ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Vs ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

We always tend to use a common phrase, “Everyone makes mistakes” whenever a bad decision has been made by us to defend ourselves. Yes every one of us certainly makes mistakes and we move on after a regretful feeling. But, that is quite a different scenario when we are talking about remote online or in-person academic classes.

One may be tempted to take part in questionable behavior because we see that even our classmates are doing it. We defend ourselves by thinking, “if my classmates are doing the same why shouldn’t I be doing it?”. Regardless of the reasons we get tempted to take part in academic fraud, our morality is what we are as a person. Once you get off track from your integrity, it's hard to get back.

Make sure that you take time to learn what academic integrity is and its different aspects. We would like to take a moment here to share the importance of academic integrity and some tips to achieve it.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is more like a foundation for the ethics that you carry throughout your life. It is a commitment that expects one to live with its values. Acting in questionable behavior may lead you to unwanted troubles. You will be the only person responsible for the content and integrity you possess. You are expected to submit only your own work and you should give the citations for the work you don’t own.

Academic Dishonesty

The act of contributing to the work of others as your own is an act of academic dishonesty or academic fraud or academic misconduct. It is considered unfair to genuine and honest students. Being unethical is a form of cheating yourself and others around you. Academic dishonesty always leads you to defamation and legal issues.

Why is Academic Integrity Important?

Understanding academic integrity and knowing its guidelines is very crucial. Every organization has their own guidelines for academic integrity. Disregarding integrity affects your learning process and you might pay a high price for your actions. Morality is what makes you stand out from the crowd as a better person when you do the right thing even when no one is watching you.  Let’s see why academic integrity is important in one’s life,

• Academic Integrity helps you with brainstorming.
• Teaches you to respect others' works and ideas, and to acknowledge their work.
• It helps in getting accurate results for the student based on their actual skills.
• It plays a key role in your life for having a better future professionally.
• It enhances and influences your way of thinking in creating new ideas.
• It teaches you to respect yourself and your organization.
• It helps in understanding your own skills and performing better.
• It boosts our confidence regardless of what you are intending to do.
• It helps in gaining trust and to make you trust others also.

Tips for Academic Integrity

1. Ask whatever doubts you have in your mind regarding the work that is to be done. Don’t block yourself with all those unanswered questions which do not allow you to progress.
2. Ensure to take notes of the information you read and referred to keep handy.
3. Read the guidelines and information provided multiple times until you understand them and have a clear picture.
4. Avoid completing the assignments or tasks at hand at the last minute.
5. Seek assistance from your friends, family and your guide.
6. Check and recheck before you submit your work. Ensure you did provide all the citations and acknowledgements.
7. Plan everything ahead and learn to manage your time.
8. Be responsible for whatever work you do.

Quote of the Week

“Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud”.  — Sophocles

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