Learning, Teaching and Leadership

As a new academic year begins here in the northern hemisphere, I’m worried. I am worried that equity-deserving students, including racialized and linguistic-minority students, disabled and neurodivergent students, and others from equity-deserving groups will fall through the cracks again this year.

Conversations about academic integrity often centre around detection and discipline. 

How many students will be accused of — and investigated for — academic cheating this year when what they actually needed was learning support? Or language support? Or just a clearer understanding of what academic integrity is and how to uphold it?

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Academic integrity is also about creating a learning environment grounded in fairness and opportunity for every student. Social justice, equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility shape how students experience integrity in real ways:

• Equity reminds us that students enter the classroom with different levels of preparation and support.
• Inclusion ensures every student can participate in learning and assessment.
• Accessibility removes barriers that make it harder for some students to meet expectations.

A social justice lens helps us see patterns in who is reported or penalized for breaches of integrity and why.

• Here are some actions educators can take in the first month of classes to support student success:
• Review course materials to ensure instructions and policies about integrity are written in plain, accessible language.
• Dedicate class time to talking with students about what integrity looks like in your course and why it matters.
• Share examples of proper citation and collaboration that are relevant to your discipline.
• Make time for questions about assessments so students understand what is expected and where to find help.
• Connect students early to campus supports such as writing centres, student services, and accessibility services.

This is just a start.

My point is this: Do not assume that students should just know what academic integrity means. Take the time to explain your expectations and policies. In order for students to follow the rules, they need to know what the rules are.

Academic integrity is not only about avoiding plagiarism or cheating. It is also about fostering trust and fairness so that all students have a fair chance to learn and succeed. The choices we make in the first few weeks of the term set the tone for the entire year.

What steps are you taking at the start of this new school year to build a more inclusive and equitable approach to academic integrity?

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Sarah Elaine Eaton, PhD, is a Professor and Research Chair in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary, Canada. Opinions are my own and do not represent those of my employer.