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Academic Writing

Getting back on Track after an Academic Integrity Violation (AIV)

What is an Academic Integrity Violation (AIV)?

Faculty members submit an AIV when they find evidence of plagiarism (intentional or unintentional) in a student’s work. Typically, issues are discovered through the Turnitin Similarity Report. Each school has an AIV committee that will review the case and decide on next steps. The committee will look at different factors to determine the severity of the case. You should receive a decision and next steps from the school within two or three business days.

How do students know if they have received an AIV?

Students receive an email that they have received an AIV. Students have the option to respond to the AIV within 24 hours.

What should I do if I get the email alerting me I have received an AIV?

1. Take a moment to step back and avoid an emotional response. It is understandable to be upset when receiving an AIV but it is important to remember the following:

  • Your instructor has nothing against you personally; your instructor is simply saying that your assignment presents evidence of plagiarism, and he or she is obligated to turn the evidence over to your school.
  • Many cases of plagiarism are unintentional and an AIV can be treated as a learning moment.
  • Students are often given an opportunity to revise and resubmit their work.

2. Respond to the AIV within 24 hours if you have information that will assist the committee with their review.

3. Continue working in the course while you are waiting for a decision. Your school will likely extend the course if the AIV comes on the last assignment to give you time to redo it, if that is its decision.

4. The decision from the school will outline next steps. Whatever you do, make sure to take it as a learning moment.

5. Meet with your instructor to discuss the assignment so that he or she can explain the problem and how to avoid it in the future. 6. Use the resources in the Academic Success Center (ASC) and Graduate Studies Support Center (formerly CTL) to work on your skills.

Resources

Academic Success Center (ASC)

  • Help with paraphrasing (putting author’s words into your own words): https://resources.nu.edu/writingresources/paraphrase
  • Help with APA citations and references: https://academicwriter-apa-org.proxy1.ncu.edu/6/
  • Attend a group coaching session: https://resources.nu.edu/learnasc/groupsessions
  • Work with a coach one on one: https://resources.nu.edu/c.php?g=901477&p=6486925