Dr. Hansen's Guidelines for Collaboration

Definition:

I'll begin by presenting my policies for collaboration and then I will follow up with an informal discussion of collaboration and academic integrity. Please take note of my policies at the end of the page.

Firm Policies

Tests

Without exception, the answers provided on tests must be your own work. You should not seek nor divulge answers to test questions from any person or resource unless specifically allowed (e.g., an open-book, open-notes exam). In the event of a take-home exam, you should not discuss any aspect of the test with anyone during the exam period. However, asking clarifying questions about the exam of the instructor is permitted and encouraged.

Homework

Like tests, unless the work is a team project, all homework must be your own work. You should not seek specific answers from other sources. However, other sources may be used in helping you arrive at a solution. In addition, I encourage students to collaborate at a high-level by talking about homework problems. However, the line here between appropriate and inappropriate collaboration is hazy. It is certainly not appropriate to look at or copy another student's work. It is appropriate to ask for help in understanding a concept or technique necessary to solve a particular problem. It is not appropriate to have someone help you solve a nearly identical problem. When in doubt, err on the cautious side and ask the instructor.

Programming Assignments

Good programmers copy, borrow, and collaborate - it is the very essence of the concept of software reuse we try to promote. However, like homework, unless the work is a team project, all programs must be your own work. Again, the line between appropriate and inappropriate collaboration is hazy.
Appropriate collaboration:

• Asking questions about syntax errors while programming.
• Using other components in developing your programs where the the development of that component is not the main purpose of the assignment (e.g., you can use a Stack class for an Operating Systems programming assignment, but not to solve a Data Structures assignment on implementing stacks).

Inappropriate collaboration:

• Sharing code with others.
• Discussing or describing an approach to solving a problem at a high level such as sketching an algorithm or data structure that might be used.

Group Projects

Some projects are performed in groups. Obviously this is an instance when collaboration is expected within a group. My only guideline here is that every member of the group ought to insure that they're contributing equally. Too often only one or two people carry the project. Group assignments can be valuable in teaching collaboration but they can also be an opportunity to rely inappropriately on others to do all of the work. A person's contribution to a group project will be taken into consideration when assigning individual grades.

General Comments

First Offense

Everyone involved will receive a score of 0 on the assignment. This means both the person(s) who did the work as well as the person(s) who reused the work of others. So beware - letting someone else use any of your work will result in a 0 for you as well. In addition, I am required to send a letter to the Undergraduate Dean that documents the episode.

Subsequent Offenses

Anyone foolish enough to violate my policies a second time will receive an "F" for the course and will be turned over the the Undergraduate Dean for further disciplinary action. Again, this includes any and all parties involved. Additional penalties, per Academic Affairs Office guidelines, may include expulsion from the University. Note that any violation of academic integrity in any class counts as a first offense.

Almost all of life is filled with collaboration (i.e., people working together). Yet in our academic system, we artificially limit collaboration. These limits are designed to force you to learn fundamental principles and build specific skills. It is very artificial, and you'll find that collaboration is a valuable skill in the working world.

While some of you may be tempted to collaborate too much, others will collaborate too little. When appropriate, it's a good idea to make use of others - the purpose here is to learn. Be sure to make the most of this opportunity but do it earnestly and with integrity.