Academic Integrity at Washington University

The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards works very closely with the academic integrity deans in each college as well as other administrators and entities in order to promote and educate students about the standards and community expectations in our academic community.

Academic integrity expectations apply to all courses, in person and remote. Details of these expectations can be found in our academic integrity policy.

Academic Integrity Video

All incoming undergraduate students will be required to watch the video below via Canvas. Students will receive an email with specific instructions to log in and view the video in mid-July.

Our Undergraduate Student Academic Integrity Policy states:

  • Effective learning, teaching and research all depend upon the ability of members of the academic community to trust one another and to trust the integrity of work that is submitted in classes for academic credit or conducted in the wider arena of scholarly research. When such an atmosphere of mutual trust exists, the free exchange of ideas is fostered, and all members of the community are able to work to achieve their highest potential.
  • In all academic work, it is important that the ideas and contributions of others be appropriately acknowledged, and that work that is presented as original is in fact original.
  • Ensuring the honesty and fairness of the intellectual environment at Washington University is a responsibility that is shared by faculty, students and administrative staff.

Our Scope and Purpose:

  • Our statement on academic integrity applies to all undergraduate students at Washington University. Graduate students are governed by policies in each graduate school or division. All students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of behavior.
  • The purpose of this statement is two fold:
    • To clarify the university’s expectation with regard to undergraduate students’ academic behavior and
    • To provide specific examples of dishonest conduct. The examples are only illustrative, NOT exhaustive.

Independence from the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards

At WashU, violations of academic integrity are handled by the undergraduate colleges rather than by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Our office only adjudicates cases serious enough to warrant suspension or expulsion.

Please visit your undergraduate colleges website for more information regarding academic integrity violations:
College of Arts & Sciences
Olin School of Business
Sam Fox School Design & Visual Arts
McKelvey School of Engineering
University College and Summer School

For information, questions or to report an incident:

Each of the undergraduate colleges has an academic integrity dean. For matters involving academic misconduct, including any questions you might have, please contact the appropriate dean.

Academic Integrity Dean Contacts

For questions, contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or call 314-935-7296.