Supports for UVic's New Academic Integrity Policy
July 13, 2026
UVic’s new Policy on Academic Integrity comes into effect September 2026. Senate approved the new policy in May, following a comprehensive review and consultations led by a Senate sub-committee reporting to and through the Senate Committee on Academic Standards.
The Policy is available in the September 2026 Academic Calendar.
Key changes
The new policy seeks to better clarify expectations, strengthen procedural fairness, and respond to changes in teaching, learning and assessment, including the growing use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools.
It also distinguishes between Academic Dishonesty (course-based cases) and Academic Fraud (more serious matters affecting academic standing or records), with corresponding processes.
The policy includes timelines and procedural steps to support consistency and transparency, as well as a responsibility flowchart.
Information for instructors
Instructors should communicate permitted use of technologies, including any GenAI tools, in their course materials, consistent with the Senate-approved course outline requirements.
Please note that the policy now makes it explicit that instructors may not use GenAI tools to grade student work or to determine whether a policy violation has occurred. Crowdmark is a UVic-approved grading platform for assessments, integrated with Brightspace.
Supports and resources
The Division of Learning and Teaching Innovation (LTI) is updating its Integrity in Practice Brightspace modules for students and developing a new module for instructors over the summer, aiming for a September launch. We will notify you once it’s available.
They are also updating key online resources on Teach Anywhere.
LTI has developed, or is in the process of developing, resources and training sessions for instructors on assignment design, academic integrity, and GenAI literacy. Examples include: GenAI workshops, a GenAI Community of Practice and individualized consultations with professional staff who specialize in instructional development and educational strategy.
To further support implementation of the new policy, LTI has established a new Facilitator, Academic Integrity Learning to help faculty, staff and students navigate questions about plagiarism, group work, and the ethical use of GenAI tools within the context of the new policy. In addition, UVic Libraries offers resources and expertise in citation support, copyright and scholarly communication to support academic integrity.
Academic integrity advisors
As part of the new policy requirements, each academic unit will need to identify an Academic Integrity Advisor to serve as a source of education, support and communication. Members of the Senate sub-committee will meet with Chairs and Directors in August to discuss further. Ideally, these roles will be in place for fall 2026, though some units may require additional time.
Academic Integrity Advisors are intended as a support and advisory resource and do not replace the formal decision-making responsibilities outlined in the policy. Positioned according to local needs, this role will serve as a trusted faculty member within the department/school (or Faculty, for non-departmentalized units) who assists colleagues in navigating academic dishonesty cases. The Facilitator, Academic Integrity Learning in LTI will support these roles.
More information
Further information and guidance on the new Policy on Academic Integrity will be available in the coming months and regularly throughout the academic cycle.