Policies and Guidelines

Preamble

In accordance with European higher education standards and in support of academic excellence, International Vision University – European (IVU-E) is committed to fostering a culture of academic integrity among its students, faculty, and staff. Academic integrity is fundamental to the pursuit of knowledge and truth, and it is the foundation upon which our university community is built.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to define the standards of academic integrity, outline the procedures for addressing violations of these standards, and protect the rights of all members of the university community.

Scope

This policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff of IVU-E and covers all academic and scholarly activities, including coursework, examinations, research, publications, and creative projects.

Definitions

• Academic Integrity: The ethical commitment to honesty, responsibility, trust, respect, and fairness in all academic pursuits.

• Academic Dishonesty: Any act that violates the principles of academic integrity, including cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, and other forms of misconduct.

• Cheating: The use or attempt to use unauthorized materials, information, or aids in any academic exercise.

• Plagiarism: Representing another person’s words, ideas, or work as one’s own without proper attribution.

• Fabrication: The falsification or invention of any information, data, or citation in an academic exercise.

• Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: Assisting or attempting to assist another person in committing a violation of academic integrity.

Standards of Academic Integrity

All members of the university community are expected to uphold the following:

• Honesty: Present one’s own work and accomplishments truthfully.

• Responsibility: Acknowledge the consequences of actions and accept accountability for misconduct.

• Trust: Maintain the confidence of others by acting with integrity.

• Respect: Recognize and value the intellectual contributions and property of others.

• Fairness: Ensure equal access to academic opportunities and resources.

Procedures for Addressing Violations

• Reporting Suspected Violations: Any member of the university community may report suspected violations to the appropriate authority (instructor, department chair, or dean).

• Investigation: The authority conducts a preliminary review to determine if sufficient evidence exists. They may consult the Office of Student Conduct or the Academic Integrity Committee.

• Informal Resolution: If a violation appears to have occurred, the matter may be resolved informally through educational sanctions, such as resubmission of work or mandatory workshops.

• Formal Resolution: If informal resolution is not possible, the case is referred to the Academic Integrity Committee for a hearing. Evidence and testimonies are reviewed before a decision is made.

• Sanctions: Sanctions may include a failing grade on the assignment/course, academic probation, suspension, or expulsion. The severity depends on the nature of the violation and prior history.

• Appeals: The accused may appeal to the Provost or a designated appeals officer, whose decision will be final.

Education and Prevention

IVU-E is committed to promoting academic integrity through:

• Orientation & Training: Students, faculty, and staff receive regular training sessions, workshops, and digital resources on academic honesty.

• Resources & Support: Access to plagiarism detection tools, citation guides, and academic advising.

• Faculty Responsibilities: Clearly communicate academic integrity expectations in course syllabi, provide examples of correct citation, and guide students in avoiding misconduct.

• Student Responsibilities: Understand and adhere to academic integrity principles, seek clarification when needed, and report suspected violations responsibly.

Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the Academic Integrity Committee in consultation with relevant stakeholders. Updates will be published and communicated to the university community.

Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University. All members of IVU-E are expected to uphold the principles of academic integrity and report violations according to the outlined procedures.