ACADEMIC HONESTY

STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICY
The University of Lethbridge follows a definitive procedure in the course of a student committing an “Academic Offense” Such offences include: Plagiarism, cheating, duplication, confidential materials, and misrepresentations. The following is a summary of the offenses and penalization protocol cited directly from Part 4 – Academic Regulations, Policies and Program Requirements of the 2007/2008 U of L Academic Calendar.

Academic Offences
Plagiarism
A student is not allowed to copy/ represent another person's work as his or his own.

Cheating
Students are not allowed exchanging information during tests, obtaining information from unauthorized sources, or representing another student.

Duplication
No student is allowed to submit an assignment, report, etc more than once (whether or not it is in the same course) in order to gain double the credit for a single body of work.

Confidential Materials
Students are not allowed to receive or give out awaiting tests or share laboratory handbooks.

Misrepresentation
A student is not allowed to purposely misrepresent facts; this includes citing non-existent/false sources.


Discipline Procedures
Penalties assigned by the Instructor
An Instructor could assert a grade reduction or failing of the assignment, grade reduction in the course, a grade of ‘F’ in the course or have the student do additional work in the course.

Suspension
A student suspended from the University of Lethbridge must be completely removed from the campus for a fixed amount of time (maximum time is three years). Upon returning to the University, the student must enroll in the course/courses she or he was suspended from.

Expulsion
A student expelled from the University of Lethbridge will be completely removed from the institution for an indefinite period of time. If the student so chooses to return to the University, he/she must receive written approval from the Academic Vice-President and the Dean of the program the student was expelled, and must do so after at least three years of removal from the campus.


TIPS FOR MAINTAINING ACADEMIC HONESTY

KNOW THE RULES: Read instructions before writing examinations.

MANAGE TIME WISELY: Schedule your time wisely as to not feel desperate enough to cheat.

DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES: Talk to your professor if you are unsure about how to properly cite work or if you are having difficulties with the assignment.

NEVER COPY: When working in groups, only exchange ideas and opinions. Write down the main ideas. Then write up the final copy independently.

REMEMBER: Cheating is never worth the risks. If you overwhelmed and are stuck in a rut, get in touch with a counselor, academic advisor, or talk to your professor.

What you need to do NOW if you are completing your degree at the end of the semester.

Are you completing your degree at the end of the semester? If you are, this is what you need to do now!

1.) Perform a program check and make sure that you are actually going to graduate! You can do this on your own or you can meet with an Academic Advisor. You will need to contact the advising office for your faculty to arrange an appointment for a program check.

To perform the check yourself you will need a program planning guide and a copy of your transcript. You can pick up program planning guides from the Arts and Science Advising Office (SU060) or you can get one online at http://www.uleth.ca/ross/ppgs/index.html. You can get a copy of your transcript from the Registrars Office (SU 140) or you can access it through your U of L Bridge account. To do so simply log into your account, click the link for the Registrars Office and Student Services, then Student Records, then Working Copy Transcript.

2.) Apply to Graduate. That’s right; you have to apply to graduate! In order to attend convocation in the spring you must complete an Application for Graduation. These can be picked up at the Registrars Office (SU140) and at the Arts & Science Student Advising Office (SU064). If you are completing your degree at the end of this semester your convocation will be in spring. You must submit your application for graduation by March 1, 2007.

3.) Get a Job This is it… you are about to graduate and will soon have to face the ‘real world’ – time to get a haircut and get a real job! If you don’t know where to begin your job search check out the Career and Employment Services Office (B625) which will continue to assist you with your job search for up to two years after you graduate! If you have any job related questions you are encouraged to phone Career and Employment Services at 403-329-2187, or check out there website at http://www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/index.html.

4.) Grad Studies If you are interested in furthering your education then grad studies might be for you. There are plenty of opportunities for graduate studies here on campus and you can find out more about these by visiting the U of L School of Graduate Studies website, http://www.uleth.ca/sgs/. If you know you would like to perform your grad studies with a specific professor begin discussing possible research opportunities and building your relationship with him/her now.

5.) Travel There are plenty of ways to travel. If you would like to help to make the world a better place while doing it maybe you should volunteer overseas. If you are interested I recommend checking out this site http://www.globalcitizensforchange.com/. Spend some time navigating the pages and you can find links to all the information you will need. If you would prefer to earn money while traveling perhaps teaching English is a good fit. There are plenty of organizations that can help you with this and you can find out more by searching the Internet.

6.) Do nothing and move back in with your parents. If you have absolutely no ambition or motivation I would recommend moving back in with your parents, where you can spend your time playing video games, watching t.v., and eating your parents food, all from the comfort of a couch. If you are like me you never left your parents’ house, which will make the transition from student to loafer very easy.

Health and Well-Being Strategies

University can be a very stressful time for most students and keeping motivated can be a real challenge. Here are some tips for coping with the everyday stress of school:

▪ Simplify. Keep your workspace organized so you know where everything is. While some people work efficiently in clutter and chaos it is helpful when you know where things are. Keeping your living space neat and clean is also helpful as a mess can distract you when you are trying to work.

▪ Use a calendar. A great way to keep track of your appointments/exam dates/assignment due dates is to write them down on a calendar. Post the calendar in a familiar place, like on your fridge, where it can act as a reminder.

▪ Be responsible. If you find yourself being late for class every day or too rushed in the morning, then get up 15 minutes earlier each day. This will allow you some extra time to get ready and get to your destination on time.

▪ Be efficient. One of the most common problems university students face is procrastinating. This bad habit can cause so much stress and anxiety, all of which can be avoided by a little planning ahead and some time management skills. If you know you have an exam coming up then make sure you give yourself enough time to study in advance, that way you can just review your notes a day or two before you write it and not struggle to grasp concepts that are too complex for a cram session.

▪ Talk to someone. If you are feeling stressed the best way to deal is to talk with someone you trust. A good friend or relationship partner would be ideal, or someone you know who is a good listener. The University has a variety of counselling services, including academic and personal, and they can help you with anxiety management. For more information visit http://www.uleth.ca/ross/counselling/index.html


▪ Exercise. One of the best ways to eliminate built up stress is to exercise, exercise, exercise! Exercise not only relieves stress but it can make you feel very energized and motivated, so you can take on all of the tasks that you have been putting off! The University has its own fitness centre as well as a variety of other activities such as yoga, kickboxing, etc. For more information about the facility and its activities visit http://www.uleth.ca/sportrec or http://www.uleth.ca/hwc/


▪ Get enough sleep. Try to sleep at least 7 or 8 hours a night, and keep a consistent schedule so that your sleep cycle can stay regular. If you have trouble falling asleep because you have so many things on your mind, try to write them down so that you can deal with them in the morning.

▪ Learn to say NO. In order to focus on your studies you must learn to say NO. Say NO to friends who want you to go out and party every night. You must also learn to say NO to extra projects and social activities that you do not have the time or energy to commit to.

Relaxation Tips

1. If you experience physical pain as a result of stress then it might be a good idea to see a massage therapist, chiropractor, or physiotherapist. The Health Centre, located in SU020, can answer any questions you may have about these services, and you can e-mail them at health.centre@uleth.ca, or visit http://www.uleth.ca/ross/health_centre/index.html
If you can afford it, treating yourself to a massage every once in a while can be a very soothing and satisfying experience.

2. Listening to music can be very relaxing, particularly slow music. At home, in the car, or even listening to your ipod between classes can give you a break and make you feel better.

3. As girly as it may sound, there is nothing better than a hot bath and some aromatherapy to make you feel ten times better. Lighting your favourite incense or scented candles can help you relax and feel more content, and soaking in some bubble bath will make you feel rejuvenated after a long day.

Diet Advice

Eat breakfast!! This is the most important meal of the day, it gives you your energy for the morning and kick starts your metabolism. Also, snacking on fruits and vegetables throughout the day will help you avoid unhealthy carbohydrate cravings. Drink lots of water… obviously, and avoid consuming too much caffeine, as it can make you more tired than awake after too much.

As everybody knows Reading Week is the week of the 19th-23rd of February. The most practical advice I can give you is to catch up on all of your readings and studying during this week, while also taking some time to relax. Hang out with friends and have fun for part of the break, but manage your time efficiently and if you have any overdue projects to complete then focus on those as well.