Spring Forum: Campus Conversations about Plagiarism and Academic Integrity: Would an Honor Code Make a Difference?

Last semester members of the GSO Judicial Board and I met with our dean, Marjorie Pryse, the undergraduate dean, Sue Faerman, and representatives from the three governances on campus, Student Association (undergraduate), University Senate (faculty and staff), to dialogue on the topic of Academic Integrity. These meetings came about as an extension from the Task Force on Academic Integrity which started last year 2005-2006 in response to a review of the 2004-2005 Student Opinion Survey.

When we discussed this topic we came to the conclusion that this needed to be a campus-wide effort. We also discussed what academic institutions around the country are doing in addressing this issue. Many of them adopt an Honor Code.

The University at Albany, Community Rights and Responsibility document is our code of standards and expectations which applies to all students. It's different from an Honor Code. It outlines "how to proceed should such an instance occur", where an Honor Code affect the entire compus community, students, faculty and administrators and is a proactive declaration of what a community wants in terms of education, integrity and what it means to be an active engaging University community.

As part of the annual Spring Forum, on Tuesday, March 27th, the campus community will be meeting together to discuss this topic: "Campus Conversations about Plagiarism and Academic Integrity: Would an Honor Code Make a Difference?" The format of this discussion will be represented by panelist reflecting the variety of communities on campus (undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and administrators).

For more information: http://www.albany.edu/senate/

I hope that you will join me in this discussion with the entire campus community.