FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Academic Integrity & Policy, Academic Support, Academic Resource Center (ARC), and Writing Center (WC)
Academic Integrity & Policy
What tool does Westcliff use to review papers for plagiarism and AI?
Our current academic standards require all assignments to be reviewed through Turnitin, which is Westcliff’s official platform for assessing both textual similarity and AI-generated content. To ensure fairness across all doctoral candidates, determinations are based on the Turnitin report rather than on other third-party tools.
What is plagiarism and what is Westcliff University’s policy on plagiarism?
Plagiarism is the deliberate use or copying of written work without giving full credit to the original author for their contribution. Plagiarism is not tolerated under any circumstances. The university expects all students to paraphrase or write in their own words and to properly cite all sources using in-text citations and matching references.
For full details on how plagiarism is reviewed and addressed, including academic consequences, please refer to the Westcliff University Academic Integrity Policy in the Student Handbook (pp. 66–67). This is the official and most up-to-date source for all procedures related to academic misconduct.
If you have any questions about plagiarism or how to avoid it, please contact your Program Chair, who serves as the primary point of contact for academic integrity concerns and next steps.
What is considered an acceptable similarity percentage?
The University recommends keeping the Turnitin similarity score under 20%. Some professors may set a lower limit. Students should always read their course guidelines and double check with their professors.
Why are the title page and reference page often flagged in Turnitin?
This is common and not a cause for concern. The title page may be flagged because it contains repeated information such as your name, instructor’s name, course title, and date—details that appear in many student submissions. The reference page is also frequently flagged because the citations themselves (author names, titles, and publication details) are identical to those that appear in other students’ papers or in published databases indexed by Turnitin. These matches reflect shared source information, not plagiarism. When reviewing a Turnitin report, students should focus on matches within the body of the paper, where their original writing and source integration appear.
What is the difference between the AI percentage and the similarity percentage?
The AI percentage estimates how much of your content may have been generated by artificial intelligence. The similarity percentage shows how much of your content matches previously published sources. These are two separate metrics. If AI percentage is less than 20%, then the Turnitin score will display as “*%”.
Does the similarity score include AI-detected content in Turnitin?
No. The similarity score students see in their Turnitin reports does not include AI-detected content. The similarity score only measures matched content from previously published sources.
Can students see their AI percentage in Turnitin?
No. Only professors can view the AI score.
Will students be able to see their AI percentage directly in Turnitin?
No. Only professors can view the AI score.
How can students access the AI score and flagged AI-generated content?
Students have two options:
- After submission in GAP: Students can ask their professor to share or review the full Turnitin report with them.
- Before submission in GAP: The Writing Center can run drafts through Turnitin for internal review as part of a feedback session; however, the AI scan results are not shared directly with students. Students who want to better understand responsible AI use can meet with a Writing Center specialist to discuss AI-related writing patterns, ethical use of AI tools, and strategies for maintaining academic integrity.
When the university mentions “AI” in its policy, does that refer only to ChatGPT or all AI tools?
For more information, please review Westcliff’s Policy on the Use of AI and Academic Integrity.
How can students use AI responsibly and avoid high AI percentages?
To avoid high AI percentages, students should give clear instructions to the AI tool not to rewrite their text. For example if you have trouble with grammar, you might copy a sentence or paragraph into your AI tool, then type:
- Identify the grammatical errors in the passage.
- Explain why they are wrong.
- Explain how to correct them.
- DO NOT rewrite the passage.
Please review this guide for more information on how to use AI responsibly.
How can students cite ChatGPT if used responsibly?
In-text citations and references for ChatGPT must follow APA 7th edition, as shown below:
Can students use Grammarly or Google Translate without violating academic integrity?
Yes. Students may use tools like Grammarly or Google Translate as long as they are used to support their writing, not to replace it. These tools may be used to check grammar or confirm translation, but they should not be used to perform grammar correction or translation.
Students should review suggestions carefully, apply changes manually, and make sure the work still reflects their own voice and understanding. This helps maintain academic integrity and supports language development.
When unsure, students are encouraged to ask their professor, the Writing Center, or the Academic Resource Center for guidance. See Guidelines for Grammarly Use
What is considered an acceptable AI percentage?
At Westcliff, an AI percentage of 20% or less is generally considered within the acceptable range. However, this number should not be treated as a target to “stay under.” The true goal is academic integrity—producing original work that reflects your own learning and critical thinking. AI tools should be used only for limited support (such as brainstorming ideas, organizing outlines, or clarifying grammar), not for generating or rewriting substantive content. Ultimately, your professor determines whether AI use in your work aligns with course expectations and the university’s AI policy.
What should students do if their paper is flagged for AI use, but they did not use any AI tools?
If a student’s paper is flagged for possible AI use but the student did not use AI tools, the first step is to contact their professor to discuss the situation and review the Turnitin report together. The student should be ready to explain their writing process—including how they generated ideas, drafted, and revised their work—to help demonstrate authorship.
Students can then seek additional support from either the Writing Center (WC) or the Academic Resource Center (ARC). Both centers can help students:
- Understand what may cause a paper to appear “AI-like.”
- Strengthen their writing voice and style to reflect authentic student work.
- Learn strategies to avoid unintentional patterns that trigger AI detection.
Examples of AI-like writing include:
- Language that sounds overly formal, polished, or impersonal for a student’s typical style.
- Repetitive sentence structures or similar phrasing across multiple paragraphs.
- Generic or vague analysis that lacks specific examples or critical insight.
- Abrupt shifts in tone, complexity, or vocabulary within the same document.
The Writing Center and ARC can work with students to identify and revise these patterns, develop stronger writing habits, and ensure their work consistently reflects their own original voice.
Academic Support
Is there support available for non-native English speakers who use translation tools and get flagged for AI by Turnitin?
Yes. The Academic Resource Center (ARC) and the Writing Center (WC) supports non-native English speakers who use translation or language assistance tools. If a student’s work is flagged by Turnitin, the ARC and the WC can interpret the report and help students improve the clarity and originality of their writing.
Is ARC and WC support free?
Yes. All services provided by the Academic Resource Center and the Writing Center are completely free and available to all Westcliff University students.
Who do the ARC and the WC support?
The ARC and WC support all Westcliff University students, from undergraduate to doctoral level during foundational coursework. In addition, the Doctoral Writing Center is available to assist doctoral students with their coursework and dissertation-specific tasks.
Academic Resource Center (ARC)
What kind of support does the ARC provide?
The ARC supports students with APA formatting, academic writing, research guidance, course-specific content and assignments, and brainstorming.
How is ARC support delivered to students?
ARC support is provided through real-time, one-on-one meetings with ARC Specialists.
Students can meet with ARC specialists in two ways:
- Online via Zoom
- In person at designated campus locations
On-campus availability depends on staffing and scheduling each session. Students may view available locations and appointment types directly through the ARC scheduling system (MyWCOnline) when booking an appointment.
Whether online or in person, students receive personalized academic support tailored to their course needs.
How can students make appointments with ARC specialists?
To book a one-on-one meeting with an ARC specialist, students should visit: westcliff.mywconline.com
Students must register if they don’t have an account and should select the ARC – Academic Resource Center schedule when booking.
Do students need an appointment to receive ARC support?
No. Students can join drop-in hours online or in person at designated campus locations without an appointment. To view the current ARC drop-in hours, please log in to: westcliff.mywconline.com
The ARC’s registration form in WCOnline asks if students are “Achieve Students”. What does an “Achieve Student” mean?
Achieve Students are part of the Achieve Bridge Pathway Program, designed for students pursuing who enter Westcliff University with a GPA between 2.00–2.49 and/or with an out of field degree. Students who are not part of this program, should select “No” on the registration form. If you are unsure whether you are part of the program, you can reach out to your advisor for clarification.
Where can students find writing samples or help with APA format?
Students who would like additional guidance with APA 7th-edition formatting can receive one-on-one assistance from the Academic Resource Center (ARC) or asynchronous assistance from the Writing Center (WC). In addition, the Writing Center’s APA 7th-Edition Resources Page provides sample papers, detailed formatting guidelines, and other helpful materials to support you as you write and format your assignments.
Writing Center (WC)
What kind of support does the WC provide?
The Westcliff University Writing Center provides individualized writing support for students at all levels and stages of the writing process. Whether you are brainstorming ideas, organizing your thoughts, or refining a final draft, Writing Center specialists can help you strengthen your writing skills and confidence. Students may submit drafts of essays, discussion posts, research papers, resumes, and other assignments for asynchronous written feedback, meaning you do not need to meet in real time. Specialists review each submission carefully and return it—typically within 72 hours—with detailed comments, suggestions for improvement, and guidance for future writing.
The Writing Center also supports more advanced projects, including dissertation chapters and scholarly publications, through the Doctoral Writing Center and Publication Support programs. In addition, the Center partners with faculty to offer class workshops and presentations on topics such as APA formatting, academic integrity, and responsible AI use. Online resources—including writing guides, video tutorials, and sample papers—are available anytime through the Writing Center website. Whether you are working on a short reflection or a doctoral dissertation, the Writing Center can help you develop as a writer and communicate your ideas with clarity and confidence.
How do students get support from the Writing Center?
Students seeking writing support can begin by submitting a draft through the Writing Center’s online portal. The Center primarily provides asynchronous written feedback, allowing students to upload their work and receive comprehensive, individualized comments without scheduling a live meeting. After submission, a Writing Specialist reviews the draft—typically dedicating up to 45 minutes—and returns it with annotated feedback, targeted suggestions, and recommendations for continued improvement.
Doctoral students have the option to schedule a live session to discuss their writing in real time or an asynchronous review. The Writing Center additionally offers classroom visits and faculty-requested sessions, integrating writing support directly into select courses. Regardless of the format, the Center’s goal remains the same: to help students revise effectively, strengthen their writing skills, and develop as confident, independent writers.
What is the difference between the Writing Center (WC) and the Academic Resource Center (ARC)?
The Writing Center (WC) and the Academic Resource Center (ARC) both support student success, but they serve distinct purposes.
The Writing Center focuses specifically on writing and communication skills. Writing Specialists provide detailed feedback on drafts, help students strengthen organization, clarity, and APA formatting, and offer guidance on topics such as academic tone, responsible AI use, and research writing. Students can submit papers for asynchronous review or schedule appointments for individualized writing support at any stage of the writing process.
The Academic Resource Center, on the other hand, provides broader academic support. ARC Specialists assist with course content, study strategies, time management, and academic integrity. They can also help students understand instructor feedback, prepare for exams, or revise papers.
In short, the Writing Center helps you become a stronger writer, while the ARC helps you strengthen overall academic performance and learning strategies. Both centers work collaboratively to ensure that students receive comprehensive support.