MD Program Academic Integrity Guidelines

The MD Program’s academic integrity guidelines are informed by the University of Toronto’s Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters. Suspected breaches of academic integrity by MD students are addressed in accordance with the flow chart below.

Please note that the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and/or other provincial/territorial physician regulating bodies as well as the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) have reporting requirements with respect to academic integrity, particularly in cases where a suspected breach of academic honesty during medical school has undergone a University-level investigation, inquiry  or proceeding (i.e. by a University Tribunal, as set out in the University of Toronto’s Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters).

MD Program Academic Integrity Guidelines PDF

* In this context, meeting with the student on a “without prejudice” basis means that nothing the student says in the meeting with the Course Director (or designate) may be used as evidence against the student should the matter go to a University Tribunal hearing. The Course Director’s account of the meeting can, however, be used to facilitate resolution at the level of the Curriculum Director or Associate Dean.

** In this context, meeting with the student on a “with prejudice” basis means that anything the student says in the meeting with the Curriculum Director or Associate Dean may be used as evidence against the student should the matter go to a University Tribunal hearing.

According to the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters, “Where a proctor or invigilator, who is not a faculty member, has reason to believe that an academic offence has been committed by a student at an examination or test, the proctor or invigilator shall so inform the student's dean or department chair [relevant Course Director or Curriculum Director, as appropriate, for the MD Program], as the case may be, who shall proceed as if he or she were an instructor [Course Director], by analogy to the other provisions of this section.” [C.i.(a) Divisional Procedures, 14]

“In the case of alleged offences not covered by the procedures above and not involving the submission of academic work, such as those concerning forgery or uttering, and in cases involving cancellation, recall or suspension of a degree, diploma or certificate, the procedure shall be regulated by analogy to the other procedures set out in this section.” [C.i.(a) Divisional Procedures, 15]

 


Date of original adoption: 20 June 2017
Date of last review: 20 June 2017