Academic Integrity/Ethical Behavior

Saint Louis University is a community of learning in which integrity and mutual trust are vital.

Since the mission of the University is "the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and for the service of humanity," acts of falsehood violate its very reason for existence. They also demean and compromise the activities of teaching, research, health care and community service that are its primary mission.

Since the University seeks to prepare students and faculty for lives of integrity and occupations of trust, it regards all acts of academic dishonesty as matters of serious concern. Such dishonesty also undermines the academic assessment process, which in turn impairs the ability of the University to certify to the outside world the skills and attainments of its graduates. Such dishonesty allows those who engage in it to take unfair advantage of their peers and undermines moral character and self-respect.

The Academic Integrity Policy detailed below sets out principles that are implicit in the ethos of the University but that call for explicit formulation to guide the practice of the entire institution. In establishing necessary definitions and minimal procedures to be followed in adjudicating violations, it also allows academic units to set forth the details of their own honesty policies in ways appropriate to their disciplines. Academic integrity is honest, truthful and responsible conduct in all academic endeavors.

Suspension/Dismissal

Students who are judged guilty of an act of serious academic dishonesty may be suspended for a specified time period or dismissed altogether. Suspension or dismissal may also be warranted for other reasons not listed above, e.g., unauthorized solicitation or distribution of controlled substances, endangering one’s self or another person, or abusing alcohol or illicit drugs. Reports of such actions may come from non-academic staff, faculty, administrators or other students. Such reports are to be directed to the dean, associate deans or center director of the particular college, school, or center. Each college, school and center is responsible for establishing specific policies and procedures regarding the placement and monitoring of suspensions/dismissals at the program and University levels.