Welcome to The University of Kansas Jayhawks,
It is the fifth week of the Fall 2005 semester and hopefully you have had the opportunity to receive feedback from some of your professors about your academic performance. This week, we invite you to participate in the wide range of informational and academic activities, lectures, and workshops to help you be successful both inside and outside the classroom. Academic Success Week is designed to help you become oriented to academic services and resources at KU.
This insert is your guide to Academic Success Week. You will find a detailed schedule of the week's events, in addition to articles highlighting the academic resources at KU. We encourage you to participate in the week's opportunities and take advantage of all the academic resources KU has to offer.
If you need more information, contact New Student Orientation (864-4270) or view the Academic Success Week schedule at http://www.academicsuccess.ku.edu/.
We wish you much success!
Sincerely,
Academic Integrity
Shanda Hurla Program Coordinator New Student Orientation
Jane Tuttle, Ed. D.
Assistant to the Dean of Students
Academic integrity is a central value in higher education. It rests on two principles: first, that academic work is represented truthfully as to its source and its accuracy, and second, that academic results are obtained by truthful means." Academic misconduct" occurs when these values are not respected. A good rule of thumb is "if you have to ask if this is cheating, it probably is."
The Center for Academic Integrity defines academic integrity as a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to five fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. An overview of those values provided by the Center shows the interconnection that forms the basis of integrity.
Without honesty the results of teaching, research and learning are suspect. How can we know the information is accurate if it is not based in honesty? Honesty is more than personally not cheating on assignments; it is it is not tolerating cheating from anyone.
Being able to discuss issues without fear is part of trust. We promote trust when the guidelines and expectations in the class are clearly stated; when the university academic policies are consistent and easily understood; when students do work that is theirs alone.
Fairness on the campus is everyone's responsibility. Evaluation without prejudice is a right at KU just as consistent treatment is. There are no rationalizations for dishonesty or preferential treatment.
Respect is critical to learning and respecting people involves fairness and honesty: it is part of academic civility. Students are respectful when they come to class on time, prepared and work to the best of their ability. Faculty are respectful when they seriously consider students' ideas and provide honest evaluation of the students'work. Administrators are respectful when they listen to students and treat them as responsible adults.
The final value of responsibility is one of being accountable for your behavior and taking action when you witness lapses in honesty, fairness or respect. Gary Pavela explained why the University must not tolerate cheating in any form. He wrote:"Academic dishonesty ... undermines the bonds of trust and honesty between members of the community and defrauds those who may eventually depend upon our knowledge and integrity". For the university to thrive we must be committed to academic integrity.