Academic Integrity

River Valley Community College believes that "the educated person functions as a responsible and ethical member of society" (Education Philosophy) and as such does not tolerate violations of academic integrity. Examples of violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating and plagiarism.

Cheating, which includes, but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized assistance from other persons or technologies in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations or in the preparation and completion of class assignments; (2) dependence upon the aid of resources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; (3) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the CCSNH colleges faculty, staff, or students; or (4) knowingly providing unauthorized assistance of any kind to another for the purpose of providing unfair advantage to the recipient in the completion of course assessments/ assignments (sometimes known as facilitation).

Plagiarism, which includes, but is not limited to, the use (intentional or unintentional), by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in providing term papers or other academic materials via direct sale, barter, or other means. Submitting parts of an assignment without citation or an entire assignment that you have previously submitted for the same class or another class are forms of self-plagiarism. Students repeating the same course should consult their instructor for their policies on reuse of work.  

All incidents of academic dishonesty will be reported to the VPASA. Students who commit academic dishonesty may be subject to sanctions as described under the Community College System of New Hampshire Judicial Policies, II. Student Code of Conduct.

Copyright Policy

The Copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies, electronic file sharing or distribution of copyrighted materials using the College's information technology system. Students are liable for any infringements of these laws. The NH Attorney General's office or the CCSNH Attorney's office will not defend students for copyright violation. For more information, see www.copyright.gov, especially their FAQ's at www.copyright.gov/help/faq.