Academic Integrity Policy Template

Purpose and scope

This template helps theological institutions define academic integrity expectations, prevent and manage academic misconduct, and protect student interests. It is suitable for certificates, diplomas and degree-level programmes delivered on-campus or online. Institutions must adapt the template to local law, professional requirements and institutional context.

Core definitions

Academic integrity — honest, responsible scholarship and assessment practice by students, staff and assessors. Academic misconduct — acts that give an unfair academic advantage or misrepresent work (plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, contract cheating, falsification).

Definitions should align with institutional assessment policy and be explicit about online assessment, assessment aids, citation expectations and permitted collaboration.

Student and staff responsibilities

• Students must submit original work, cite sources, follow assessment instructions and report breaches.
• Teaching staff must set clear assessment briefs, communicate referencing expectations, use appropriate assessment design to deter misconduct, and report suspected breaches.
• Academic leaders must ensure fair investigation procedures, proportionate sanctions, and accurate record-keeping.

Preventive practices and assessment design

Adopt multiple measures to reduce misconduct risk: varied assessment types, clear briefs, staged submissions, formative feedback, mandatory referencing instruction, and appropriate use of similarity-detection tools. Provide accessible student learning support and reasonable adjustments where required.

Investigation and outcomes

Outline an investigation pathway with: initial screening, notification to the student, evidence review, opportunity for student response, and an impartial decision-maker. Specify a range of proportionate outcomes (remedial education, resubmission, mark penalties, suspension, or withdrawal) and an appeals process. Maintain confidentiality and accurate records.

Record-keeping and transparency

Keep centralised records of allegations, findings and sanctions. Publish a clear academic integrity statement in student handbooks and assessment briefs. Ensure published guidance does not conflict with institutional regulatory or legal obligations.

Template clauses (summary)

• Policy purpose and scope.
• Definitions of misconduct.
• Roles and responsibilities.
• Prevention and learning support.
• Investigation procedures and timelines.
• Sanctions and appeals.
• Record-keeping, reporting and review.

Implementation checklist

1. Adopt and adapt template to jurisdictional law and awarding requirements.
2. Train staff and publish student-facing guidance.
3. Embed referencing and academic skills in induction.
4. Use secure assessment design and detection tools proportionately.
5. Review policy annually and after major incidents.