The community which makes up Brunswick School demands that all "young men grow in an atmosphere of trust, care, and mutual respect."  All members of the department endeavor to instill the values of honesty and integrity in each and every student.  It is with these lofty goals in mind (and in conjunction with and ancillary to the Brunswick School Handbook.) that the History/Social Studies Department presents the following specific policies regarding academic integrity:

The submission of work as one’s own any part of which is:
             -written or created by another.  (This includes term paper "mill" sites)
             -copied or paraphrased from any source without proper citation (i.e. cutting
              and pasting of web materials)
             -based upon an idea unique to another source without proper
              acknowledgement.

The willful perversion of the truth with intent to deceive.  In particular, students tend to be dishonest with regards to homework, be it either written or read.  Unless a teacher specifically says a student can work with another student, written homework should not be shared or copied. And if you have not read, the department feels it is better just to be up front with your teacher instead of trying to "fake" your way through it during Q&A or a class discussion.  Worse yet, begging a classmate for the details is deceitful as well--remember your character and reputation are at stake!

It is in the best interest of the student to take tests on the day they are scheduled.  Minor "sicknesses" and the postponement of tests only set students back in the long run.  However, if a student is sick, a makeup test will be offered.  Students must seek out their instructor first thing in the morning to schedule a time for the makeup.  All make-ups must be taken as soon as possible, preferably on the first day back unless there are extenuating circumstances which would not allow the student to take the make-up in 24 hours.

All students should not discuss tests after a test has been taken.  Post-test discussion, even with students who have taken the exam, constitutes cheating.  Students often do not realize that "private" hallway conversations are often heard by others who have not yet taken the test on that day.  Play it safe—do not risk being accused of cheating.

The Internet is a wonderful resource that greatly lends itself to the study of history.  Still, there are some pitfalls that must be avoided at all cost.  First, avoid surfing to sites that offer term papers (often called paper "mill" sites) for downloading and sale. It is surprisingly easy for teachers to find these Web sites as well. 

Second, there has been a great rise in the incidence of "cutting and pasting" of paragraphs from web sites into papers without proper citation--this is an act of plagiarism. 

Finally, e-mail is a great way to communicate with your classmates but sometimes leads to the cutting and pasting of other’s written homework assignments, in complete violation of the Brunswick Handbook.  Use the Internet to accentuate your work--not to compromise your efforts.

Any details not specifically covered in these guidelines can be found in the Brunswick School Handbook.