Online Learning That’s Built on Trust
Let’s be honest — trust is everything in education. When a student earns a grade or a college accepts transfer credit, that trust hinges on one thing: integrity. And while some may wonder if it's possible to cheat on a StraighterLine exam, the truth is that our entire system is built to make sure learning — and only learning — leads to success.
At StraighterLine, we’ve always believed that how you learn matters just as much as what you learn. That’s why we’ve built our courses, policies, and technology around academic integrity.
No scare tactics. No gotcha systems. Just a clear, supportive framework that helps students succeed ethically — and gives colleges confidence that every credit reflects real, authentic mastery.
Integrity Isn’t Just a Policy — It’s Part of the Learning Model
Our Student Code of Conduct is more than a list of rules; it’s part of our learning model, which empowers students to take ownership of their education with learning, engagement, accountability, and progress.
Every StraighterLine student agrees to uphold the same standards that guide our courses and faculty. That means:
Providing truthful information during registration.
Keeping login credentials private.
Completing all coursework personally, without unauthorized help or unapproved AI tools.
Communicating respectfully and professionally with instructors and peers.
Reporting violations and helping us keep the learning community honest.
In short: learning with integrity isn’t just the rule — it’s the pathway to success.
AI and Authentic Learning: A Smarter Way Forward
AI has changed how we learn, write, and think — and StraighterLine embraces that evolution with clarity and purpose.
We don’t ban AI. We teach you how to use it responsibly. Our AI policy defines clear boundaries and opportunities:
Independent Work: No AI allowed. Your ideas, your voice.
AI-Assisted Planning: You can brainstorm with AI — just disclose it.
AI-Integration: Some Capstone projects require AI, and you’ll reflect on how you used it.
By distinguishing when and how AI belongs in your learning process, we’re helping students build real-world skills — critical thinking, discernment, and transparency. Because using AI responsibly isn’t cheating; it’s the future of ethical education.
How We Verify Academic Integrity Without Surveillance
Let’s clear something up: StraighterLine no longer uses live proctoring for final exams. We’ve moved beyond outdated webcam monitoring to something smarter, simpler, and more respectful of your privacy — Respondus LockDown Browser.
So, can someone cheat on a StraighterLine exam? Not really. Here’s why:
When you start an assessment, the LockDown Browser secures your testing environment.
It prevents opening new tabs, copying questions, or using outside tools.
Combined with identity verification methods (like behavioral and device-based checks), it ensures that the person earning the grade is the person registered for the course.
The result? A fair, secure experience that protects the credibility of every score — without unnecessary intrusion.
Real Work. Real Learning. Real Accountability.
StraighterLine’s Academic Integrity Policy is about more than catching violations; it’s about teaching honesty as a skill.
We use tools like:
Turnitin for plagiarism and AI-generated content detection.
Identity verification during major assessments.
Faculty feedback loops that help students understand how to use sources, cite properly, and develop their own voice.
When issues arise, faculty review them carefully and fairly. Minor violations might result in a zero or resubmission request. More serious or repeated misconduct — like plagiarism, identity fraud, or selling materials — goes to our Academic Integrity Committee. Their decisions are final, transparent, and documented.
This structure helps us maintain trust with students and partner schools alike — and reinforces that every credit is earned through authentic effort.
What Happens When Integrity Slips
We all make mistakes. At StraighterLine, integrity lapses — whether it’s an attempt to cheat on a StraighterLine exam or any other form of academic dishonesty — are handled with fairness and education in mind.
Violations can lead to:
A zero on an assignment.
Removal from a course.
Disqualification from future courses.
Even transcript revocation, when necessary.
But the goal isn’t punishment — it’s learning. We guide students to understand what went wrong and how to do better. Every incident is documented, reviewed, and — when possible — used as a teachable moment.
Continuous Improvement and Course Upgrades
Integrity isn’t static. Every StraighterLine course undergoes review and updates every 1–3 years.
When a course is retired, students have 120 days to finish, or they can upgrade to the new version. It’s part of our commitment to quality, currency, and fairness — so no student is left behind, and no college has to question the validity of earned credits.
Integrity Builds Trust — and Trust Builds Opportunity
Academic integrity isn’t about surveillance or suspicion — it’s about trust. Trust between students and instructors. Trust between StraighterLine and our partner colleges. And trust that every credit and transcript reflects real learning — not an attempt to cheat on a StraighterLine exam or take shortcuts.
At StraighterLine, we’re proud to lead with transparency, responsibility, and innovation. We don’t just talk about integrity — we build it into every click, every course, and every grade.
Why It Matters
In a world where AI and online learning are reshaping higher education, integrity is your most valuable credential.
When students learn honestly and colleges know those credits are authentic, everyone wins. That’s the kind of education StraighterLine stands for — one that’s flexible, future-ready, and founded on trust.
Get Started with StraighterLine
StraighterLine makes college more flexible and affordable, yes — but it also helps build confidence, accountability, and trust that will remain with you throughout your education and into your career.
Ready to see how it works? Check out the Free Preview or explore the catalog of self-paced online college courses that transfer to 3,000+ colleges and universities.
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