Academic Dishonesty: Fundamentals of Prevention

1. Academic Dishonesty: Fundamentals of Prevention Susan Pocotte, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs College of Graduate Studies

2. Presentation Topics Step 1-Review Culture of Academic Integrity Step 2- Consider your new role as a TA Step 3- Preparation for the course Step 4- Prevent Academic Dishonesty Step 5- What to do if violation occurs Step 6- Continuous improvement

3. Step 1 • Review principles of Culture of Academic Integrity • Video and document of TA orientation • “Academic Integrity in Graduate Education and Research” by Dr. S. L. Pocotte- August 19, 2014 • Graduate Orientation • Mandatory Online Presentation Academic Integrity

4. “Academic Integrity in Graduate Education and Research” Dr. S. L. Pocotte TA Orientation presentation 8-19-2014

5. What is Culture of Academic Integrity? • Academic Integrity is part of UT core values. • Academic Integrity applies to specific actions required for the highest quality of learning, discovery and pursuit of truth. • Behavior that abides by a set of principles of right conduct that are part of the overarching ethics of our community. • Behavior that abides by a set of values that informs academic actions such that the UT Mission and Vision can be achieved. http://www.academicintegrity.org/icai/resources-2.php

6. Step 2 • Think about your new role and responsibility as a TA.

7. Teaching Assistant (TA) • Leadership role in education of UT students • Difficult transition from UG student to role model. • UG students are close in age (peer pressures). • Serve as example of an excellent student. • Provide clear and firm expectations to students. • Apply policies and procedures equally to all students. • At the same time- you are a graduate student in your program courses!

8. Academic Dishonesty • Simply put- UT has zero tolerance • Violation of Student Code of Conduct • Consequences range from failure of assignment to course failure to dismissal from the University. • Intentional and unintentional acts can receive same disciplinary outcomes

9. Shared Responsibility All Members Academic Community • Support and implement the values of academic integrity. • Take action against wrongdoing. • Discourage and prevent dishonesty of others. • To not take responsibility for self or not share the responsibility will undermine the quality of education and reputation of the whole. • Remember---The value of degree is diminished. http://www.academicintegrity.org/icai/resources-2.php

10. Faculty and TA Responsibility • Faculty and TAs are expected to use approved strategies to evaluate student work for cheating and plagiarism. • Fair and equal treatment to all students • Faculty and TAs are required to report cases of academic dishonesty. • Follow policies and procedures to assure due process for students and faculty

11. Step 3: Preparation for the Course • BEFORE course begins • Read all policies (web links on the following slides) • Meet with Faculty of Record • Discuss UT, Program, and course policies • Have a plan in place if academic dishonesty occurs • Create electronic or paper folder of all policies for reference as the course proceeds.

12. Course Syllabus-Before First Class • Course syllabus is clear regarding evaluation strategies and procedures • Course syllabus is clear regarding grading policy

13. Student-Centered University Policies to Ensure Academic Integrity TA should find and read the following: • Undergraduate Student Handbook • College of Graduate Studies Student Handbook • Individual College program handbooks • Course syllabus • Academic policies- undergraduate and graduate

14. Policies for the TA to collect • UT Policy Home Page • http://www.utoledo.edu/policies/ • UT Policy Statement on Academic Dishonesty • http://www.utoledo.edu/dl/students/dishonesty.html • Student Code of Conduct -3364-30-04 • http://www.utoledo.edu/policies/main_campus/student_life/pdfs/3364_30_04_Student_code_of_conduct.pdf • Undergraduate Academic Policy list • http://www.utoledo.edu/policies/academic/undergraduate/index.html

15. Policies for the TA to collect-Select Undergrad Academic Policies • 3364-71-01_Academic Standing • 3364-71-04 Academic dishonesty • 3364-71-05 Academic Grievance • 3364-71-08 Adding and/or dropping a Course • 3364-71-11 Grades and grading • 3364-71-14 Missed class policy • 3364-71-15 Confidentiality of student records (FERPA) • 3364-71-16 Administrative adjustment for extenuating circumstances

16. Policies for the TA to collect • College of Graduate Studies • Academic Dishonesty Policy 364-77-01 • Academic Grievance Policy3364- 77-02 • Academic Standards

17. Policies for the TA to collect • In cases where the charge is research misconduct the University policy and procedure 3364-70-21 scientific misconduct shall apply. • http://www.utoledo.edu/policies/academic/research/pdfs/3364_70_21.pdf

18. Step 4 • Take action to prevent your students from committing acts of academic dishonesty in your class, laboratory, etc.

19. Why do students cheat, plagiarize, etc..? • Do not know what plagiarism is. • Changes in technology have lead to misunderstandings and misuse. • “I bought the book, so I own the ideas”. • Take short cuts because of pressures in time. (copy) • Poor time management and planning. • Insecurity in skills. • Do not care and feel entitled. • Do not think they will be caught. • Intimidated to ask for help http://www.virtualsalt.com/antiplag.htm

20. Approved Strategies-How to Prevent • Faculty/TA facilitate dynamic and scholarly learning environment that promotes academic integrity as a shared responsibility. • Faculty/TA should be the example! • Faculty/TA treat all students and peers with respect and fairness – abide by UT Core Values.

21. Approved Strategies-How to Prevent • Faculty/TA recognize deficiencies in student understanding of course material or writing procedures and inform students of UT resources • Tutoring • Writing Center • Libraries

22. Approved Strategies-How to Prevent • Online testing-Respondus Lockdown Browser • Proctored offsite testing • Proctored onsite testing if possible • “SafeAssignment” in Blackboard • Precise testing procedures described in Syllabus and on exam documents • UT Testing Center • Precise Assignment instructions (expectations)

23. Approved Strategies-How to Prevent • Detailed excused or late submission policies in the course syllabus. Require written excuses. • Multiple exam versions • Mix up answers • Mix up questions • Plagiarism Tutorials with signed certificates • Signature on exam or assignment document next to assurance statement • More…. Ask the Course Faculty of Record

24. Step 5 • We hope there is not a step 5, but just in case…..

25. Procedures for Dishonesty Incident • Immediately notify Course Faculty of Record • Implement appropriate Policies and Procedures • Document the suspected incident • Timely manner • Discuss documentation with student • Document the conversation

26. Step 6 • Continuous improvement of your own academic skills will improve your teaching skills and confidence. • Pay close attention to your own course graduate faculty to learn how they contribute to culture of academic integrity. • Strengthen your own academic writing and speaking skills!

27. Where to Learn More for Continuous Improvement • The Writing Center • http://www.utoledo.edu/success/writingcenter/ • COGS Professional development programs • UT Libraries • Library Guides, Help Sheets, and Pathfinders • http://www.utoledo.edu/library/help/guides/index.html

28. Be Courageous!Be a leader!Enjoy!Good Luck! Thank you Dr. Pocotte susan.pocotte@utoledo.edu