10.3 Academic Integrity Policy
As a part of the Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions , the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Rehabilitation Sciences program is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior, including academic integrity and intellectual honesty. Faculty students, and staff are all held to these principles to maintain a strong and ethical academic community.
All students at the University, including those enrolled in the PhD program, must adhere to the University’s Academic Integrity Policy.
Community members are expected to report violations of this policy as they witness or are made aware of them. If you are aware of any violations, you are expected to submit an Academic and Conduct Report Form.
Academic Integrity Standards
All students in the PhD must uphold the standards of academic integrity as defined in Article II, Section 1 of the University’s Academic Integrity Policy. Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for the honesty and integrity of their own academic work, including applications for admission, financial aid, in addition to any group or collaborative academic or clinical work attributed to them that is submitted for academic evaluation or credit in an academic course or program of study. Students are expected to adhere to the principles of professional conduct as outlined by their respective licensing and accrediting bodies, including ethical standards in research, clinical practice, and academic integrity. Students should also refer to the following policies for additional standards of behavior related to Academic Integrity.
Academic Integrity Procedures
- Informal Resolutions
Faculty and administrators aim to address minor academic integrity issues informally when appropriate. Informal resolutions are designed to provide students with feedback and guidance to improve, rather than imposing punitive measures. Students should refer to the Disciplinary Actions section of this manual (10.4) to learn more about sanctions in the PhD program.
- Reporting Informal Resolutions: Faculty or administrators must report informal resolutions to a student’s academic advisor. Repeated informal violations may result in formal action.
- Documentation: Informal resolutions will not be added to a student’s permanent academic file but will be recorded to track patterns of behavior.
B. Formal Resolutions
Formal resolution is pursued when:
1. A pattern of violations exists.
2. The breach in conduct is severe.
Formal resolutions will follow the Academic and Disciplinary Actions Policy and procedures outlined in the University’s Academic Integrity Policy.
- Academic Review Committee
Formal resolutions will be heard by an Academic Review Committee. For more information on the Academic Review Committee, please see the Disciplinary Actions section of this manual (10.4).
- Sanctions
Sanctions for violations that are resolved through the formal resolution process will be in accordance with those outlined in the University’s Academic Integrity Policy. Students should refer to the Disciplinary Actions section of this manual (10.4) for additional information about formal sanctions.
C. Appeals
Students who wish to appeal decisions made through the Academic Integrity process should refer to the Petitions and Complaints section of this manual (Section 11) and the SHRS Appeals Policy.