Success in college, as in other aspects of life, demands absolute honesty at all times. Sierra College expects that students, as well as faculty, will observe the principles of ethical conduct in their treatment of fellow members of the academic community and in their accomplishment of academic work. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with these principles as they pertain to each course in which they enroll. When completing assignments, students should be careful to follow the principles of ethical conduct. Students who are uncertain about the ethics involved in particular courses or assignments should make it a point to talk with instructors. Proven misconduct or violation of these principles will be disciplined as set forth in this policy.

The instructor has absolute authority over issuing the final course grade (Education Code, Section 76224).

It is important to remember that the principles of academic honesty in no way restrict free inquiry and the open exchange of diverse, and sometimes unpopular, ideas. These the College encourages, for they are vital to learning and the pursuit of reason and truth.

Students who fail to comply with this policy will be subject to disciplinary action as described in Administrative Procedure 5515.

Reference: Board Policies Chapter 5