The following common policies have been developed to standardize courses within this program. Individual courses may have additional policies in effect that augment or supersede the following.

Anti-Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism shall be defined as the act of incorporating ideas, words, or specific substance of another, whether purchased, borrowed, or otherwise obtained, and submitting same to the university as one's own work to fulfill academic requirements without giving credit to the appropriate source. Plagiarism shall include but not be limited to [a] submitting work, either in part or in whole, completed by another; [b] omitting footnotes for ideas, statements, facts, or conclusions that belong to another; [c] omitting quotation marks when quoting directly from another, whether it be a paragraph, sentence, or part thereof; [d] close and lengthy paraphrasing of the writings of another; [e] submitting another's artistic works, such as musical compositions, photographs, paintings, drawings, or sculptures; and [f] submitting as papers purchased from research companies.

Students should review the tutorial provided by the SDSU Love Library to obtain a clear understanding of plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Your written work may be submitted to an online plagiarism detection system (such as TurnItIn.com) where it will be included in a reference database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism.

Artificial Intelligence / LLM Policy

Student submissions must remain the student's original contribution or properly cited to the correct author. Courses are classised as AI-2 (Restricted). If permitted by individual instructors for their courses, any use of generative Large Language Models (LLMs) / Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications must be transparent, verified for accuracy, and appear with a proper citation (APA / MLA). Misuse of LLM/AI violates these course policies and will be reported to the SDSU Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities.

As specified in the July 2026 Senate Policies, instructors must disclose any use of LLM/AI in course grading (page 70) or course content generation (page 151).

Academic Dishonesty Policy

Academic dishonesty ("cheating") is defined as the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work by the use of dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent means. Examples of cheating include: [a] copying, in part or in whole, from another's work or examination; [b] collaborating with others in work to be presented without the permission of the instructor; [c] using notes or other devices considered inappropriate under the prescribed testing condition; [d] falsifying records, laboratory work, or other course data; [e] altering or interfering with the grading procedures; and [f] knowingly and intentionally assisting another student in any of the above.

This course has zero tolerance for academic dishonesty and students involved in cheating or plagiarism will be given a failing ("F") grade for the course. Additionally, students will be reported and referred to the SDSU Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities for discipline at a University level which may include punitive sanctions, such as probation, suspension, or expulsion.

No Recording Policy

Audio and/or visual recording or photography of any instructor, classmate, or guest lecturer during classes or exams is strictly forbidden. These courses are intended to foster free discussion and recording devices produce a chilling effect on participation.

Non-Attribution Policy

The Homeland Security program presents the student with a wide range of highly qualified and informative classmates, guest speakers, and instructors. To promote candid participation in discussions, we affirm that what is said in classroom discussions, posted on the course website, or mentioned in other electronic, written, or verbal methods, will not be attributed to them outside the classroom, regardless of classification, disclaimer, or public domain. Quoting someone outside the course environment without permission may risk your reputation, or the reputation of others. Individuals who violate this policy are subject to administrative and disciplinary action per University policy.

Government Security Clearance Policy

Some students, classmates, instructors, guest lecturers, or observers may be under the restrictions of U.S. Government Security Clearances issued by various government agencies. Those that hold these security levels must not disclose any information that contradicts oaths, agreements, or pledges of secrecy to which they previously sworn. Do not discuss or post online materials which you know or suspect to be under U.S. Government classification.

Attendance Policy

Students who miss the first class meeting may be dropped from the course roster if missing from the start of the second class meeting. Your attendance and participation at each class meeting is extremely important. In-class meeting time is not only used to deliver content, but also to expand upon the readings and encourage questions and inter-student discussions. Absences from class meetings will negatively affect your learning and progress towards learning objectives. Students are still responsible for assignments, required readings, and any insights developed through in-class discussion despite absences. Notify the instructor in advance of any planned absences and ask classmates for notes and information you have missed.

Preparation & Participation

Please arrive prior to the start of class, ready to learn, and having completed all the assigned reading beforehand to enable thoughtful in-classroom discussion. If you are not prepared, you lack respect for your classmates that made time to complete the assignments. We all genuinely have something to contribute to the discussion; if you do not prepare, you cannot participate, and thus deprive others of your perspective and opinion (and selfishly benefit from other's perspectives and opinions). Active participation means that you listen not only to the instructor but also to your peers. Your eyes should be focused on the person speaking, not on your laptop or mobile device.

Mobile Telephone Policy

You are required to silence your mobile during class meetings. Sending messages or checking emails during class time is discourteous and disruptive and may lead to expulsion from the classroom. If you must place or receive voice calls or text messages, silently exit the classroom.

In-class Wifi Policy

Internet capable devices may only be used for purposes directly related to class activities, such as taking notes or referencing information that is relevant to the class. All other uses (e.g., chatting, texting, games, social networking, email, unrelated web browsing) are prohibited.

Canvas Portal Policy

Students must have reliable, regular, and affordable access to high-speed Internet connection and a personal computer (either at home or by using the Love Library Student Computing Center). Students are expected to regularly interact with the online course web portal that provides online discussion and assignment submission capabilities. Instructors may also use email to send announcements and pertinent information. Students must regularly check email and adjust junk mail or spam settings such that important messages are not filtered. Content posted online or in email messages forms an important part of a course and should be treated as required reading unless otherwise specified. Students should be skilled at the use of online reference websites to clarify difficult concepts presented.

Student Conduct Policy

Students are expected to show the instructor, guests, and fellow students respect by their courteous behavior during class meetings. If you bring food or drink into the classroom (and if allowed by the facility), kindly clean up after yourself. Disrespectful behavior includes reading, watching, listening, or working on unrelated materials or working on assignments, external communications, or sleeping. Disruptive, threatening, or aggressive behavior will result in removal from the classroom and potentially further administrative discipline.

Special Needs Policy

If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is your responsibility to contact Student Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, and that accommodations based upon disability cannot be provided until you have presented your instructor with an accommodation letter.

If you have other non-disability related concerns or if you feel uncomfortable, privately communicate these concerns to the instructor or department directors.

Restricted Enrollment Policy

All Homeland Security courses are restricted to graduate students and some have footnotes (notably "ZL") in the Class Schedule with other restrictions. Students from disciplines outside Homeland Security are welcome to enroll, subject to approval from the instructor.

Credit/No Credit (Pass/Fail)

Homeland Security students may not use courses with a credit/no-credit designation towards degree progress. Other students may be eligible but should inquire with their department prior to enrollment. Students may audit course subject to instructor permission and conditions.

Incomplete Status (I)

Students that encounter a justifiable and unforeseen circumstance (e.g., family emergency) that prevents participation during the regular semester may be eligible to receive an Incomplete (I) status and complete coursework within one year subject to a written aggreement. Incomplete cannot be used to re-take or avoid a failing grade. Consult part six of the SDSU General Catalog for more information.