Cheating

• Definitions:
  • ``cheat'' (general definition): engage in deceitful behavior; practice trickery or fraud (according to WordNet 2.0)
  • ``cheat'' (specific definition): to submit any work (quiz, examination, homework) that is not completed according to rules.
  • Unless otherwise noted, all submitted work should be completed independently and originally.
  • Independent means ``by oneself'', by whomever submits the work.
  • Original means ``not derived or copied or translated from something else'' (WordNet 2.0)
• But what about helping/getting help (for homework assignments, not quizzes or examinations)?
  • Discuss concepts and ideas, not answers.
  • Do not share specific applications of concepts and ideas for homework assignments.
  • Help others by asking questions, not by spelling out answers.
  • It's okay to clarify material already included in classnotes and textbooks.
  • Use examples that cannot be directly applied to homework assignments.
  • Never share files or print-outs of complete homework assignments with other students when work can still be submitted for points.
• How does Tak know?
  • I read all source code and look for similarities.
  • I check to see if homework performance is consistent with examination performance.
  • I proctor examinations and look for unusual behavior.
  • I compare examination answers and look for unusual similarities.
  • I reserve the right to ask a student explain submitted work.
  • I keep my ears open to reports and complaints from fellow students and other professors.
• So what happens to cheating students?
  • Any submitted work that is the result of cheating does not count to the final grade. No make-up will be offered.
  • Incidents are reported to the area dean.
  • Students who repeatedly cheat can be expelled.
• What if a student is ``wrongfully accused''?
  • All complaints and appeals should be forwarded to the area dean.
  • The dean's decision will be implemented.