Broad College of Business Honor Code

Purpose of the Code

The purpose of this code is to articulate a set of behaviors and expectations for all Broad College of Business Master’s students with respect to academic work and interpersonal conduct. These behaviors and expectations encompass both individual and group work and provide a basis for promoting conduct that is consistent with professional norms, respect for others’ contributions, learning by individuals and teams, and independent thinking. These guidelines are in support of, and are consistent with, MSU policies on academic integrity and student conduct.

 

Applicability

A master’s student at the Broad College of Business is an individual enrolled or actively participating in a master’s-level program offered by the Broad College of Business at Michigan State University. This includes master’s degree programs, graduate certificates, and other post-baccalaureate studies, regardless of full-time or part-time status; credit or non-credit designation; type of credential pursued; physical location; or mode of instruction (including in-person, online, or hybrid formats). An individual maintains status as a Broad Master’s student until they graduate, complete their program, are permanently dismissed, or do not attend (enroll)  for three full, consecutive semesters (including summer). This definition also includes individuals on an approved leave of absence, those who have withdrawn or are on recess, and those who have graduated but are subject to unresolved or alleged violations of student conduct policies (based on the general definition of a student at MSU).

 

1. Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is fundamental to the university’s mission, emphasizing truth, honesty and personal responsibility.  These tenets are emphasized in the Spartan Code of Honor Academic Pledge and policy documents shared by the Office of the University Ombudsperson.

1.1 Honesty and Truthfulness
Master’s students are expected to uphold honesty in all academic work, including accurate representation. of data, proper citation of sources, and refusal to engage in cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or any form of academic misconduct.

1.2 Original Work
Students are responsible for producing their own work. In cases where collaboration is permitted, each contributor must be acknowledged and credited appropriately. External sources and research must be used in ways that are consistent with research ethics and intellectual property rights, including correctly citing works in an appropriate citation style (i.e., APA, MLA).

1.3 Respect for the Educational Process
All students should foster a learning environment in the classroom grounded in mutual respect and intellectual curiosity, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives and engaging in coursework and research with integrity.  This includes ensuring that students interact with their colleagues and faculty in ways that promote professionalism and respect.

1.4 Group work

Group work (e.g., written assignments, projects, and presentations) should result from meaningful contributions from all team members, be grounded in collaboration among students, and be consistent with faculty expectations. Inconsistent participation in group work can result in academic penalties that could affect course grades. In any group learning environment or discussion session, students are expected to communicate with colleagues promptly and consistently, particularly in remote or geographically separated learning environments.

1.5 Educational Proprietary

Students cannot provide or procure course assignment responses or quiz / examination questions or answers amongst classmates through technology platforms (i.e., Chegg) whether or not there is a commercial interest in such actions. Students should consult faculty as to any course guidelines on sharing information related to each course, including notes, course materials, and other artifacts. Students must respect the intellectual property of the course instructor. Students may not record or share recordings/copies of class sessions or course materials with anyone not enrolled in the course or any electronic platform or website.

• Artificial Intelligence Fair Use

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and other forms of neural network-based analysis and information creation used in the completion of course-related work may be used with the express permission of the instructor and, when permitted, must be noted and cited in accordance with the instructions of the course instructor. Additionally, students must continue to demonstrate critical thinking skills and understanding of course learning objectives when using AI, including detailed explanations as to any work product produced that is deemed academically questionable by the instructor.  As Michigan State University finalizes its policies governing AI usage in the classroom, Broad College of Business will update its policies to ensure compliance.

2. Academic and Professional Conduct

Per MSU’s handbook of Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities, each graduate student is expected to fully engage in their courses in accordance with policies set forth by their course syllabi. In some courses, there will be policies governing group work that must also be followed. These requirements ensure that each student is given the same opportunity to learn the curriculum through individual preparation and collaboration with student colleagues. Students and faculty are expected to uphold professionalism and decorum inside and outside the classroom. Actions/behavior that are inconsistent with these standards will be addressed in a clear process to provide consistency of application as well as a path for students to recover.

2.1 Ethical Leadership
Ethics at the Broad College of Business encompasses the principles of integrity, honesty, fairness, and respect that guide academic, professional, and interpersonal conduct. Rooted in the University’s academic policies, including the MSU Code of Teaching and Learning Responsibilities and the Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities, ethical behavior involves upholding academic honesty, avoiding misconduct such as plagiarism and cheating, and respecting intellectual and personal boundaries. As part of a comprehensive code of conduct, ethics also includes acting professionally in all university-related activities, communicating respectfully with others, and fostering a safe, inclusive, and accountable learning and working environment.  Timeliness, preparedness, and responsiveness are key components of these professional standards.

2.2 Collaboration and Fairness
Student groups/teams are created to produce group-based deliverables in manners that reflect the corporate environment and large, matrixed organizations.  Being able to successfully work in teams is a critically important skill that provides students with the opportunity to practice good leadership and followership habits.  Team members should consistently demonstrate professionalism and respect in all interactions. Additionally, team organizations should implement a framework that prioritizes academic responsibilities while also accommodating the professional goals and aspirations of each individual team member. This balance ensures that both educational and career ambitions are supported and nurtured.  Teams will allow each member to express their academic and professional opinions without judgment.  Group work should be equitable, with open communication in a timely manner and respect for each member’s contributions. Usage of vulgar language, misogyny, threatening gestures, or other inappropriate instances of interpersonal behavior will not be tolerated in team meetings, on or off campus.  Teams should ensure a distribution of academic work that both facilitates meeting deadlines and allowing for the education and growth of individual members.  Unethical behaviors, such as free-riding or misrepresentation of another’s work, are strictly prohibited and will affect both parties involved.

2.3 Non-Academic Dishonesty
Non-academic dishonesty violates the values of integrity, respect, and continuous improvement. Such dishonesty may include conveying an untruth to gain an unfair advantage over other students. Examples include falsifying a résumé or job application.

2.4 Misuse of Property
Misuse of property violates the values of integrity, respect, and continuous improvement. Such behavior may include misusing or taking Broad College property or the property of others without permission, or misusing or misappropriating funds. Examples include misuse of copyrighted materials, vandalism, or embezzlement.

2.5 Violent Crime, Harassment, or Discrimination
Violent criminal conduct, harassment, or discrimination violates the values of integrity, respect, and continuous improvement. This category encompasses conduct that is unlawful or contrary to university policy, including threats or acts of harm toward individuals or groups.

2.6 Other Violations
Any conduct that violates an MSU General Student Regulation may also constitute an Honor Code violation if it is contrary to the Code’s values and impairs, interferes with, or obstructs the mission, processes, or functions of the Broad program.

 

3. Community and Inclusion

3.1 Respect for Individuals
Students are required to treat all members of the MSU community with dignity. Embracing and respecting diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is essential for fostering an inclusive and enriching academic environment.

3.2 Fostering a Supportive Environment
Cultivating a safe, supportive community is a shared responsibility. Discrimination, harassment, or actions that undermine another’s well-being or academic pursuits will not be tolerated.

3.3 Upholding the Collective Good
Students should contribute to a positive climate within the Broad College of Business, remain open to feedback, and offer assistance to peers in a manner that aligns with the values of mutual respect and integrity.

3.4 Personal Accountability
Students should acknowledge that individual actions reflect on the broader MSU community. Students are expected to take responsibility for their conduct, correct mistakes promptly, and remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical behavior.

3.5 Service and Engagement

Active engagement in service and contribution to the MSU community is encouraged. By giving back, students demonstrate care for the collective welfare and uphold Spartan traditions of leadership and service.  Co-curricular activities such as these provide opportunities to model professionalism and conduct amongst peers and the community.

4. Reporting Requirements

4.1 Obligation to Report

All students with knowledge of a violation is responsible for reporting it to the instructor or to the appropriate administrator, such as the Program director or the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs (as applicable).  Reporting should include the name of the student, observed behavior, and any artifacts that connect to the event. Failure to report an Honor Code violation is considered a violation of the Honor Code.

4.2 Upholding the Code
By reporting violations, members of the Broad College of Business community preserve the integrity and reputation of the program. Prompt reporting ensures that violations are addressed fairly and consistently.

5. Honor Code Violations, Processes, and Sanctions

5.1 Honor Code Violations
Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, dishonest collaboration, non-academic dishonesty, misuse of property, violent crime, harassment, or discrimination—or any conduct contrary to this Honor Code—may result in corrective action. Such violations will be addressed through established University procedures.

5.2 Investigations and Due Process
Alleged violations will be investigated impartially. Students under investigation will have the opportunity to present evidence, explain their perspectives, and, if necessary, appeal decisions in accordance with the Dean of Students Academic Dishonesty Report(ADR) process policies.

Upon a verified breach of academic integrity, MSU faculty must complete an Academic Dishonesty Report (ADR) and notify the student of this action in writing. The faculty member responsible for the concerned course is the sole individual who can complete the ADR.

5.3 Sanctions
In any instance where a sanction is warranted, an ADR must be filed before the sanction is administered.  Consistent with MSU policies (Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities, MSU Code of Teaching Responsibility, Dean of Students Academic Dishonesty Report ), in connection with a determined breach of academic integrity, faculty are empowered to administer a grade reduction in the violator’s course, either for an individual assignment or the overall course grade.  Faculty should notify the student of this action in writing.  Additional sanctions, if any, beyond the course itself, are the responsibility of the Associate Dean or designate.

If a student receives a second ADR, in addition to any associated penalty grade, they could face an additional sanction (in accordance with Article 7.6 of MSU’s Student Rights and Responsibilities document), including but not limited to:

• University Probationary status
• Delayed Graduation
• Dismissal from the Broad College of Business

5.4 Penalty Grades

Penalty grades in a course are sanctions available to the faculty that connect to standing MSU policy:

• Penalty grade for one assignment. Use if academic dishonesty behavior is isolated to one assignment in a course, and not indicative of a pattern of behavior throughout said course.
• Penalty grade for an entire course. Use if academic dishonesty behavior is egregious, either through repeated instances in a course, involves multiple students, or a particular incident is significant enough to affect standing in an entire course.
• Removal from Program. Student’s continued conduct merits program removal, either by a preponderance of activity or an incident of high significance.  Authority for program dismissal is shared through the following agencies:
  • Associate Dean, MBA and Professional Master’s Programs
  • Broad College Hearing Board
  • The MSU Graduate School

 

5.5 Grievance

A student subject to disciplinary action can request resources and information to appeal or grieve any penalty, consistent with MSU policy and the GSRR.

6. Non-Academic Sanctions

6.1 Professional Conduct Sanctions

For student conduct that falls outside defined faculty responsibilities, requests for sanctions will be referred to the Managing Director, MBA, and/or the Associate Dean for MBA and Professional Master’s programs for evaluation and action.  Possible sanctions include:

• Verbal warning. Inform the student that they have violated Broad College of Business conduct standards and future violations of those standards will be dealt with in a more significant way.  No copy of the warning will be placed in the student’s academic record.
• Formal Reprimand. A written reprimand will be given to the student that they have violated Broad College of Business conduct standards and that any future violations will be dealt with in a more significant fashion.  A copy of the reprimand will be placed in the student’s academic file.
• Referral to Associate Dean. After one formal reprimand, and an incident of repeat conduct, the student will be asked to meet with program leadership to understand more about the situation, as well as evaluate the need for further sanctions.
• Disciplinary Probation. If behavior continues, the student could be placed on probation (1 semester minimum) to evaluate their continued program performance.