Kansas State University

A reminder to uphold academic integrity as the semester ends

Submitted by Camilla Roberts

In the midst of the stress of students studying and faculty grading as exam week approaches, it is crucial for faculty to remember the significance of upholding academic integrity. The following are a few key reminders from the Honor and Integrity System for the end of the semester:

1. Set the tone: As you finish the semester and prepare for exams, remember to clearly communicate expectations regarding plagiarism and collaboration — even if you have mentioned it before — to ensure students are aware of what is or is not allowed on a particular exam or project.
2. Design thoughtful assessments: Crafting well-thought-out assessments can contribute to deterring cheating. Consider incorporating a variety of question types, such as essays, short answers and critical thinking questions, to assess a student's true understanding of the material. This not only makes cheating more challenging but also encourages students to engage with the course content. 
3. Encourage open communication: Create an open dialogue with students about the importance of academic integrity. Encourage them to ask questions if they are unclear about any aspect of the exam or assignment. Open communication fosters a sense of trust and respect between faculty and students, making it less likely for individuals to resort to dishonest practices.
4. Be vigilant: During exam week, be vigilant in monitoring for signs of academic dishonesty. Use the online report form to report any alleged violation. Remember, if you are taking away any portion of the student’s grade because of academic dishonesty, you are required to report this to the Honor and Integrity System. If you need/want to enter your final grades before the Honor and Integrity System case is finalized, you can assign an incomplete to the reported student, and after the cases closes — likely at the beginning of spring semester — a final grade can be entered.

Remember that upholding academic integrity and creating a culture of integrity on campus not only maintains the integrity of the degrees our students are all working toward but also instills in them the values that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Contact Camilla Roberts, director of the Honor and Integrity System, at cjroberts@k-state.edu if you have any questions.