1. Introduction

Academic integrity is the cornerstone of any educational institution. At International Prosafety Academy, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of honesty, trust, fairness, and responsibility in all academic activities. This Academic Integrity Policy outlines our expectations, defines unacceptable behaviors, and establishes procedures for handling violations to ensure that the value of our certificates and courses is never compromised.

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to all students, faculty members, and staff engaged in academic activities at International Prosafety Academy. It covers all forms of academic work, including:

  • Class assignments and projects
  • Quizzes and examinations
  • Practical assessments
  • Research projects and presentations
  • Any other academic work submitted for assessment

3. Our Commitment to Academic Integrity

We are committed to:

  • Promoting honesty and fairness in all academic activities
  • Ensuring that student assessment reflects genuine learning and achievement
  • Educating students on the principles of academic integrity
  • Preventing and detecting any form of academic misconduct
  • Taking appropriate action against those who violate this policy

4. Forms of Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

Plagiarism:

  • Presenting someone else’s work, ideas, or words as your own without proper acknowledgment.
  • Using AI-generated or paraphrased content without proper citation.
  • Submitting work previously submitted for another course without permission.

Cheating:

  • Using unauthorized materials or devices during examinations.
  • Copying from another student’s work.
  • Communicating with others during an examination.
  • Submitting falsified data or information.

Impersonation:

  • Having someone else take an examination or complete an assignment on your behalf.
  • Taking someone else’s examination or completing their assignment.

Falsification:

  • Forging signatures, certificates, or official documents.
  • Falsifying attendance records or medical certificates.
  • Providing false information for admission or assessment.

Collusion:

  • Working with others on an assignment meant to be completed individually.
  • Sharing unauthorized information about exam content with others.

Unfair Advantage:

  • Attempting to access examination papers before the exam.
  • Using unauthorized assistance in completing assignments.
  • Tampering with assessment processes.

5. Responsibilities of Students

Students are expected to:

  • Complete all assessments honestly and independently.
  • Properly cite and acknowledge all sources used in their work.
  • Understand and follow the academy’s academic integrity rules.
  • Report any suspected violations of academic integrity.
  • Seek clarification from faculty if they are unsure about acceptable practices.

6. Responsibilities of Trainers and Staff

Trainers and staff are expected to:

  • Clearly communicate academic integrity expectations to students.
  • Proactively prevent misconduct through proper invigilation and monitoring.
  • Address any suspected violations promptly and fairly.
  • Educate students on proper citation, referencing, and academic ethics.
  • Maintain confidentiality during investigation processes.

7. Academic Integrity Declaration

All students are required to sign an Academic Integrity Declaration at the beginning of each course, confirming that they understand and agree to comply with this policy. A similar declaration may also be required for each major submission or examination.

8. Reporting and Investigation Process

If a violation of academic integrity is suspected, the following process applies:

  • A report is submitted to the Quality Assurance Department with details and supporting evidence.
  • The student is notified and given an opportunity to explain their side of the situation.
  • The QA Department conducts a fair investigation.
  • The student is informed of the outcome in writing within ten working days.

9. Penalties for Academic Misconduct

The following penalties may be applied depending on the nature and severity of the violation:

Minor Offences (First-time, minor infractions):

  • Formal warning and counseling on academic integrity.
  • Requirement to resubmit the assignment or retake the exam.
  • Reduction in marks or grade for the affected assessment.

Serious Offences (Second violation or major infractions):

  • Automatic zero marks for the affected assessment or exam.
  • Requirement to retake the entire course (subject to fee).
  • Temporary suspension from the academy.

Major Offences (Impersonation, paper leaks, forgery):

  • Permanent expulsion from the academy.
  • Cancellation of all results and certifications.
  • Legal action may be taken if required by law.
  • Information may be shared with awarding bodies or regulatory authorities.

10. Right to Appeal

Any student found in violation of this policy has the right to appeal the decision. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Academy Director within seven working days of receiving the decision notice. The Director’s decision is final and binding.

11. Role of Technology

We use technology to support academic integrity, including:

  • Plagiarism detection software for assignments.
  • Secure online platforms for digital examinations.
  • Access controls and monitoring for online assessments.
  • CCTV surveillance in examination halls (where applicable).

12. Education and Awareness

We believe prevention is better than cure. Students are educated on academic integrity through:

  • Orientation sessions at the beginning of each course.
  • Workshops on proper citation, referencing, and avoiding plagiarism.
  • Regular communication of integrity expectations.

13. Confidentiality

All investigations and outcomes are handled with strict confidentiality. Information is shared only with those who need to be involved in the process.

14. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to align with industry standards, awarding body requirements, and legal regulations.

15. Contact Information

Academy Name: International Prosafety Academy
Address: Sector 10, Vikas Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India – 226022
Email: info@prosafetyacademy.com
Phone: +91-9795976707
Office Hours: Mon-Sat, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM