PARALEGAL PROGRAM ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY

Evidence of cheating in a class will result in a failing grade for that course.

Students who take responsibility for their own learning do not cheat because they realize they are cheating themselves.  Cheating includes:

• Using, or attempting to use, unauthorized materials for exams.
• Having someone else do any part of your work for you.
• Doing someone else's work, or allowing someone to use your work.
• Plagiarism, that is, presenting someone else's written work as your own. This includes the work of other students, or any other persons, and works published elsewhere, including on the Internet. All sources should be given appropriate credit. Instructors can check for plagiarism with special computer software.
• Aiding and abetting dishonesty, which includes providing material, information, or other assistance to another person to help that person cheat. Cheating undermines the value of your learning; helping others cheat undermines the value of your degree.

Students are encouraged to help each other understand the concepts presented, find needed resources, solve technological problems, and promote each other's learning. But, in order to achieve personal learning objectives, each student should do his, or her, own work and expect others to do the same. This means you cannot collaborate on any assignments unless it is a team/group assignment. (Assignments include quizzes, notebooks, extra credit, and any work completed for points.) With the exception of group assignments, all assignments are to be completed individually, not as part of a pair or team.

Much of the assigned work in the PAR program is done in groups. Students are expected to be prepared for group work and fully participate with classmates. Failure to do so is a form of cheating because it forces other students to do your work for you.

Most PAR students are highly motivated and work hard to get good grades. But, if you need to cheat to do so, you probably should not be going into a legal career. You could find yourself in a work environment you do not like, or which does not match your interests. College is for exploring your personal options so you can have a fulfilling life. Don't be afraid to explore other opportunities if you find legal work does not suit you.