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Printer-Friendly ModeStaff, faculty, students explore academic integrity at SVSU
February 6, 2006 —
Academic dishonesty, the fraudulence of students by any means including cheating on exams and plagiarism, has become a widespread topic among the faculty and staff of SVSU.
"Students who plagiarize are only thinking about the credentials," says Diane Boehm, director of University Writing Programs. "Plagiarism not only hurts the student who does it, but it also hurts other students at SVSU."
Students who plagiarize put other students at a disadvantage, Boehm says, because once they are caught and known for plagiarizing, their reputation can hurt the reputation of another student. According to Boehm, a degree only opens the door, but students need to know and have the skills and abilities once they get through the door.
"The reputation of an institution is its capital," says President Eric R. Gilbertson. "It creates value for degrees granted. SVSU's reputation is based on the preparedness and professionalism of its graduates. Therefore, a culture of academic integrity is fundamental to the reputation of SVSU in the community."
Boehm, who is an English professor and Writing Center consultant, says she tries not to penalize students whose plagiarism results from lack of knowledge. This is often the case with students when they first enter into college. If a student is suspected of deliberate plagiarism while at the Writing Center, they will be asked to fix the paper and the Writing Center will do a follow-up on the student via e-mail.
"To prevent plagiarism, students should always start writing assignments on time and always ask questions," suggests Frank Dane, the James V. Finkbeiner Endowed Chair in Ethics and Public Policy. A lot of college students start assignments too late, he adds, which can cause some sources to go without being cited.
Boehm and Dane started an "Academic Integrity at SVSU" Web site in the fall of last year. The project was started to raise the awareness of academic dishonesty and let both students and faculty members know why it is important.
According to the site, students who practice academic integrity respect their peers by not taking unfair advantage in the classroom, develop habits of ethical behavior that generate respect from their peers and the community, establish a foundation for the professional Codes of Ethics in their chosen careers, and enhance the value of their degree and promote a positive image of the University.
In July of last year, the Student Association passed a resolution supporting "The addition of a standard definition of plagiarism into all class syllabi."
"Although everything is clearly explained in my syllabi," Dane says, "there is still usually about one to three cases of plagiarism per semester."
Currently, the consequences for plagiarizing are at the discretion of the instructor. Most instructors will give a "0" grade for the assignment or will fail the student for the course. Students can also be reported to the student conduct board, which will then result in the student being placed on social probation or even expulsion.
The SVSU Code of Student Conduct Handbook states that "No student shall cheat, plagiarize or facilitate academic dishonesty by another student. Students are responsible for completing all assigned academic work without unauthorized aid of any kind."
According to Boehm, the Writing Center has tutors who are there to help students with any questions or concerns on how to cite sources. It is located in Science East 123 and is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays.
David Callahan, author of The Cheating Culture, will speak on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m.