Academic integrity is a fundamental university value upon which all work in teaching and learning relies. There are differences, however, in how academic integrity policies and procedures are applied between high school and college as well as between different parts of the world. Because compliance with UB’s academic integrity policy is fundamental to student success, this course is designed to provide incoming UB students with information they need to uphold our high standards around the honest completion of work. Launched as a pilot course with specific academic programs in fall 2022, “Academic Integrity at UB” is now available to all new students to ensure that students begin their studies at UB with this important information. 

This course is an introduction to the policies, violations, and penalties related to academic integrity.  Many incoming students have varying levels of understanding, whether due to high school or cultural variations, so this course provides consistent messaging of expectations. 

This course is available to all incoming undergraduate and graduate students, including transfer students. Completion will be required within some seminar and program-specific settings.

The approximately 30 to 45-minute course uses scenario-based instruction to walk students through various violations and consequences. There is a 10-question quiz at the end, and students must pass the quiz with an 80%. Unlimited attempts to pass are available.

All new undergraduate students (including transfer students) will be automatically enrolled in the course after the drop/add period ends. Graduate student enrollment is at the discretion of specific programs. 

This course will be available within UB Learns Brightspace Platform under admin, and students will be automatically enrolled.  Most common browsers, like Firefox, Edge, and Chrome will work; however, the course is best viewed on a computer or tablet, not a phone.

Upon successfully completing this module, you will receive an Academic Integrity Badge in the Brightspace platform. You can share your unique badge with instructors, as needed, as proof of your achievement. Just follow these steps:

Step 1) On the main UBLearns page, go to the top menu bar and click “Tools” and select “Awards.”

Step 2) Look for “Academic Integrity” badge and click “Share.” 

Step 3) In the pop-up window, select “Share this award with a public link” and then “Copy Link.”

Step 4) Share/send the link to your professor! This shows your unique badge completion information.

Please contact integritycourse@buffalo.edu.