Academic integrity matters are relevant to all areas of university teaching, but they are of particular importance to degree programmes whose graduates intend to work in the public service. While a large body of scholarship exists on academic integrity, very little has been written that specifically relates to students who intend to pursue careers…

This commentary paper examines the issue of contract cheating in higher education, drawing on research and current debate in the field of academic integrity. Media coverage of this issue has reflected significant concerns in the field about students' use of custom academic writing services, along with sector and national calls for action that…

Professor Shirley Alexander is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Teaching, Learning & Equity) at the University of Technology, Sydney. On 12 November 2014, an article of hers appeared in "The Conversation": "Buying essays: how to make sure assessment is authentic." That article traverses, in an abbreviated way,…

America is in the midst of one of the worst economic environments since the Great Depression, and the fallout from dishonest individuals from Wall Street to Pennsylvania Avenue has been breathtaking. As a graduate student, the author has observed that many people easily begin rationalizing dishonest behavior early in their careers. He advocates…

A recent cheating scandal at a top business school led at least one commentator to propose recasting cheating as postmodern learning. Paradoxically counterproductive, the proposal represents a special challenge to the academy. As accountable institutions, universities serve students by purposefully integrating integrity initiatives into the most…

Recently, the author had cause to discuss with a group of his freshman college students the issue of reporting observed or known academic dishonesty. He was very surprised and deeply saddened by the responses most students shared with him on this issue. In short, most--80%--stated that "others' cheating was none of their business;" "It is the…

In their efforts to manage the college environment, many higher-education institutions have deployed complex systems of student discipline--often in the form of legalistic codes of conduct. Paradoxically, says the author, major challenges involving students on campuses appear to be getting worse: high-risk alcohol/drug use persists; student…

After reading Kathryn Valentine's article that talked about her interaction with a Chinese student accused of plagiarism, the author was reminded of the effectiveness of student judicial boards. In this article, the author describes the benefits of having a student judicial board in fighting off plagiarism among students. She relates that although…

In this article, the author discusses why it is imperative that students understand the importance of academic integrity. The author emphasizes that students should maintain their integrity because the reliability of their work and what they learn depends on it. He also shares the new policy adopted by his university in dealing with violations of…

Most faculty and administrators rate academic dishonesty a high crime, fatal to education. What cheating shows that merits strong opposition is a student's pride in deceptively "getting over" on professors and "the system," even where both are recognized as fair. This affection for injustice and casual disregard for honest dealings must be trained…

Explores the rise in student cheating and evidence that students cheat less often at schools with an honor code. Discusses effective use of such codes and creation of a peer culture that condemns dishonesty. (EV)

Presents an interview with two faculty members at Temple University on the question of academic integrity. Discusses that while encouraging better detection and stiffer enforcement of policies is an understandable response to studies showing that cheating is in the rise, it is important to keep the dialogue focused on the value of integrity. (GCP)

Colleges and universities must reconsider the value placed on academic integrity and how they communicate and share these values and expectations with students. Consistent and ongoing opportunities for discussing the policies and procedures with students must be developed. (MLW)

Discusses the importance of involving students in the design and enforcement of campuswide academic integrity policies, and in the education of other students about the importance of academic integrity. Argues that any approach to student discipline must involve a collaboration among faculty, administrative staff, and students. (GCP)

Two issues of college grading must be addressed if recommendations to improve teaching/learning are to succeed: GPAs should not be used for purposes of personnel selection, and it must be admitted that tests and grades have powerful influences on how and what students study and learn. (MLW)