Student Accountability and Academic Misconduct

Academic Misconduct

Penn State expects its students to uphold integrity in their academic pursuits. When violations occur, they will be addressed in accordance with Penn State’s academic misconduct policy. Additionally, Penn State World Campus students are expected to act with civility and personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the results of their own efforts. 

Academic misconduct code violations can lead to a range of academic outcomes, from redoing an assignment to failing the course. Disciplinary action plans may be assigned by the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response. 

To learn more about specific scenarios and test your understanding, visit Penn State's Academic Integrity training. You may complete the training to earn a certificate. 

For information about how to properly cite sources in research papers, visit the Penn State University Libraries Citation and Writing Guides.

In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the instructor is required to notify the student of suspected dishonesty before filing a charge and recommended academic sanction with the college. The student can accept or contest the charge. If the student chooses to contest the charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If an academic sanction is also recommended, the case will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.

All colleges at Penn State follow Penn State's academic misconduct policy, but each follows its own review procedures when academic dishonesty is suspected. Students receive information about Penn State's academic misconduct policy and college review procedures upon enrolling in a course. When a student receives notification of an alleged academic misconduct code violation, the student will receive a form with the details outlined. The form includes information for the college the student should contact regarding their academic misconduct process. 

If a student needs additional assistance understanding the academic misconduct process, the student can contact the Assistant Director for World Campus Student Affairs and the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.

Student Code of Conduct

Penn State’s Student Code of Conduct defines the University’s standards and procedures to maintain a safe living and learning environment. The Code outlines prohibited conduct and resolution processes. 

When Student Code of Conduct violations are reported, they are evaluated for referral to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response. This office follows operating procedures to address the violation, depending on the type of misconduct that has been reported. 

To report a possible violation, you can submit the Code of Conduct Incident Report form.

If you are involved in a possible Code of Conduct violation, a Penn State World Campus Student Affairs case manager will consult with faculty, instructors, staff, and advisers to determine whether the incident meets conditions for referral to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response. The Penn State Ethical Decision-Making Model will be used to provide guided, supportive conversations as concerns arise.

If a violation is referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response, the resolution process will be implemented. This process is designed to foster growth and learning by holding students accountable for their behavior. The goal of the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response is to create a community in which students’ actions align with the essential values of Penn State. Learn more about commonly asked questions related to student conduct.

Penn State expects students to conduct themselves in accordance with the law. Student behavior that may have violated any local, state, or federal law, or yields a complaint from others alleging law violations or student misconduct, will be reviewed by the University. Upon receipt of a complaint alleging student misconduct, the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response will review the allegations and consult with Student Affairs to determine the appropriate course of action.