It may not be clear from the terminology, but ACADEMIC INTEGRITY means the oppposite of cheating, plagiarizing, and other activities in an academic setting that do not demonstrate
integrity (noun) the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
Here are statements of the official policies of Queens College on academic integrity, and here is CUNY's official policy, which is similar.
Finally, here is the violation form that accompanies all reports of any shenanigans at Queens College.
What is cheating? Per the CUNY policy, it "is the unauthorized use or attempted use of material, information, notes, study aids, devices, or communication during an academic exercise."
The very first example listed is "copying from another student during an examination or allowing another to copy your work."
What is plagiarism? Check out my plagiarism tutorial to find out.
You caught me! Now what?
If I catch you cheating or plagiarizing, I suggest that you admit your mistakes and offer regret and apology.
I will not change your course grade from an F if you confess, but:
If you have made a habit out of cheating and this is not your first offense, then you might be suspended or expelled. That is up to the college, not me.
If you choose to deny or make excuses for your behavior, that is your choice. It will not help you and will probably hurt you. The college is serious about its mission and will take steps to educate you about your infraction, such as forcing you to take a class about cheating. The sooner you own your role in what you have done, the quicker you can return to being a student.
Remember, as a student, you are our valued customer. But the product we are selling, a college degree, is a valuable credential.
Cheating or plagiarism demonstrates your lack of learning, and thus that we have failed in our mission to educate. We cannot condone either, but we will work with you to help you understand your responsibilities and your courses.