These sessions were developed by Dr. Mark Baetz and Dr. Detlev Nitsch as part of an academic integrity initiative supported by Wilfrid Laurier University. Any use of these materials should acknowledge the authors. Affirming an Ethical Culture at WLU

Objectives 1.To affirm WLU’s ethical culture and fundamental values. 2.To review the expected behaviours flowing from this culture. 3.To provide information about WLU policies and resources related to academic integrity.

High school WLU Cheaters: Agree/Agree strongly … were/will be frequently caught19%72% … were/will be given significant penalties4496 … were/will be embarrassed to tell their friends 1546 There will be more cheating: Disagree/Disagree strongly … on tests and exams78% … on written assignments: 65 Source: Wilfrid Laurier University, BBA Academic Integrity Survey conducted by Mark Baetz and Detlev Nitsch, September Original survey developed by Don McCabe. Your Expectations

Trustworthiness –Honesty –Integrity –Reliability –Loyalty Adapted from: Schwartz, M. (2002) “A code of ethics for corporate codes of ethics” Journal of Business Ethics, Vol.41, Fundamental Values Respect Responsibility Fairness Caring Citizenship

Honesty: Be honest, e.g., don’t pretend the work of others is your own. Integrity: “Stick to [your] values, despite [short-term] loss”, e.g., avoid academic misconduct even if it means loss of grades Trustworthiness Source: Schwartz, M. (2002) “A code of ethics for corporate codes of ethics” Journal of Business Ethics, Vol.41,

Reliability: “Fulfil commitments”, e.g., meet deadlines for assignments and group contributions Loyalty: “Avoid conflicts of interest”, e.g., do not assist a ‘friend’ who is seeking unauthorized help Trustworthiness Source: Schwartz, M. (2002) “A code of ethics for corporate codes of ethics” Journal of Business Ethics, Vol.41,

“Respect the rights of others” e.g., acknowledge the ideas and work of others Respect Source: Schwartz, M. (2002) “A code of ethics for corporate codes of ethics” Journal of Business Ethics, Vol.41,

Take responsibility for … 1) your own actions e.g., if you cross the line, accept the consequences without blaming others or resorting to excuses and a search for loopholes. 2) the actions of others e.g., take measures to discourage or prevent misconduct by classmates/friends Responsibility

“Treat stakeholders fairly” e.g., ensure that you and your classmates have a level playing field in the quest for scholarships, job interviews, etc. Fairness Source: Schwartz, M. (2002) “A code of ethics for corporate codes of ethics” Journal of Business Ethics, Vol.41,

“Avoid unnecessary harm, act benevolently” e.g., avoid harming yourself and others through academic misconduct. Caring Source: Schwartz, M. (2002) “A code of ethics for corporate codes of ethics” Journal of Business Ethics, Vol.41,

Who is Harmed by Cheating? Cheater Classmates Teaching Assistants Faculty Administrators Educational Institution Employers Alumni Funding providers … and more

Harms from cheating For the cheater: – No learning – Penalties, up to and including expulsion from the University – Career difficulties – Stigmatization, ostracism – Embarrassment, lowered self-concept – Stress Adapted from: (2003) David Ellis, Becoming a Master Student, Canadian Third Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company, p. 173

Harms from Cheating For the institution: –Loss of credibility and reputation –Degrees are devalued –Negative media coverage –Outstanding student and faculty candidates no longer apply –Fundraising difficulties Adapted from: (2003) David Ellis, Becoming a Master Student, Canadian Third Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company, p. 173

Newspaper headlines University uncovers plagiarism bombshell Simon Fraser wants to give failing grades to 47 copycats (National Post, January 7, 2002 p. A1) School shocked by extent of plagiarism case (National Post, January 7, 2002 p. A9) Cheating scandal shocks university (The Record, January 7, 2002, p. D9) Reproduced with permission

Harms from cheating For the cheater’s classmates: –Loss of opportunity to excel –Questions about value of degree –Feeling ‘suckered’ –Perception that the playing field is not level –‘Whistleblower’ dilemmas Adapted from: (2003) David Ellis, Becoming a Master Student, Canadian Third Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company, p. 173

Harms from cheating For others: –Alumni degrees are devalued –Faculty resort to cheat-proof evaluation methods instead of what’s best for learning –Increased administrative and faculty workload –Employers view degrees as lesser quality Adapted from: (2003) David Ellis, Becoming a Master Student, Canadian Third Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company, p. 173

Classroom cheating and workplace behaviour “ students who cheat on exams or … plagiarize … are more likely to believe it is acceptable to: –lie to a potential employer on an employment application, –use insider information when buying and selling stocks, –compromise their ethical standards to advance their careers.” Source: Lawson, R. (2004) “Is classroom cheating related to business students’ propensity to cheat in the real world?, Journal of Business Ethics, Vol 49, pp

“Obey the law”, e.g., as a member of the WLU community, follow university policies and rules. Citizenship Source: Schwartz, M. (2002) “A code of ethics for corporate codes of ethics” Journal of Business Ethics, Vol.41,

University Policies “Academic misconduct is an act by a student, or by students working on a team project, which may result in a false evaluation of the student(s), or which represents an attempt to unfairly gain an academic advantage, where the student either knew or ought reasonably to have known that it was misconduct. Whether or not a student intended to commit academic misconduct is not relevant for a finding of academic misconduct..” Source: WLU Undergraduate Academic Calendar

plagiarism, … is the unacknowledged presentation, … of the work of others as one's own, … cheating, … involves … using, giving, and receiving … unauthorized information … impersonating another person … submitting the same piece of work, … for more than one course without … permission … buying … term papers or assignments …; falsifying, misrepresenting or forging an academic record or supporting document. Source: WLU Undergraduate Academic Calendar Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following acts which are …examples … : University Policies

Penalties: –Will also be levied for attempted academic misconduct –Penalties for the cheater as well as for being “a party to … acts of dishonesty” –First contact is faculty/instructor –Case may escalate up to Department (Chair), Faculty (Dean) or University level (VP Academic or President), depending on severity –Appeal process exists to ensure due process Source: WLU Undergraduate Academic Calendar

Where you can get help Your professor Your teaching assistant Academic Integrity Advisor University Calendars Writing Centre Library Academic Integrity Website

Student Reflections “It is a relief to know that plagiarism will not be tolerated at university.” “This [session] is a useful wake-up call to all elements of cheating.” “There was a lot that I didn’t know was academic misconduct.” “No one can plead ignorance, and a level playing field is in place.” “Good to know it [academic misconduct] is taken seriously.” “[This session] shocked us into reality.” “Cheating in university is far more serious [than in high school] and penalties are far more severe.” “It’s best to hear it from a student, because we realize what a temptation cheating can be, but that we can overcome it.” Source: 2004 Orientation Week Sessions