The student-administered Honor Code and Honor Pledge prohibits students from cheating on exams, plagiarizing papers, submitting the same paper for credit in two courses without authorization, buying papers, submitting fraudulent documents and forging signatures.
On every examination, paper or other academic exercise not specifically exempted by the instructor, students shall write by hand and sign the following pledge:
I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this examination (or assignment).
Failure to sign the pledge is not a violation of the Code of Academic Integrity, but neither is it a defense in case of violation of this code. Students who do not sign the pledge will be given the opportunity to do so. Refusal to sign must be explained to the instructor. A student’s decision about this will not be considered in grading or judicial procedures. Material submitted electronically should contain the pledge, and submission implies an electronic signature.
Compliance with the code is administered by the Student Honor Council, which strives to promote a community of trust on the College Park campus. Allegations of academic dishonesty should be reported directly to the Honor Council (301-314-8450) by any member of the campus community. For additional information, consult the Office of Student Conduct.
For a description of the University's definition of academic dishonesty, suggestions on how to prevent cheating, and practical answers to frequently asked questions about the Code of Academic Integrity, consult the Student Honor Council's webpage and click on the faculty tab.