Academic Integrity: It's More Than Not Cheating

The introduction of the internet and web-based resources have made it easier to cheat and easier to get caught.  As a result many programs and universities have developed academic integrity policies.  However on closer inspection the focus of many of these policies is to stop cheating (and other academic irregularities), by listing what is considered cheating and the possible punishments. But does today’s student know the meaning of academic integrity? Do faculty and educational administrator’s role mode academic integrity in the teaching/learning environment? Academic integrity is more than not cheating it encompasses values of honesty, trust, fairness, responsibility and respect.   As healthcare professionals integrity is foundational to the nurses’ role and responsibility.  This presentation will explore the significance of changing the culture in our academic institutions to promoting integrity instead of focusing on catching and punishing the cheater.  A focus on academic integrity has an impact on learning, behavior and professionalism.  Seven strategies to promote academic integrity in your course or program will be shared as well as assessment strategies used in both large and small class settings, clinical education and even online learning environments.