Department Policies   >   Academic Dishonesty

Unfortunately, undergraduates are caught cheating with some frequency at UCSD. In the math department, this most often takes the form of cheating on an exam: having a ringer take the exam, copying off others exams, or changing an exam and then resubmitting it for a regrade. (There is also occasional copying of work on Matlab assignments; in the past, professors have usually chosen to deal with these infractions without pressing formal charges, but you should talk to your professor to determine his or her individual policy.)

It's important to try to stop cheating before it happens. Such steps may include:

• Making sure students understand the policies of the class regarding dishonesty, and attempting to foster in them the importance of integrity.
• Proctoring vigilantly.
• Having a sound policy for returning exams and dealing with regrades.

If, despite all these safeguards, you suspect a student has cheated, take the following steps:

• Get your professor and/or fellow TAs to confirm (independently, if possible) your observations.
• Gather evidence to support your claim. Note as many details as you can, as they may be important later.
• Tell your professor about all this as soon as possible.
• You or your professor should fill out a report form as soon as possible. Forms can be found here.

Your prof will decide what do next. He may bring forth formal charges, in which case you may be asked to testify later in a hearing. For more details about the official process after a charge is made, and for what officially consistutes cheating, see here.