Academic Policies / Resources
MIT’s Academic Integrity Statement
Massachusetts Institute of Technology students are here because of their demonstrated intellectual ability and because of their potential to make a significant contribution to human thought and knowledge. At MIT, students will be given unusual opportunities to do research and undertake scholarship that will advance knowledge in different fields of study. Students will also face many challenges. It is important for MIT students to become familiar with the Institute’s policies regarding academic integrity, which is available at Academic Integrity at MIT: A Handbook for Students.
Literature Faculty Policy on Plagiarism
The Literature Section has formulated this statement and policy for all plagiarism cases:
Plagiarism – the use of another’s intellectual work without acknowledgement – is a serious offense. It is the policy of the Literature Faculty that students who plagiarize will receive an F in the subject, and that the instructor will forward the case to the Committee on Discipline. Full acknowledgement for all information obtained from sources outside the classroom must be clearly stated in all written work submitted and in all oral presentations, including images or texts in other media and for materials collected online. All ideas, arguments, and direct phrasings taken from someone else’s work must be identified and properly footnoted. Quotations from other sources must be clearly marked as distinct from the student’s own work. For further guidance on the proper forms of attribution, consult the style guides available in the Writing and Communication Center, http://cmsw.mit.edu/writing-and-communication-center/citation-formats/, review their link http://cmsw.mit.edu/writing-and-communication-center/avoiding-plagiarism/, and review and review MIT’s online Academic Integrity Handbook at http://web.mit.edu/academicintegrity/.
Literature Faculty Grading Policy
In accord with MIT Rules and Regulations of the Faculty section 2.62, the Literature Faculty does not grade on a curve. Students are assessed individually, and there is no pre-determined grade spread in any subject. Consistent with this policy, after Drop Date, students who remain in a class are not in jeopardy of seeing their grades change because of the change in class composition.
Resources
Use the Writing and Communication Center (E39-115), which offers free professional advice about oral presentations and about all types of academic, creative, and professional writing. Go to http://cmsw.mit.edu/writing-and-communication-center/ and click on “Appointment.” If you cannot find an open appointment slot, click on the clock in the upper left-hand corner of each day’s block. When a cancellation occurs that day, you will automatically be notified by email. Because several people might receive that same message, go online ASAP to schedule that open spot; 96% of clients who want an appointment end up with one if they use the Wait List. The best way to guarantee an appointment is to schedule early!
Students with Disabilities that might affect their work, in or out of class, should check with their instructor as soon as possible (privately after class or by email). “MIT is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for students with disabilities. Our objective is to ensure that qualified students with disabilities receive equal access to all of the Institute’s programs, activities, and services.
We encourage you to contact us directly to discuss your disability-related needs. Student Disabilities Services (SDS) staff are located in Room 5-104 and can be reached via telephone at: (617) 253-1674 or email to: uaap-sds@mit.edu.”
Student Support Services (S3): If you are encountering academic difficulty of any kind, be sure to take advantage of the resources at S3. See their site at: http://web.mit.edu/uaap/s3/. “If you are dealing with a personal or medical issue that is impacting your ability to attend class, complete work, or take an exam, please discuss this with Student Support Services (S3). The deans in S3 will verify your situation, and then discuss with you how to address the missed work. Students will not be excused from coursework without verification from Student Support Services. You may consult with Student Support Services in 5-104 or at 617-253-4861. Also, S3 has walk-in hours Monday-Friday 9:00-10:00 am.”
Research/Library/Technology/Stellar Assistance: If you have library-related questions about research and resources, contact our liaison, Mark Szarko: szarko@mit.edu or (617) 258-8022. For Stellar and tech support, contact helpdesk@mit.edu or (617) 253-1101.
