The Importance of Academic Integrity

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Introduction On a research paper, how much information can you “borrow” with or without citing the original author? How do you cite the resources you “borrowed” or quoted from the original author? Will anyone know if you submit a friend’s research paper? No one can see you taking an online test from your living room – should that change how you take a test? Who is hurt by academic dishonesty? Who cares if you steal test answers, falsify experimental data, cheat on an exam, or download information from a web site and turn it in as your own work? To take an easy example, would you want to be operated on by a doctor who cheated his way through medical school? Or would you feel comfortable on a bridge designed by an engineer who cheated her way through engineering school? Would you trust your tax return to an accountant who copied his exam papers from his neighbor? All the above examples are reflective of a concept called academic integrity. This essay will be discussed two questions based around the general topic of ‘Academic Integrity’ in assignment completed by undergraduate students. The two questions to be discussed are what are the meaning of ‘Academic Integrity’? What is the important of ‘Academic Integrity’ in assignment completed by undergraduate students? What are the meanings of ‘Academic Integrity’? Integrity is important in all areas of life. (Academic Integrity: A Letter to my Students*by William M. Taylor Professor of Political Science Oakton Community College Des Plains, Illinois) Academic integrity is a commitment, even in the face of adversity, that is based on five fundamental values including honesty, trust, fairness, respect and a responsibility for your actions. The Center for Academic In... ... middle of paper ... ...rity, as with as much in life, involves a system of interconnected rights and responsibilities that reflect our mutual dependence upon one another. The success of our individual efforts in this course, as with so much in life, depends on all of us conscientiously exercising our rights and living up to our responsibilities. And the failure of any of us--even just one of us--to do what is required will diminish, however slightly, the opportunity for the rest to achieve their goals. That is why it's essential for all of us in this class to practice academic integrity, n both senses of the word practice. For practice today will lay a solid foundation for practice tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that, so that through daily practice integrity will come to woven throughout the fabric of our lives, and thus through at least a part of the fabric of society.

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