What is academic integrity?

Honesty The quality of being honest, free from fraud or deception, legitimate, truthful (Merriam-Webster, n.d.) Honesty allows for and encourages the development of trust, which grows over time and with experience and is built on a foundation of actions rather than words (ICAI, 2021). Honesty is at the core of integrity. Trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility cannot be achieved without honesty (ICAI, 2014). How do you demonstrate academic honesty Be truthful, provide facts and keep promises, give credit and recognise the owners of original work (ICAI, 2021).

Trust Assured reliance on character, ability, strength, or mental accountability; reliability, trustworthiness (Merriam-Webster, n.d.) Students promote trust by preparing work that is honest, thoughtful, and genuine (ICAI, 2021). How do you demonstrate trust Clearly state expectations and follow through; trust others, follow rules and model good behaviour; create, understand and respect personal boundaries (ICAI, 2021).

Fairness The quality or state of being fair, especially fair; impartial treatment, lack of favouritism toward one side or another (Merriam-Webster, n.d.) How to demonstrate fairness Engage with others equitably, keep an open mind, be objective, and take responsibility for your own actions. As an institution, consistently apply rules and policies and respond to dishonesty and integrity breaches (ICAI, 2021).

Respect High or special regard, esteem; the quality or state of being esteemed (Merriam-Webster, n.d.) "Cultivating environments in which all members show and enjoy respect is both an individual and a collective responsibility" (ICAI, 2021). How to demonstrate respect Practise active listening, show empathy, acknowledge the contributions of others, recognise the consequences of our words and actions on others, value diversity of opinions and appreciate the need to challenge, test, and refine ideas (ICAI, 2021).

Responsibility The quality or state of being responsible for moral, legal, or mental accountability; reliability, trustworthiness (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). “When we take responsibility for the work we produce, we give it credibility. Without credibility, there is no point in doing the work." ~Deb Eerkes, ICAI Leader (ICAI, 2014). “Every member of an academic community – each student, faculty member, and administrator – is responsible for safeguarding the integrity of its scholarship, teaching and research” (ICAI 2014). How to demonstrate responsibility As a student, you can demonstrate responsibility by holding yourself accountable for your learning and education. This includes being responsible for your own actions as well as having the courage to stand up against others when they fail to uphold the values of the group (ICAI, 2021).

Courage The mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear and difficulty (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). “Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees the others” ~ Aristotle (ICAI, 2014). Courage is the willingness to hold yourself and others accountable for maintaining a culture of integrity (ICAI, 2021). How to demonstrate courage Be brave even when others are not, take risk or endure discomfort for something you believe in (ICAI, 2021). This is leadership.

Professionalism The conduct, aims, or qualities that characterise or mark a profession or a professional person. How to demonstrate professionalism Be productive, develop a professional image, manage your time efficiently, take initiative, demonstrate integrity in all you do.