Academic integrity is a core value at the University of Waterloo, reflecting our commitment to honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility
Academic integrity is a core value at the University of Waterloo, reflecting our commitment to honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility. Therefore, allegations of academic misconduct are taken very seriously. When integrity is compromised, it casts a shadow on the exemplary international reputation of this institution, along with the hard work of all of our students, faculty and staff.
Allegations of misconduct involving faculty members are addressed under the Memorandum of Agreement between the university and the Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo while allegations of student misconduct are dealt with under the university’s Policy 71. Established procedures to address allegations of academic misconduct are clearly outlined by the university, with well-defined consequences ranging from reprimand to termination for those who fail to uphold our standards for academic honesty, integrity and proper conduct.
Under the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement, an investigation was recently completed into allegations of plagiarism involving Dongqing Li, a professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering.
Li has accepted the findings of the investigation and apologized for his role.
“I am very sorry for the plagiarism contained in the review paper. I take responsibility for this mistake, and for my delayed action in withdrawing the paper when I learned of the plagiarism. Further, I should have specified the extent of the plagiarized text in the retraction note.
“Academic and scholarly integrity is the most important aspect of my work. I apologize to those impacted by my actions, including my colleagues and students, the university and the research community.”
The investigation found Li guilty of misconduct in research owing to negligence in professorial duties. As a result, Li will be suspended without pay for four months, beginning April 1, 2013. While free to visit the campus, Li will be relieved of all university duties and privileges, and will not be able to use university resources for the duration of the suspension.
As president and vice-chancellor, I am deeply troubled by any allegation of academic misconduct involving our students, faculty or staff. Academic integrity is expected from all members of our campus community. It is a core value encouraged through education and by example, which we are proud to see upheld by the vast majority of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.
I thank those involved with this investigation for their dedication and commitment to ensuring a fair and rigorous process. We remain steadfastly committed to academic integrity in teaching, learning, research and all that we do.
Feridun Hamdullahpur, President and Vice-Chancellor
