, electronic glasses, etc. Make sure you understand whether you are permitted to use calculators and computers, and whether the test is in a “lockdown” mode.

4. Use your own work. Do not copy from your friends or classmates and do not use websites to get answers to test questions or homework assignments. Do not reuse your prior work from other classes for a new assignment.

5. Clarify group work. Assume all assignments and studying should be completed independently, unless your faculty member tells you otherwise. Always ask for clarification. Do not submit the same work of any one individual or all members of your assigned group.

6. Cite your written work. Keep track of sources and pay careful attention to quotations, your thoughts, and paraphrased sentences. Always cite when in doubt.

7. Admit when you don't understand or need help. When you are overwhelmed, confused, or just feeling like you need some reassurance, ask your faculty member for help. Take advantage of campus support services, as often as you need:

• Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) Success Advisors
• Undergraduate Tutoring
• The Writing Center
• Axinn Library Citation and Style Guides
• Student Access Services (SAS) support and accommodations
• Center for University Advising (CUA)
• Student Counseling Services and/or download the TimelyCare App

You are welcome to read more about Hofstra’s Honor Code and the Procedures for Handling Violations of the Honor Code by Undergraduate and Graduate Students at Hofstra University here.

Students wishing to help promote and implement the Honor Code are welcome to apply to be on the Honor Board by emailing Provost@Hofstra.edu at any time during the year.