Academic Integrity

I am very grateful to teach in an environment where Academic Integrity (AI) is very much valued.  We all agree that it is a lot more effective and rewarding to teach what AI is all about.  It is a win-win situation for all.  Students are empowered and produce work that is truly their own, they learn by doing so, and they can be  proud of their accomplishments.   Humber sends out top-notch graduates and industry appreciates them.  And by extension, these wonderful young people contribute to shaping our society.

It is a great privilege for me to serve on the School of HRT's Academic Integrity Committee and contribute to educating and inspiring students, faculty and staff alike to all be on the same page.  I believe that teaching all of us the art of upholding AI is the best way to ensure that we can maintain a high standard.

The downside is when I discover that despite being pro-active, someone still prefers to cut corners. Enforcing AI takes courage and effort.  It does not feel good to have to tell someone that a test is a zero, that I am filing a report, and that this may potentially end up on someone's transcript.  But it needs to be done, and I refuse to pretend that it's not happening when it does.  

I use turnitin.com religiously on all assignments.  I set up my classroom meticulously before a test, including seating arrangements.  And I try to create evaluation methods that make sense to students.  If they see the value and the purpose, they put more effort into completing assignments.

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