Resources for Faculty

Information on your syllabus

The rules and expectations for students can vary from class to class.  It is very important that professors clearly state and define these on their syllabi.  For example, some professors do not allow students to turn in written work that was composed by them for a different course.  And, many students really do not understand what encompasses the word "plagiarism."  Having a clearly defined statement on the syllabus can help to avoid potential Honor Code violations.

Most students are aware that Mason has an actively enforced Honor Code, and all must abide by it.  Please let your students know that you expect them to display high standards of academic integrity by including information about the Honor Code on your syllabus.  If you use turnitin.com or some other plagiarism detecting program, you can also state this on your syllabus.  At a minimum, we ask that you include a brief Honor Code statement on your syllabus such as "All George Mason University students have agreed to abide by the letter and the spirit of the Honor Code.  You can find a copy of the Honor Code at academicintegrity.gmu.edu.  All violations of the Honor Code will be reported to the Honor Committee for review."

FAQs (for all faculty except those from the School of Law)

1.  What does the Honor Code state?

The Honor Code states that all students "pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, or lie in matters related to academic work."

2.  What should I do if I suspect that a student has violated the Honor Code?

If you have questions about whether or not you should file an Honor Code case, you are welcome to contact Donna M. Fox who is the associate dean for the Office for Academic Integrity.  Dr. Fox can be reached at dfox1@gmu.edu or through John Powers at 993-9529.

If you do not have any particular questions but you would simply like to file a case, you will need to fill out an accusation packet.  These forms can be found on the Academic Integrity website (academicintegrity.gmu.edu) by clicking on "Honor Code" in the navigation bar and then clicking on "Procedures and Forms." The forms can be downloaded by clicking on the last link on this page which is "Accusation Forms." If you would prefer to write your accusation as a statement, please be sure to include all of the required information as reflected on the forms.

Please remember that honor code violations and judicial cases are handled by two different offices.  If your case involves academic misconduct that affects a grade, it should be referred to the Honor Committee. If, however, the case has to do with behavioral or legal issues, it should be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs at 993-2884.

3.  How quickly should I file the case with the Honor Committee?

As soon as you become aware of a possible Honor Code violation, you should fill out and submit the accusation forms.  The completed forms can be sent through campus mail by addressing it to Donna Fox, MSN 6C9 OR by dropping off the packet at SUB I, room 302 during regular business hours.  Please do not delay your submission for any reason.  If you have questions, contact the Office for Academic Integrity at 993-9529.  Timely submissions of alleged Honor Code violations are important.

4.  What kind of sanctions should I recommend?

Sanctions can range from a requirement to work with Mason's Writing Center for a set number of sessions to permanent dismissal from the University.  If it turns out that the student is responsible for the violation and it is his/her first, recommended sanctions usually range from very light penalties to an F in the course, a requirement to take an academic integrity seminar, a requirement to work with Mason's Writing Center, and/or a requirement to complete community service to Mason (usually at Fenwick).

In general, recommended sanctions for a first violation will also be impacted by the student's class standing.  For example, it is common for professors of freshmen to recommend a zero on an assignment if found to be responsible.  Alternatively, it is common for professors who teach upper division classes to recommend an F in the course if there is a violation.  Graduate students may face expulsion after even one violation.  The Honor Committee appreciates the recommendations of the professors and will consider them carefully when making its own determinations.

Please note that the Honor Committee will not consider suspension or expulsion for a first violation of an undergraduate unless the act is especially egregious.  The Honor Committee believes that a first violation should serve as an educational experience for these students so that future temptations can be avoided.  Our internal statistics show that more than 95% of students who incur a first violation never return for a second violation.

Incurring a second Honor Code violation is considered to be very serious.  Students in this situation often face suspension or expulsion. 

5.  What should I expect after I submit an accusation packet to the Office for Academic Integrity?

As soon as your completed accusation packet is received by the Office for Academic Integrity, an email is sent to the student's Mason account which outlines the charge.  The professor is copied on this email so that he/she can know that the charge was sent.  Once a case has been submitted for review by the Office for Academic Integrity, we ask that you not discuss the case with the student.  Students are also advised not to discuss the case with others.

All students who are charged with an Honor Code violation are usually required to meet with Dean Fox in person.  At this meeting, the student has the opportunity to review all materials in the accusation packet.  His/her options are explained in terms of taking the case to the Honor Committee for review or opting to accept responsibility (and the professor's recommended sanctions) if the violation is acknowledged and is the first.

6.  What happens if a student chooses to take the case to the Honor Committee for review?

Every student has the right to have the Honor Committee evaluate his/her case.  If the student disputes the charge(s), a five-person panel is formed.  Both the accuser and the accused are asked to be present at the hearing.  The hearing panel will consider all written documentation and all oral presentations from both parties.  They will then deliberate in private and make a decision based on the facts of the case.

Sometimes a student may believe that he/she violated the Honor Code but disputes the sanction(s) recommended by the professor.  In this case, a "sanctions-only" hearing can be arranged.  A sanctions-only hearing consists of three Honor Committee members. The accuser can choose to attend, but is not required to do so.  It is in the best interest of the student to attend this type of hearing if he/she has requested it.

If the alleged violation is not the student's first, the case must be referred to the Honor Committee. Both options stated above are available to these students.

In all cases, Dean Fox will send an email to both parties after the hearing to confirm the results.  If a student has received a sanction such as completion of the Academic Integrity Seminar, Dean Fox will provide deadlines and enforce them.