Academic Dishonesty

Dishonesty

Cheating, plagiarism, and any other misrepresentation of work are prohibited. In the instance of papers written outside of class, academic dishonesty includes plagiarism.

Plagiarism Statement. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. According to The College Writer: A Guide to Thinking, Writing, and Researching (Van Rys et.al., 2018, p. 434), plagiarism is defined as “using someone else’s words, ideas, or images (what’s called intellectual property) so they appear to be your own. When you plagiarize, you use source material—whether published in print or online—without acknowledging the source.” In essence, plagiarism is using any type of intellectual work—intentionally or unintentionally—as one’s own creative thought or work. The most common form of plagiarism is when a student reproduces or submits another person’s words or sentences as his or her own without citing the original author. Even if the words are changed and are not verbatim, if the context and thought of the structure of the words remain the same, it still constitutes plagiarism. Plagiarism may also include self-plagiarism: that is, when a student submits for course credit a version of his or her work that has been submitted for a previous class or assignment without explicit permission from the course professor.

University policy includes three steps or levels of discipline during a student’s academic career. First offense: reduction of the student’s grade on the assignment by a justifiable amount based on the offense and the student’s intent; second offense: failure of the student for the assignment; third offense: failure for the course and referral to the Provost for disciplinary action.

Academic dishonesty also includes obtaining or referring to a copy of an examination before it has been distributed by the professor. During examinations, academic dishonesty includes referring to written information without the approval of the professor, or receiving written or oral information from a fellow student.

A student who assists another in the forms of dishonesty mentioned above is also guilty of dishonesty. A faculty member may impose academic penalty on the student who violates this section in his/her class, and/or may report the student to the Provost.

Academic dishonesty may result in dismissal.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

Note to students using Grammarly: Please note the following AI announcement from the Baptist University of Florida: “The principles of originality and authenticity are what drive our position on AI. We do not ban ChatGPT, Grammarly, or any other AI-powered writing aids. Many AI tools have very helpful features that can be used ethically by students. What we prohibit is allowing AI to generate content that is presented as original work or allowing AI to significantly modify existing work to the point that the assignment is no longer in the student’s own words.”

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

Equipping students to think critically, live biblically, and serve faithfully.

Purpose

Baptist University of Florida (BUF) is committed to preparing students to think and live from a distinctly biblical and Christian worldview. This includes the responsible, ethical, and honest use of emerging technologies—such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic settings. While some AI tools can enhance learning and support academic growth, they must never replace a student’s own critical thinking, original work, or spiritual and intellectual development.

General Policy

Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and Christlike character in all coursework. The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, or similar AI writing and generative platforms) must be transparent, limited to appropriate use, and aligned with course expectations.

Permissible Uses of AI (With Instructor Approval):

Brainstorming ideas or outlining assignments
Reviewing grammar, spelling, or sentence clarity
Practicing problem-solving or exploring alternative perspectives
Summarizing or explaining difficult concepts
Assisting with study preparation or exam review

AI use should always be disclosed when used in the creation of submitted work. Instructors may provide specific guidance per assignment or course.

Prohibited Uses of AI:

Submitting AI-generated content as original student work
Using AI to write essays, answer test questions, or complete assignments intended to measure individual knowledge or analysis
Paraphrasing or lightly editing AI content and submitting it as one’s own
Using AI to fabricate data, citations, or academic references
Relying on AI tools to bypass personal effort, study, or critical engagement with course material

Academic work should reflect your own effort, supported by integrity, discernment, and the pursuit of truth.

Biblical and Academic Foundations

Scripture calls us to honesty in all things: “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9

As followers of Christ, BUF students are expected to pursue excellence with humility and faithfulness, using tools wisely and ethically.

Violations & Disciplinary Process

Misuse of AI tools is considered a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy and may result in disciplinary action:

First Offense: Professor/student conference; resubmission of the assignment allowed.
Second Offense: Deduction of points up to failure of assignment.
Third Offense: Failure of the course and referral to the Provost.

Records of violations will be maintained in accordance with university policy. If two courses receive a failing grade because of AI misuse or plagiarism, the student may be dismissed from the University.

Appeals Process

BUF recognizes that AI detection tools may yield false positives. Students may appeal a decision within 48 hours of notification for their first and/or second offense by:

Submitting a written appeal to their instructor by email.
Clearly stating the basis of the appeal
Including supporting evidence (e.g., drafts, revision history, notes)

On a student’s THIRD offense, the student may appeal within 48 hours of notification by:

Submitting a written appeal to the Appeals Committee at tgardner@buf.edu.
Clearly stating the basis of the appeal
Including supporting evidence (e.g., drafts, revision history, notes)

The Appeals Committee will review and respond within 7 business days.

If upheld: Consequences remain.
If overturned: Original grade or content will be restored.

Final Encouragement

AI is a tool—not a replacement—for learning. Use it wisely, seek wisdom, and strive to reflect Christ in all your academic work. When in doubt, ask your instructor for guidance.