UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO - STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
The Department of Computer Science & Engineering

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

The University at Buffalo Department of Computer Science and Engineering endorses and follows the University policy on Academic Integrity. Students should be familiar with that policy, as expressed in the following documents.

A nice statement of the application of this policy to programming assignments, developed by various members of the CSE Department, is:

As a good rule of thumb, you may discuss any problem in the course as long as no one is using a writing implement (computers included) nor looking at any source code for the assignment. That is, any group work must be verbal only. Obviously you may look at the textbook or class handouts/class notes together. One exception to this rule is that when a friend is having trouble with a small bug, and you notice a typo or other "silly little mistake", you may point it out to them. More substantive assistance is definitely not allowed. The professor or teaching assistants will be able to give more help if you are stuck with concepts.

All academic work must be your own. Collaboration, usually evidenced by unjustifiable similarity in assignments, is never allowed. After an appropriate informal review, if any students are found in violation of maintaining academic integrity, sanctions will be imposed, which can be as severe as receiving an F in the course. Especially flagrant violations will be considered under formal review proceedings, which can call for harsher sanctions including expulsion from the University. If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding the policy, particularly as it relates to this course, see your instructor.