Academic Integrity
at Schoolcraft College

Educate Students

Individuals are more likely to act with integrity if students are educated about what constitutes academic honesty and academic dishonesty. In a study of high school students, Donald L. McCabe (1999) found that

Most of the students said that there is little discussion and cheating at their schools. Cheating is mentioned only occasionally; for example, at school orientation or during the first day of class.

McCabe also found that

Although some schools publish their policies on cheating in a student handbook, many students felt that such guidelines have little impact on cheating.

As college faculty members, we cannot assume that students entering our classes know what constitutes cheating. (Berg, 2005) And we cannot believe that Schoolcraft College’s strongly worded policy on cheating will have any impact on cheating. Instead, we must teach students how to behave ethically in our disciplines. “Most students want to be honest; dishonesty is not innate; it is learned. Preemptive instruction, role modeling, and rewards must precede the learning of cheating.” (Petress, 2003)

Best Practices

Combating Internet Ignorance

Require a Handbook

Hold Class Discussions

Develop Grading Rubrics

Plagiarize Proof Specific Assignments

Design Re-education Campaigns

Use Writing Fellows

Refer to Tutors

Refer Students to LAC

Help Students Become Scholars

References and Resources

Petress, Kenneth. “Academic Dishonesty: A Plague on Our Profession.” Education 123.3 (2003): 624+.

Go to
Schoolcraft College's
Home Page

Schoolcraft College Writing Fellows
18600 Haggerty
Livonia, MI 48152
734-462-4400 (ext. 5292)
fellows@schoolcraft.edu

Go to
Writing Fellows'
Home Page