International Programs Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is maintained through the Honor System, which is also discussed in this handbook.

When doing research and writing papers, you must always acknowledge your sources of information. To use information or quote someone without proper acknowledgement of this contribution is called "plagiarism," and is considered a form of cheating. If you are not sure, always give credit if an idea is not your own. You will learn the preferred procedure for citing sources in your classes. The penalties for academic dishonesty are strict. Cheating most often means an automatic failing grade for a test or course.

Mercer University takes the honor system very seriously, and you should too.

American Professor Expectations of Successful Students

1. Make independent decisions about course of study, research projects, etc.

2. Participate in classroom discussions (ask questions, share information with others)

3. Speak and write clearly in English.

4. Solve problems and think independently.

5. Demonstrate knowledge through a variety of types of tests or assignments.

6. Place less emphasis on memorization or intuition.

7. Be prepared to be continually evaluated.

8. Request assistance from professors or advisors during or after class, or from your classmates or the Learning Center.

9. Make appointments with the professors or advisors outside class hours.

10. Maintain personal or informal relationships with instructors or colleagues.

11. Read required and suggested readings before class lectures and discussions.

12. Cite the ideas of others used in your papers. If you quote "word for word" from another author, always give credit to the person who originally wrote the text.

13. Understand and remember ideas from class lectures (take notes, ask questions). If you have trouble with note taking, contact the Office of International Programs or the Learning Center.

14. Develop your own ideas and use evidence from class readings/lectures to support your ideas.