Academic Integrity & Ethical Research

Academic integrity is an essential part of being a successful student and responsible researcher. This page introduces the core principles of academic honesty, explains what plagiarism is, and guides you on how to use sources and tools like generative AI ethically in your work.

Academic Integrity: What It Is and Why It Matters

Academic integrity is the foundation of an honest and ethical academic community. At UNT, it means completing your own work, giving proper credit to others, and using information responsibly. These practices ensure that your academic accomplishments truly reflect your abilities.

You demonstrate academic integrity when you:

• Cite your sources clearly
• Avoid presenting someone else’s work as your own
• Report information and research findings accurately
• Use materials according to copyright and privacy laws
• Respect intellectual property
• Ask for help when you're unsure

Upholding these values strengthens your credibility, contributes to a culture of trust, and supports your growth as a scholar. While academic pressures can sometimes feel overwhelming, choosing shortcuts or academic dishonesty can harm your reputation, limit future opportunities, and violate UNT’s Student Academic Integrity Policy.

If you ever feel stuck, confused, or unsure, remember that there are many ways to get support - talk to your instructor, visit campus support services, or reach out to your subject librarian for research help. Integrity is a choice, and support is always available.

Understanding Plagiarism

Plagiarism is one of the most common forms of academic dishonesty. At its core, it means using someone else’s words, ideas, images, or work without proper attribution. According to the UNT Student Academic Integrity Policy, plagiarism includes both knowingly and accidentally using someone else's work (whether quoted or paraphrased) without clear citation. It also includes submitting work written by someone else, including purchased or AI-generated content, without permission or acknowledgment.

Common Examples of Plagiarism

• Copying text without citation
• Paraphrasing too closely to the original wording
• Forgetting quotation marks when using exact wording
• Reusing your own previous work (self-plagiarism)
• Using images, media, or AI-generated text without attribution

Plagiarism can have serious consequences in both academic and professional settings, including damaged reputation, loss of trust, or disciplinary action.

How to Avoid Plagiarism

Even when you understand what plagiarism is, it can still happen accidentally. Common unintentional mistakes include:

• Missing or incorrect quotation marks for exact wording
• Paraphrasing too closely to the original text
• Mixing your ideas with source ideas without making the distinction clear
• Misjudging what counts as common knowledge
• Using the wrong citation style or formatting citations incorrectly
• Reusing your own previous work without citation (self-plagiarism)

To avoid these issues, keep clear notes, cite your sources consistently, follow the required citation style, and ask for help when you're unsure. UNT Libraries also offer resources and support to help you cite accurately and use sources responsibly.

Using Generative AI Ethically

Generative AI tools (like ChatGPT, Gemini, or image generators) can be helpful for learning, organizing ideas, or clarifying concepts, but only when used ethically and according to your instructor’s expectations. Misusing AI can count as academic dishonesty, including plagiarism.

Here’s how to use AI responsibly:

• Do not submit AI-generated text as your own work. Even small sections copied from AI without permission or acknowledgment are considered plagiarism.
• Acknowledge or cite AI when required. Some assignments allow AI use but require transparency. Follow your instructor’s preferred citation style.
• Use AI only for approved purposes, such as brainstorming, outlining, summarizing, or asking clarifying questions (not writing your final answer unless you have explicit permission).
• Check assignment instructions carefully. In some classes AI use is allowed, limited, or completely prohibited.
• Protect sensitive information. Do not upload private data, copyrighted content, or personal information about yourself or others into AI tools.
• Use your own critical thinking. AI can make mistakes, invent citations, or provide inaccurate information. Always verify what you use.
• When in doubt, ask your instructor. Expectations vary widely, and getting clarification shows integrity and responsibility.

Using AI ethically strengthens your work, protects your academic credibility, and helps you build genuine research and writing skills.