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A MATTER OF ETHICSThe Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) chose a three-tier national project on ethics: A Matter of Ethics. This project was such a huge success, they voted to continue their ongoing efforts for another three years. This will allow ACHS honor societies to unite in a common program and provide opportunities for collaboration of individual societies on campuses. Each campus may choose their topic of ethics as they see fit. Participation in this national project would be voluntary and vary by discipline, chapter, and size. The hope is that colleges and surrounding communities will become more aware of the various facets of ethical issues, and to serve as role models of ethical behavior for members of the academic community. The ACHS has joined The Center for Academic Integrity, a consortium of 200+ colleges and universities which seek to encourage campus conversations regarding the importance of academic integrity. Professor Donald McCabe of Rutgers University founded the Center for Academic Integrity (CAI). This organization is now housed on the campus of Duke University. Their research shows that rates of cheating among American high school and college students are high and increasing. More than 75 percent of college students have cheated during their college days, 80 percent of high-achieving, college-bound high school students have cheated, think cheating is commonplace, and do not consider cheating a serious transgression. One website providing free term papers averaged 80,000 hits per day. There was an article in USA Weekend (April 23-25, 2004) entitled, “The Cheating Life.” According to this article, the top three forms of cheating are: workplace theft, tax evasion and academic dishonesty. With upper management executives in the news for unethical behavior in business, this trend is very significant and should be a high priority at every level of education, business and government According to the CAI, “Academic integrity is a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to five fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. From these values flow principles of behavior that enable academic communities to translate ideals into action.” You can receive additional information about the Center at http://www.academicintegrity.org. According to Nannerl O. Keohane, President of Duke University, “The Center for Academic Integrity’s research shows that campus norms and practices, such as effective honor codes, can make a significant difference in student behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs…All of us - faculty, administrators, students, trustees, and concerned alumni - have a responsibility to get involved. Raising the level of student academic integrity should be among our highest priorities on college and university campuses.” |
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