Academic Intergrity - Unauthorized Assistance
Unauthorized Assistance
According to the University of Phoenix’s Student Code of Conduct, unauthorized assistance is a violation of academic integrity. The Student Code of Academic Integrity states, “Students must rely upon their own abilities, and refrain from obtaining assistance in any manner that faculty does not explicitly allow” (2008, p.26). This type of misconduct includes having someone other than the student supply test answers, discussion replies and portions of essay papers.
Academic dishonesty is an unfortunate reality in academia. Research strongly indicates that cheating is widespread across both traditional and online campuses throughout the United States. To date, little evidence exists to substantiate claims that online courses facilitate cheating to a greater degree than traditional college classes. Contrary to common ideology, the very nature of online education may prevent students from fostering a “cheating culture” (Grijalva, Nowell & Kerkvliet, 2006, 9). Student surveys reveal two basic types of cheating. Planned cheating occurs when students prepare in advance for dishonest behavior and panic cheating occurs during moments of anxiety or desperation. Therefore, the absence of a classroom may deter cheating. More specifically, no other students are physically present from which to copy answers. But online classes cannot prevent all types of dishonesty. By understanding how and when online students are tempted to cheat, universities can create effective deterrents.
One flaw to online education was illustrated earlier this year when the wife of a college football player claimed to have taken her husband’s online classes for him (Emerson, 2008). Allegations such as this demonstrate the need for policies and procedures to deter and apprehend academic dishonesty. While colleges and universities have created effective methods to discourage plagiarism, online educators must additionally develop ways to minimize...
Please login to view the full essay...