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Academic Expectations

Education systems will vary around the world and while some practices are acceptable in some cultures and organizations, they can be prohibited in others. NC State has explicit standards regarding student academic behavior and personal behavior (Student Conduct). It is very important that international students familiarize themselves with the standards for academic integrity and student conduct. Whether your actions are intentional or unintentional, a charge of academic integrity violation has severe consequences to your student status with the University and subsequently with your immigration status.

Academic integrity refers to upholding prescribed ethical standards while you perform research, write papers, take tests, etc. The guiding principles are honesty and individuality to ensure that your ideas are your own and that you understand the material being taught.

Individual work. At NC State University, it is expected that all students will do their own work individually. Unless specifically stated on the syllabus or in writing by the professor of your course, you should not work on class work in groups or with a friend. It is also expected that you will properly cite sources of information that you use. For example, if you use a statement, idea or information from any other source you must credit that source in your work or you may be accused of plagiarism.

Plagiarism is defined as using someone else’s words or ideas and presenting them as your own. Plagiarism often includes intentional actions such as copying someone’s words in your own work without crediting the source. Plagiarism also includes less intentional and even unintentional actions such as forgetting to place quotations around a statement used from another source.

Student Conduct

The Office of Student Conduct implements policies designed to avoid behaviors that can disrupt the University and its community. As students of NC State University, you should remember that you are always representing the University wherever you are. It is very important that you do not engage in conduct or behaviors that could violate the Code of Student Conduct, whether you are on or off campus. A lot of students are not aware that even your behavior off campus can affect your student standing at the University. If you are officially charged with a crime or just engaging in unacceptable behavior, you could lose your good standing with the University, and subsequently, your legal F-1 or J-1 status.