Understanding Academic Integrity Issues

Academic Integrity

• Academic integrity is a set of values upheld by the academic community to ensure honest, fair, and original work.
• Plagiarism is a form of academic misconduct.
• Plagiarism involves copying someone else's work or ideas without acknowledging them.
• Plagiarism is presenting someone else's work as your own.

Academic Integrity Issues

• Poor understanding of the subject matter can lead to academic integrity issues.
• Poor paraphrasing can lead to academic integrity issues.
• Poor note-taking is one source of academic integrity issues.
• Poor citation/referencing is a risk for academic integrity issues.
• Rushing assignments can lead to academic integrity issues.
• Lack of understanding of academic integrity is a common academic integrity issue.

Turnitin

• Turnitin checks submitted work against various sources, including:
  • All reports from the same assignment.
  • Previous reports submitted to the university.
  • Reports from other universities using Turnitin.
  • Electronic books.
  • Print books (from previous submitted work).
  • The internet (and anything found on the internet).

Generative AI

• Generative AI is a form of academic misconduct.
• Generative AI includes programs like ChatGPT, and GrammarlyGo.
• Turning in work you did not complete yourself is academic misconduct.

Poor Paraphrasing

• Poor paraphrasing is relying too heavily on the original source instead of paraphrasing the text in your own words.
• Paraphrasing demonstrates an understanding of the subject matter and shows you can explain it in your own words.

Avoiding Poor Paraphrasing

• Go from sources to notes, then to the assignment.
• Never copy with the intent to paraphrase later.
• Write only what you understand.
• Always quote and cite when using exact words from the original source.
• Excessive quoting can still lead to problems.
• Trust your writing.

Good Writing Process

• Read the material and take notes.
• Write the key message in your own words.
• Create a bullet point structure for your essay.
• Complete the essay using only your notes.
• Do not have the original source and your essay open at the same time.

Ignorance is no Excuse

• Ignorance of plagiarism or paraphrasing is not an acceptable excuse for plagiarism.
• Group work does not exempt you from individual work requirements or academic integrity.
• Lecturers are not responsible for explaining the proper use of material.
• Inability to reinvent terminology is not an excuse for plagiarism.
• Re-using previously submitted work for another assignment is self-plagiarism.

Self-Plagiarism

• Do not reuse previous work in your current assignments.
• Do not reuse essays or blog posts from two years ago.

Collaboration vs. Collusion

• Collaboration with other students is encouraged for learning.
• Do not share drafts of writing with others, and submit your own unique work. Collusion is a serious academic offense.

Commissioning Essays

• Submitting work you did not complete is plagiarism and academic misconduct.
• Using Generative AI for your assignments is unacceptable academic misconduct.
• Referrals to the College Misconduct and Fitness to Practice Committee is possible.
• Failure of the academic program is a possible outcome for these actions.

Advice Letters

• Students may receive letters relating to academic integrity infractions.
• Letters help students identify mistakes and avoid similar problems in the future.
• Seek guidance from your tutor.
• Consult the resources provided.

Invitation to an Interview

• Interviews are for addressing plagiarism concerns.
• Material review is essential before interviews.
• Attendance at the interview is mandatory.

Plagiarism Meeting Penalties

• Plagiarism penalties are assigned by two staff members to eliminate bias.
• Penalties escalate quickly.

Sources of Academic Integrity Issues

• Trusting your own intellect is key for academic integrity.
• Poor paraphrasing can lead to academic integrity concerns.
• Lecturers’ office hours and discussion boards are resources for assistance.
• Academic resources (like Canvas and organization resources) support appropriate assignment preparation and submission.
• Rushing assignments can cause academic integrity issues.

You are a Professional

• You are part of an academic community.
• Undertake research responsibly, and cite others appropriately.
• Complete original work for each assignment.
• Receive feedback and corrections to improve your work.

More Information and Support

• The university provides resources, tutorials, and guidance on academic integrity.

This quiz explores the concept of academic integrity, emphasizing its importance in the academic community. It addresses common issues related to plagiarism, poor paraphrasing, and citation errors, while introducing tools like Turnitin that help uphold these principles.