Academic Pledge

As a Spartan, I will strive to uphold values of the highest ethical standard.
I will practice honesty in my work, foster honesty in my peers, and take pride in knowing that honor is worth more than grades.
I will carry these values beyond my time as a student at Michigan State University,
continuing the endeavor to build personal integrity in all that I do.

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Michigan State University affirms the principle that all individuals associated with the academic community have a responsibility for establishing, maintaining, and fostering an understanding and appreciation for academic integrity. Academic integrity is the foundation for university success. Learning how to express original ideas, cite works, work independently, and report results accurately and honestly are skills that carry students beyond their academic career.

The Spartan Code of Honor Academic Pledge embodies the principles of academic integrity through a personal commitment to ethical behavior in a student’s studies and research. All undergraduate students are expected to uphold the academic pledge throughout their enrollment at MSU. Student conduct that is inconsistent with the academic pledge is addressed through existing policies, regulations, and ordinances governing academic honesty and integrity. Those policies include:

  • Integrity of Scholarships and Grades Policy
  • Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • General Student Regulations (includes Protection of Scholarship and Grades)
  • Ordinance 17.00 Examinations

Students are encouraged to review the following websites to learn more about academic integrity, student rights and responsibilities, and the Spartan Code of Honor:

  • Spartan Life Handbook (Student Affairs)
  • University Ombudsperson
  • ASMSU

The Spartan Code of Honor was adopted by ASMSU on March 3, 2016, endorsed by Academic Governance on March 22, 2016, and recognized by the Provost, President, and Board of Trustees on April 15, 2016.

Portions excerpted from: “Academic Integrity at Michigan State University” Retrieved 3/3/16 from https://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/academic-integrity/Academic%20Integrity%20at%20MSU.pdf