Academic Honesty and Behavior Policy

SECTION I. Introduction
1.1 Institutional Commitment
Apicius Armenia upholds academic integrity as a foundational principle of its educational philosophy and institutional culture. All members of the academic community - students, faculty, and staff - share the responsibility of maintaining a learning environment based on honesty, trust, fairness, responsibility, and respect.
1.2 Student Acknowledgement
All students are required to acknowledge this Policy in writing.

SECTION II. Academic Integrity
2.1 Definition
Academic integrity refers to the commitment to producing original work that truthfully reflects the author’s own knowledge and understanding while properly crediting all sources, including AI-generated contributions.
2.2 Student Expectations
Students are expected to:
  • Submit original work for all assessments;
  • Properly cite and reference all sources, including content generated by AI tools;
  • Refrain from unauthorized assistance or collaboration;
  • Follow all examination rules and maintain confidentiality of assessments;
  • Report known or suspected violations of academic integrity.

SECTION III. Violations of Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty is considered a serious offense. Violations include, but are not limited to, the following:
3.1 Cheating
a) Use or attempted use of unauthorized materials during assessments (homework, exams, quizzes, presentations, etc.);
b) Communication with others during closed assessments;
c) Copying or allowing others to copy work.
3.2 Plagiarism
a) Representing the ideas or words of others as one’s own, intentionally or unintentionally;
b) Use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, Jasper) without acknowledgment or instructor consent;
c) Submitting the same work for multiple assignments without explicit permission.
3.3 Fabrication and Falsification
a) Inventing or altering data, citations, or sources;
b) Forging university documents, records, or signatures.
3.4 Dishonest Conduct
a) Theft of exams or quizzes;
b) Submission of purchased or ghostwritten papers, including exchange of assignments online;
c) Altering official university documentation;
d) Manipulating submission timing to gain unfair advantage.
3.5 Misuse of AI and Digital Tools
a) Using AI tools to complete substantial portions of academic work without instructor approval;
b) Submitting AI-generated content without proper disclosure and citation;
c) Distributing or acquiring academic materials via unauthorized file-sharing platforms.

SECTION IV. Behavioural Expectations
4.1 General Conduct Standards
Students are required to maintain respectful and professional conduct in all academic and campus-related environments. This includes:
a) Respect for institutional facilities and property;
b) Courteous treatment of faculty, staff, and peers;
c) Refraining from disruptive, discriminatory, or hateful behavior;
d) Compliance with dress codes and safety protocols where applicable (e.g., kitchens, laboratories).
4.2 Conduct During Labs
In addition to general classroom behavior expectations, students enrolled in lab-based courses must
adhere to the following code of conduct to ensure a safe, respectful, and professional learning
environment:
  • Proper Attire Is Mandatory
Attendance in lab classes is permitted only if students are wearing the required, clean uniform with all the necessary equipment. Long hair must be tied back before donning the hat. No rings, earrings, visible piercings, bracelets, watches, or nail polish are allowed. Students not in proper attire will be denied entry to the lab.

  • Punctuality and Preparedness
Students must arrive on time and fully prepared for each session. Late arrivals will not be allowed to join class. Missing tools, improper attire, or unpreparedness are treated as absence.

  • Hygiene and Safety
Students must thoroughly wash their hands at the beginning of class and before handling any food. Professional hygiene is non-negotiable and will be strictly monitored.

  • Professional Behavior and Respect
All students are expected to behave with courtesy and professionalism. Disruptive actions, sitting on workstations, or disrespect toward instructors or classmates are unacceptable and may lead to removal from class. Repeated or serious incidents will be escalated to the Academic Office for disciplinary action.

  • Participation and Responsibility
All students are required to actively participate in every activity, regardless of personal preferences or dietary habits. Cooking labs involve diverse recipes and tasks which all students must complete. Personal selectivity is not permitted during technical skill-building lessons.

  • Cleanliness and Equipment Care
Each student must maintain their station clean and wash all utensils used. Two students per session will be assigned to clean common areas. All equipment and utensils must be returned in good condition. Missing or damaged tools due to negligence will be collectively charged to the group.

  • Food Handling and Consumption
Only small food tastings are permitted in class, strictly for educational purposes. No food is to be removed from the kitchen under any circumstances. No Visitors or Phones. External visitors are not allowed in lab classrooms at any time. The use of mobile phones is
strictly prohibited during lab sessions and throughout the school building.

  • Cleanliness and Equipment Care
Failure to comply with any of the above guidelines will result in disciplinary measures, including but not limited to removal from class, academic penalties, or reimbursement of damages. These rules are essential for maintaining a safe, respectful, and industry-aligned learning environment.

SECTION V. Procedures for Violations
5.1 Instructor Review
In cases of suspected violations, the instructor shall review the matter with the student. Minor first-time offenses may result in a verbal warning or the opportunity to repeat the assignment under specified conditions.
5.2 Documentation and Escalation
Serious or repeated offenses must be documented and referred to the Academic Integrity Committee (AIC) for formal review and resolution.
5.3 Penalties
Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, sanctions may include:
a) Written reprimand;
b) Redoing the assignment or assessment (possibly with a different version);
c) Grade reduction for the assignment in question;
d) Failing grade for the assignment or the entire course;
e) Temporary suspension or permanent expulsion in severe or repeated cases.

SECTION VI. Appeals Process
6.1 Right to Appeal
Students may appeal academic integrity decisions by submitting a formal written appeal to the Academic Affairs within seven (7) working days of notification.
6.2 Review Procedure
Appeals shall be considered by a neutral panel in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Academic Appeals Panel Regulation.
6.3 Final Decision
All decisions regarding appeals shall be communicated to the student in writing and are considered final, unless new procedural or evidentiary issues arise.

SECTION VII. Role of the Community
7.1 Faculty Responsibilities
a) Model academic integrity and enforce its principles in all coursework;
b) Clearly define expectations regarding source usage and AI tools;
c) Educate students on proper citation and research practices.
7.2 Student Responsibilities
a) Engage honestly in all academic activities;
b) Seek clarification on policies when in doubt;
c) Report suspected academic misconduct when observed.
7.3 Administration Responsibilities
a) Maintain and communicate clear institutional policies;
b) Provide training for faculty and students on academic integrity standards;
c) Support enforcement through fair and consistent procedures.

SECTION VIII. AI and Emerging Technologies
8.1 Permissible Use
AI tools may be used for academic purposes only with explicit instructor approval. Their use must be
disclosed and properly cited as part of the student’s work.
8.2 Violations Involving AI
Undisclosed use of AI tools for content generation will be treated as plagiarism under this Policy.
8.3 Recommended Practices
Students are encouraged to limit AI use to brainstorming, grammar checking, and idea generation
unless broader application is authorized.