The Code of Academic Integrity at Seaver College is an integral part of the educational
process. It makes possible an atmosphere conducive to the development of the total
person through learning experiences. Since a person is more than intellect, learning
is more than academic achievement. It includes achievement in all the qualities of
an individual: intellectual, spiritual, ethical, emotional, and physical. Seaver's
Code of Academic Integrity provides among students, faculty members, and the administration
a spirit of community where total development of all individuals can occur. Furthermore,
it creates a climate of mutual trust, respect, and interpersonal concern, where openness
and integrity prevail.
The Code of Academic Integrity enriches the educational process at Seaver College and encourages the development of a "Seaver spirit." Consequently, this leads to a pervasive sense of pride for and loyalty to Seaver's high standards of academic ethics, personal honesty, and spiritual values which imbue Seaver College as a Christian university.
The code emphasizes the dignity and development of each individual. The code maintains free competition and independent intellectual effort, not tolerating dishonesty, cheating, or plagiarism in any form. If acts of dishonorable conduct occur, the code outlines applicable procedures and sanctions designed to censure such activity.
But, to be effective, the code must be maintained by the community. This requires a genuine sense of maturity, responsibility, and sensitivity on the part of every member. In particular, each member of the Seaver College community is expected to pursue his or her academic work with honesty and integrity. Academic Integrity is the expression of intellectual virtue in human beings as a result of their creation in God's image. It represents the convergence of the best of the human spirit and God's spirit, which requires personal, private, and community virtue. As a Christian institution, Pepperdine University affirms that integrity begins in our very created being and is lived out in our academic work.
Unfortunately, students do, on occasion, violate Academic Integrity, and this provides a need for discipline and an opportunity for restoration. The following pages describe the conduct that violates Academic Integrity, applicable procedures, and sanctions that may be imposed.