Faculty Resources

Faculty can promote academic integrity by:

• Clearly communicating expectations at the beginning of the course and reinforcing them throughout the semester;
• Defining acceptable and unacceptable collaboration practices;
• Explaining citation, attribution, and source-use expectations;
• Discussing the appropriate use of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools and other resources;
• Designing assignments and assessments that encourage authentic student learning and demonstrate individual understanding; and
• Providing opportunities for students to ask questions when expectations are unclear.

Faculty are encouraged to include clear academic integrity expectations in course syllabi and assignment instructions, including expectations regarding collaboration, the use of resources, citation practices, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

The Faculty Toolkit, available on the SharePoint site, includes sample AI statements and NOVA's standard academic integrity syllabus statement for faculty use.

The Office of Academic Integrity maintains resources to support faculty in promoting academic integrity, available through the OAI SharePoint site and by contacting the Office directly. Resources may include tools such as the Faculty Toolkit, syllabus language, assignment design guidance, and classroom materials. For example, faculty may use first-day kickoff slides to introduce academic integrity expectations and help establish a culture of integrity with students from the beginning of the course.

Thoughtful assessment design can help reduce opportunities for academic integrity concerns and support meaningful student learning. Faculty are encouraged to consider authentic assessments that allow students to apply knowledge, demonstrate understanding, and engage with course content in ways that reflect real-world skills and experiences.

The Center for Advancement of Teaching Excellence (CATE) is a valuable partner in supporting faculty with curriculum design, assessment strategies, and evidence-based teaching practices. Faculty may access CATE resources through the CATE SharePoint site or consult with CATE for guidance on developing assessments that promote student engagement and academic integrity.

Faculty should submit a report when they believe academic misconduct has occurred and a grade-related sanction may apply, in accordance with Academic Integrity Policy 224 and Procedure 224P.

Faculty may discuss academic integrity concerns with students and provide feedback. However, if the concern may result in a grade-related sanction, faculty must follow Procedure 224P and any applicable reporting requirements rather than resolving the matter independently. Reporting helps the College identify repeat violations, promotes consistent application of academic integrity policies, and ensures concerns are addressed in accordance with the College's established process.

Faculty are encouraged to consult their Associate Dean, Academic Dean, or the Office of Academic Integrity for guidance regarding potential concerns, reporting requirements, and available resources.

• A description of what occurred
• Date and location of the incident
• Assignment or assessment involved
• Supporting documentation or evidence
• Relevant communication or records

Examples of evidence to include:

• Student submissions
• Turnitin similarity reports
• Exam materials
• Assignment instructions
• Other relevant documentation

The report is reviewed by the Office of Academic Integrity and routed to the appropriate faculty member or college official for follow-up and adjudication. In most cases, the report will be routed back to the reporting instructor for resolution.

The student is then notified of the concern by the faculty member and provided an opportunity to respond before a determination is made, in accordance with Procedure 224P.

As a best practice, faculty should complete the academic integrity process outlined in Procedure 224P before assigning grade-related sanctions for an alleged academic integrity violation. This process provides students with notice of the alleged violation and an opportunity to respond before a determination of responsibility is made.

Faculty with questions about grading or the academic integrity process are encouraged to consult their Associate Dean, Academic Dean, or the Office of Academic Integrity.

If you have questions or need assistance, you may consult your Associate Dean, Academic Dean, or the Office of Academic Integrity.

If a student is found responsible for an academic integrity violation, one or more sanctions may be assigned based on the circumstances of the concern and in accordance with Academic Integrity Procedure 224P.

Possible outcomes may include:

• Grade-based sanctions: Adjustments to a student's grade, ranging from a reduction on an assignment to a failing grade for the course. Faculty retain discretion in determining appropriate grade-based sanctions and are encouraged to consider the circumstances of the violation. Faculty may consult their Associate Dean or the Office of Academic Integrity for guidance, as needed.
• Educational sanctions: Completion of an educational module (such as the Student Lingo module available under Student Resources on the Office of Academic Integrity website), a reflection assignment, or another educational activity designed to promote learning, accountability, and academic integrity. Faculty may contact the OAI for the most current list of available educational sanctions. 
• Administrative sanctions: Actions initiated by the Office of Academic Integrity when warranted by the circumstances, particularly in cases involving repeated or serious violations. These actions may include referrals for additional review or administrative sanctioning through the appropriate college process, such as the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, when applicable.

For the most current information regarding available educational sanctions and resources, faculty may contact the Office of Academic Integrity.

Yes, when appropriate. Sanctions may include one or more outcomes based on the circumstances of the concern and in accordance with Academic Integrity Procedure 224P.

Sanctions are intended to uphold academic integrity, promote accountability, and support student learning while ensuring consistent application of academic integrity standards here at NOVA.

Faculty are encouraged to consult with the Office of Academic Integrity for guidance on appropriate sanctions and available options.