4.09 Academic Integrity

All work submitted for credit is expected to be the student’s own work. In the preparation of all papers and other written work, students should always take great care to distinguish their own ideas and knowledge from information derived from other sources. The term “sources” includes not only published primary and secondary material, but also information and opinions gained directly from other people (See Harvard Guide to Using Sources in Section 3.08: Harvard University Resources for Students).

The responsibility for learning the proper forms of citation lies with the individual student. Quotations must be properly placed within quotation marks and must be fully cited. In addition, all paraphrased material must be completely acknowledged. Whenever ideas or facts are derived from a student’s reading and research, the sources must be indicated.HMS may use plagiarism detection tools and software to evaluate assignments at any time, and independent reviewers may be asked to review an assignment to help evaluate plagiarism concerns.

The amount of collaboration with others that is permitted in the completion of assignments can vary, depending upon the policy set by the course/clerkship director or the research/project mentor. Students must assume that collaboration in the completion of assignments is prohibited unless explicitly permitted by the instructor. Students must acknowledge any collaboration and its extent in all submitted work.

Students who are in any doubt about the preparation of academic work should consult with their instructor, the Academic Society or the Dean for Students before it is prepared or submitted.

Students are expected to record honestly and accurately the results of all their research. HMS prohibits research misconduct, defined as fabrication, falsification or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. Research misconduct includes fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism. Fabrication means making up data or results and recording or reporting them. Falsification means manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record. Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results or words without giving appropriate credit. Research misconduct is considered a serious violation of academic honesty.

Violations of this policy may result in a requirement to withdraw (with or without a recommendation for dismissal or expulsion), even if the student has had no prior disciplinary record. 

The School is deeply concerned for the integrity of science by students and faculty and with sound and safe research practices. Student and faculty researchers are, individually and collectively, expected to safeguard and maintain the University’s policies and practices and to avoid scientific misconduct. Students taking part in research involving human subjects or research involving the use of animals must comply with all Federal, State and University policies. Questions about these compliance obligations should be directed to the HMS Office for Research Subject Protection at 617-432-3192. All researchers are reminded that sponsoring agencies also have such concerns, that the School must inform sponsors of serious transgressions of sponsors’ policies as well as of any investigations related to sponsored research and that sponsors may take action independent of HMS. See also Section 10.04: Office for Research Subject Protection. For additional information, see the Harvard Guide to Using Sources in Section 3.08.

 

Last updated 8/31/21