A Note to New K-State Graduate Students

(CONSIDER THIS A MUST READ!)

If you are a graduate student new to K-State, welcome! Students, faculty, and staff associated with the Honor and Integrity System hope your experiences here are exciting and rewarding. If we can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Please take a few moments to orient yourself about the K-State Honor and Integrity System. You will see our posters in many of your classrooms and on the doors of faculty and staff. Our posters serve as a message to you about the seriousness with which we take the Honor Pledge. If you are a graduate student with teaching responsibilities, please make certain to access the link provided for faculty and those who teach.

We do understand that for many, academic integrity and honesty differs with cultures. Our office will work to educate all students at Kansas State about the level of academic integrity necessary at this institution. We encourage you to educate yourself as well especially in term of plagiarism. Please note that you and your peers will be held to a high academic standard as a graduate student at Kansas State University.

For many graduate students, the definition of cheating may be quite obvious. However, do not be caught off-guard about what your instructor expects from you when it comes to completing classroom assignments with integrity. If your instructor doesn't mention what he or she expects when the syllabus is handed out, make an appointment to talk with him/her and ASK. Some instances may not seem like cheating to YOU, such as handing in the same work in two different classes, but your instructor may see this as dishonest. Protect yourself by being aware and asking questions. Read the STUDENT TIPS section on this web site for more information.

If you are found in violation (this site briefly describes cases where students have been reported to the Honor and Integrity System Director) of the Honor Pledge through some act of academic dishonesty, you may find yourself in a humbling situation (the typical penalty is an XF for undergraduate students. For graduate students, an XF may mean dismissal from a program or even from the University.

The K-State Honor Council is a body of 87 faculty and students (including 20 graduate students) who investigate allegations of Honor Pledge violations. Council members also sit on hearing panels when cases are brought to their attention. They take the Honor Pledge SERIOUSLY and ask you to think twice before deciding to cheat.

K-State has a good reputation in the classroom, as well as on athletic fields. Help uphold that reputation and YOUR character by being honest in your academic work.

We wish you well as you pursue a higher degree at K-State!

The Honor and Integrity System Staff and Honor Council