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Academic Integrity

Below are some of the common questions students have that relate to academic integrity.  TMU has a specific Academic Integrity Policy (Policy 60) that outlines expectations and procedures related to academic integrity. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with this policy to understand their responsibilities. 

Academic integrity refers to the commitment to uphold honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage in all academic work, as outlined in Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) Policy 60: Academic Integrity. It ensures that your academic achievements are evaluated fairly and that you earn credit for your own knowledge and skills. Upholding academic integrity builds a culture of trust and credibility, ensuring the value of your degree and the reputation of TMU. For psychology students, maintaining academic integrity aligns with the ethical standards critical to studying human behaviour, as it fosters trust in research and professional conduct that mirrors the ethical principles used in psychological practice.

Academic misconduct includes any behaviour that undermines fair evaluation or provides an unearned academic advantage, as defined in Policy 60, Appendix A. Examples include:

  • Plagiarism: Using someone else’s work without proper citation, including self-plagiarism.
  • Contract cheating: Paying someone to complete your work.
  • Cheating: Using unauthorized materials during assessments.
  • Misrepresentation: Submitting work created by artificial intelligence (AI) tools without permission or falsifying data.

Unauthorized use of intellectual property: Distributing or selling course materials without consent. This list is not exhaustive.

Psychology involves studying human behaviour, where ethical standards are paramount. Academic integrity ensures that your work reflects genuine understanding and adheres to the same ethical principles—such as honesty and responsibility—that govern psychological research and practice. Misconduct can mirror unethical practices in professional settings, damaging trust and credibility. Upholding integrity in your studies prepares you to conduct ethical research and maintain professional standards in future psychology-related careers. For this reason, one of the Learning Outcomes for the TMU Psychology BA (Hons.) program is: Adhere to Ethical Standards (see Learning Outcomes (opens in new window)  to learn more). 

Unless explicitly permitted by your instructor, using AI tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, or Quillbot for graded assignments or tests is considered academic misconduct under Policy 60, Appendix A, Sections 5.5 and 5.6. These tools can produce work that does not reflect your knowledge, violating academic integrity. Always check with your instructor about acceptable tools and cite any permitted AI use properly. Refer to Citation Guide (APA and other styles) (opens in new window)  for more information. 

If you receive a notification from the Academic Integrity Office (AIO), don’t panic. Follow these steps:

  1. Review the Notification Letter, assignment/exam, and any evidence provided.
  2. Draft a statement reflecting on the incident, focusing on honesty and what you’ve learned.
  3. Gather supporting documents if you disagree with the concern.
  4. (Optional): There are advocates available through the Toronto Metropolitan Student Union, who can help students understand what the concern is, prepare for formal discussions, and attend the discussion with the student. Psychology students may contact TMSU Academic Advocates and book an appointment (external link, opens in new window) . 
  5. Attend the meeting with your instructor or a Designated Decision Maker, facilitated by the AIO if needed. Be honest and present your perspective calmly.

Contact the AIO at aio@torontomu.ca or book an appointment for guidance.

Consequences vary based on the severity and frequency of misconduct, as outlined in Policy 60. Possible penalties include:

  • A grade reduction or zero on the assignment.
  • A Disciplinary Notation (DN) on your internal record.
  • Progressive discipline for multiple DNs, which may lead to a formal warning, penalty hearing, suspension, or expulsion.

If a student has been found to have committed academic misconduct on two occasions, the Department will recommend that the student be given a Disciplinary Suspension.

To uphold academic integrity:

Use TMU’s gamified tutorial Academic Integrity in Cyberspace!, to learn about Policy 60.

TMU offers numerous resources to help you succeed ethically:

AIO Gamified Tutorials: Engage with  Academic Integrity in Cyberspace a Game (opens in new window)  designed to learn about ethical academic practices and test your knowledge on academic integrity.

Academic integrity prepares you for professional integrity, which is critical in all fields, especially psychology. Honest academic work reflects the ethical decision-making required in professional settings, such as conducting unbiased research or maintaining client confidentiality. For psychology students, adhering to academic integrity ensures you develop the skills and ethical mindset needed to uphold the American Psychological Association’s ethical principles or similar standards in future practice.

Contact the Academic Integrity Office at aio@torontomu.ca or book an appointment via their website. For specific course-related questions, reach out to your instructor. 

For more information, visit the TMU Academic Integrity Office website at www.torontomu.ca/academicintegrity.