Berklee College of Music values integrity within the classroom, across all areas of scholarly and professional practice, and in the use of information technology resources. Consequently, members of the Berklee community are expected to maintain high standards of honesty and practice throughout the many aspects of their life and study at the college.

Students who have evidenced academic dishonesty may be subject to disciplinary procedures including but not limited to: receiving a warning; receiving a lowered or failing grade for the project, exam, or other class or homework; receiving a lowered or failing grade for the course; dismissal from the major; suspension or permanent dismissal from the college.

The following definitions are provided for the information of the Berklee community and constitute notice of unacceptable academic behavior or scholarly and professional practice. Academic work in this context means any and all music and nonmusic work related to any course or major at the college. While scholarly and professional work may occur in the context of a course, they also are found in activity that is independent of course work. Dishonesty in scholarly or professional work, whether in the form of fraud, plagiarism, or cheating, is unacceptable and subject to appropriate disciplinary procedures.

Fraud is using identifiers (such as name, password, ID) of other persons as one's own or submitting false information about oneself. Some examples include such infractions as concealing or misrepresenting one's identity, impersonating another individual, falsifying information on such documents as one's resume or internship applications, misrepresenting oneself as acting in behalf of Berklee, or using the college's name, logo, or symbol without prior written permission.

Plagiarism is defined as misrepresenting work that has been done by another as one's own efforts whether such misrepresentation has been accomplished with or without the permission of the other individual.

Cheating is the use of prohibited assistance (whether in the nature of a person or a resource) in the performance of assignments and examinations, and copying of another student's work or the giving or receiving of information or answers, whether verbally or in writing.

Procedures for Alleged Academic Dishonesty

Any member of the college community may make an allegation of academic dishonesty against a student. Students making allegations must do so in concert with the appropriate faculty member, supervisor (such as a test proctor or lab supervisor), administrator, or staff. A written charge must be made within 20 calendar days from the date of the alleged action. However, if such action occurs during the last 20 calendar days of the semester, the period for submitting the charge is extended 20 calendar days into the subsequent semester. The last day of a semester is the last day of final examinations.

The investigation of charges of academic dishonesty is to be conducted in such a way as to protect the student's identity. An informal review and discussion with an official of the college may be held prior to bringing a charge. However, this review should not violate the student's rights in the formal process.

Section 1: Process

Faculty/Supervisor Action
The process for alleged academic dishonesty begins at the faculty/supervisor level. The faculty/supervisor directly confronts the student with the evidence supporting the allegation and takes appropriate action. Resolution at the faculty/supervisor level may include but is not limited to an informal verbal warning, a reduced or failing grade, or a letter of reprimand.

Formal Hearing
A. If, in the judgment of the faculty/supervisor, the charges of alleged academic dishonesty call for a more severe penalty than designated at the departmental level, the faculty/supervisor may refer the case to the Assistant Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and for Student Affairs/Student Development, or their designees, for formal review and/or hearing. Reasonable written notice of the facts and evidence underlying the charge of academic dishonesty is provided to the student. If requested, reasonable time to prepare a response to the allegation will be given to the student.
or

B. The student may appeal the decision of the faculty/supervisor, and may request a formal hearing before the Assistant Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and for Student Affairs/Student Development, who may assign designees to the case. A formal hearing shall be scheduled at a time and place agreeable to all parties concerned. The hearing board will consist of the Assistant Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and for Student Affairs/Student Development and a neutral faculty member or department chair from a department other than the department of the faculty/supervisor, department chair, or student major. If requested by the student, a student may be designated to serve on the hearing board. Sanctions will not be in effect during the appeals process.

II. Sanctions

Sanctions for all proven cases of academic dishonesty may include but are not limited to the following listed below. A student may appeal any finding or sanction.
1. Reduced or failing grade
2. A letter of reprimand
3. A defined period of disciplinary probation, with or without the attachment of
conditions
4. Loss of Berklee Scholarship
5. Loss of work-study privileges
6. Suspension from the college
7. Dismissal from the college
8. Notation on the official transcript
9. Revocation of an awarded Berklee degree, diploma, or two- year certificate

III. Appeal

Students, faculty/supervisors have the right of appeal to the Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and for Student Affairs. The decision of the Vice Presidents is final.

For questions regarding honesty guidelines for specific departments or areas, members of the Berklee community are encouraged to consult the relevant department. More extensive guidelines regarding honesty and the use of technological resources are found in the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy.