About three weeks since York’s Academic Integrity Policy was released, students and teachers are seeing little change in behavior. Administration instituted the new policy in hopes that students would refrain from copying others’ homework or receiving test answers.

The general opinion around York, however, is that the administration’s goal is not being reached.

Freshman, Claire Libert, said,“People don’t realize that there will be consequences. I also feel like people don’t think it will be enforced because I keep seeing people joke about it.”

Not only do students think the new policy will not be enforced, but as a result of it not being enforced they also think students’ actions will not change.

“It’s hard to get caught unless you’re not paying attention. Nobody in my classes has ever cheated on tests that I know of even to begin with,” said Joel Thomas, freshman.

From a teacher’s point of view, the policy may have to be in place longer in order to see any sort of result. Although three weeks may seem like a significant amount of time, it is a short time in terms of assessments in classes, projects, and overall school work.

“Students know what to expect now and know what they should be collaborating on. They’re more aware, but it’s also a bit too early to tell,” said Dr. Kirsten Mahoney, Science Department Chair.

On the positive side, it seems that some teachers are beginning to notice a slight change in behavior.

“I haven’t heard students talk about biology test answers which I used to hear a lot,” said English teacher, Sally Regan.

For the most part, behaviors are the same as prior to the enactment of the policy.

“No, [there is no difference], I have one class with a new category for academic responsibility and everyone is still trying their best. The first time I see someone cheat, there will be a difference,” said Math teacher, Serena Briggs.

The fact of the matter is — and students agree– that people do not get caught for cheating, and are not getting caught for breaking the academic integrity policy.

“I feel like no one will change what they’re doing unless they get caught, and people aren’t getting caught,” said Ellie Cockrell, junior.

Although a new policy has been put in place, it is now the teachers’ and administrations’ job to watch for suspicious behaviors.