Academic Integrity Student Commitments
Aspen University strives to provide a safe, online environment for students to learn and grow so that they may realize their academic and career aspirations reflecting Aspen’s mission. We aspire to be a community where academic integrity is upheld as a cornerstone of our collective values. By prioritizing honesty and ethical conduct in every academic endeavor, we value an environment where trust and credibility flourish. As an institution, we commit to nurturing a culture where learning is respected, achievements are earned with integrity, and every student, faculty, and staff member contributes to a community of academic excellence.
To that end, Aspen University Student Commitments include to:
- Respect themselves, others, and the University;
- Honor the diversity of their classmates and faculty;
- Uphold high standards for personal and academic integrity;
- Realize the impact of their conduct upon themselves, others, and the University; and
- Seek opportunities to restore trust resulting from the impact of actions and choices.
Respect themselves, others, and the University: Respect is not merely a set of guidelines, but woven into the fabric of daily university life. It begins with students embracing their own worth and potential, fostering a culture of self-respect that radiates through their actions and choices within the online classroom. This self-awareness naturally extends to others, including the staff and faculty with whom they interact, creating a community where empathy and understanding thrive. Every interaction is permeated with a deep-seated respect for diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Furthermore, respect for the University manifests in cherishing its mission, goals, and commitment to excellence. It is a commitment to upholding integrity, honesty, and a sense of collective responsibility, ensuring that each member contributes positively to the institution.
Honor the diversity of classmates and faculty: Honoring the diversity of classmates and faculty enriches our academic community. Recognizing the myriad backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives that each individual brings into the classroom allows diversity to become a source of strength that fosters dialogue and broadens horizons. It entails not only tolerance but genuine curiosity and respect for differing viewpoints, creating an environment where learning is elevated through mutual understanding, in accordance with Aspen’s Diversity and Equity Statement. Faculty members, representing various experiences and expertise, inspire and guide students from their own professional and academic journeys. Together, this commitment to embracing diversity nurtures an environment where every voice is valued and every contribution is honored, shaping a community that thrives on inclusivity and mutual respect.
Uphold high standards for personal and academic integrity: Upholding high standards for personal and academic integrity signifies a steadfast commitment to honesty, fairness, and ethical conduct in all aspects of academic, professional, and personal life. This commitment, for example, respects the academic expectation that all work submitted demonstrates one's own effort and understanding of content, especially in the changing technological landscape of artificial or assisted intelligence. It also extends to interactions with peers and faculty, where transparency and trustworthiness are paramount, and involves taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions, embodying a sense of accountability that enriches our learning community. By maintaining these high standards, students not only uphold the reputation of our institution, but also cultivate an environment where integrity serves as a guiding principle for personal growth and academic excellence.
Realize the impact of their conduct upon themselves, others, and the University: Realizing the impact of conduct is essential for students to navigate their academic journey responsibly and ethically. Each action taken carries repercussions that resonate beyond immediate outcomes, shaping personal growth, relationships with faculty and peers, and the overall reputation of the institution. By considering these impacts, students cultivate a sense of accountability and integrity in their behavior, participating in a community where trust and respect are foundational. This understanding extends to academic pursuits, where diligence and honesty uphold the standards of scholarship and contribute to a culture of academic excellence. By embracing this awareness, students not only enhance their own experiences but also contribute to a vibrant, supportive community committed to shared success and ethical conduct.
Seek opportunities to restore trust resulting from the impact of actions and choices: Seeking opportunities to restore trust resulting from the impact of actions and choices is a vital commitment for students to make within our community. Recognizing the effects that actions can have on relationships and the broader university environment, students actively engage in efforts to mend any trust that may have been compromised. This involves sincere reflection on one's conduct by taking responsibility for behavior. Students are encouraged to listen attentively to concerns, communicate openly and honestly, and take concrete steps to rebuild trust through consistent and ethical behavior. Ultimately, by embracing these efforts, students play an integral role in fostering a supportive and trustworthy community where learning and growth thrive.
Relevant Policies: In support of the aspiration to be a community of academic integrity, the following policies apply: