Academic Dishonesty: Fundamentals of Prevention

Susan Pocotte, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

College of Graduate Studies

Presentation Topics

Step 1-Review Culture of Academic Integrity Step 2- Consider your new role as a TAStep 3- Preparation for the courseStep 4- Prevent Academic DishonestyStep 5- What to do if violation occursStep 6- Continuous improvement

Step 1

• Review principles of Culture of Academic Integrity• Video and document of TA orientation

• “Academic Integrity in Graduate Education and Research” by Dr. S. L. Pocotte- August 19, 2014

• Graduate Orientation– Mandatory Online Presentation Academic Integrity

“Academic Integrity in Graduate Education and Research”Dr. S. L. Pocotte

TA Orientation presentation 8-19-2014

What is Culture of Academic Integrity?• Academic Integrity is part of UT core values.

• Academic Integrity applies to specific actions required for the highest quality of learning, discovery and pursuit of truth.

• Behavior that abides by a set of principles of right conduct that are part of the overarching ethics of our community.

• Behavior that abides by a set of values that informs academic actions such that the UT Mission and Vision can be achieved.

http://www.academicintegrity.org/icai/resources-2.php

Step 2

• Think about your new role and responsibility as a TA.

Teaching Assistant (TA)

• Leadership role in education of UT students• Difficult transition from UG student to role model.• UG students are close in age (peer pressures).• Serve as example of an excellent student.• Provide clear and firm expectations to students.• Apply policies and procedures equally to all students.

• At the same time- you are a graduate student in your program courses!

Academic Dishonesty

• Simply put- UT has zero tolerance• Violation of Student Code of Conduct• Consequences range from failure of

assignment to course failure to dismissal from the University.

• Intentional and unintentional acts can receive same disciplinary outcomes

Shared Responsibility All Members Academic Community • Support and implement the values of academic

integrity.• Take action against wrongdoing.• Discourage and prevent dishonesty of others.• To not take responsibility for self or not share

the responsibility will undermine the quality of education and reputation of the whole. • Remember---The value of degree is

diminished.

http://www.academicintegrity.org/icai/resources-2.php

Faculty and TA Responsibility

• Faculty and TAs are expected to use approved strategies to evaluate student work for cheating and plagiarism.• Fair and equal treatment to all students

• Faculty and TAs are required to report cases of academic dishonesty.• Follow policies and procedures to assure due

process for students and faculty

Step 3: Preparation for the Course • BEFORE course begins

• Read all policies (web links on the following slides)

• Meet with Faculty of Record• Discuss UT, Program, and course policies• Have a plan in place if academic dishonesty

occurs• Create electronic or paper folder of all policies

for reference as the course proceeds.

Course Syllabus-Before First Class

• Course syllabus is clear regarding evaluation strategies and procedures

• Course syllabus is clear regarding grading policy

Student-Centered University Policies to Ensure Academic Integrity

TA should find and read the following:•Undergraduate Student Handbook•College of Graduate Studies Student Handbook•Individual College program handbooks•Course syllabus•Academic policies- undergraduate and graduate

Policies for the TA to collect • UT Policy Home Page

• http://www.utoledo.edu/policies/

• UT Policy Statement on Academic Dishonesty • http://www.utoledo.edu/dl/students/dishonesty.html

• Student Code of Conduct -3364-30-04• http://www.utoledo.edu/policies/main_campus/student_life/pdfs/3364_30

_04_Student_code_of_conduct.pdf

• Undergraduate Academic Policy list• http://www.utoledo.edu/policies/academic/undergraduate/index.html

Policies for the TA to collect-Select Undergrad Academic Policies• 3364-71-01_Academic Standing• 3364-71-04 Academic dishonesty• 3364-71-05 Academic Grievance• 3364-71-08 Adding and/or dropping a Course• 3364-71-11 Grades and grading• 3364-71-14 Missed class policy• 3364-71-15 Confidentiality of student records (FERPA)• 3364-71-16 Administrative adjustment for extenuating ci

rcumstances

Policies for the TA to collect• College of Graduate Studies

• Academic Dishonesty Policy 364-77-01• Academic Grievance Policy 3364- 77-02

• Academic Standards

Policies for the TA to collect• In cases where the charge is research misconduct the

University policy and procedure 3364-70-21 scientific misconduct shall apply.

• http://www.utoledo.edu/policies/academic/research/pdfs/3364_70_21.pdf

Step 4

• Take action to prevent your students from committing acts of academic dishonesty in your class, laboratory, etc.

Why do students cheat, plagiarize, etc..?

• Do not know what plagiarism is.• Changes in technology have lead to misunderstandings

and misuse.• “I bought the book, so I own the ideas”.• Take short cuts because of pressures in time. (copy)• Poor time management and planning. • Insecurity in skills. • Do not care and feel entitled.• Do not think they will be caught.• Intimidated to ask for help

http://www.virtualsalt.com/antiplag.htm

Approved Strategies-How to Prevent

• Faculty/TA facilitate dynamic and scholarly learning environment that promotes academic integrity as a shared responsibility.–Faculty/TA should be the example!

• Faculty/TA treat all students and peers with respect and fairness – abide by UT Core Values.

Approved Strategies-How to Prevent

• Faculty/TA recognize deficiencies in student understanding of course material or writing procedures and inform students of UT resources• Tutoring• Writing Center• Libraries

Approved Strategies-How to Prevent

• Online testing-Respondus Lockdown Browser• Proctored offsite testing• Proctored onsite testing if possible• “SafeAssignment” in Blackboard • Precise testing procedures described in Syllabus

and on exam documents• UT Testing Center • Precise Assignment instructions (expectations)

Approved Strategies-How to Prevent

• Detailed excused or late submission policies in the course syllabus. Require written excuses.

• Multiple exam versions– Mix up answers– Mix up questions

• Plagiarism Tutorials with signed certificates• Signature on exam or assignment document next to

assurance statement• More…. Ask the Course Faculty of Record

Step 5

• We hope there is not a step 5, but just in case…..

Procedures for Dishonesty Incident• Immediately notify Course Faculty of Record• Implement appropriate Policies and Procedures• Document the suspected incident

• Timely manner• Discuss documentation with student

• Document the conversation

Step 6

• Continuous improvement of your own academic skills will improve your teaching skills and confidence.• Pay close attention to your own course graduate

faculty to learn how they contribute to culture of academic integrity.

• Strengthen your own academic writing and speaking skills!

Where to Learn More for Continuous Improvement• The Writing Center

- http://www.utoledo.edu/success/writingcenter/

• COGS Professional development programs

• UT Libraries– Library Guides, Help Sheets, and Pathfinders– http://www.utoledo.edu/library/help/guides/

index.html

Be Courageous!Be a leader!Enjoy!Good Luck!

Thank youDr. Pocottesusan.pocotte@utoledo.edu