Supporting and Facilitating Academic Integrity in Distance Education through Student Services

Abstract

This chapter briefly describes the growing concern over a lack of academic integrity in higher education and the traditional methods employed to detect and prevent it. Arguing that these possess inherent shortcomings, the author describes a systems approach that incorporates all aspects of student services: admissions, marketing, and orientation; instructional support; instructional technology; library services; and counseling and advocacy. For academic integrity policies and programs to truly be effective, they must be universal and preventative in scope and include all segments of student services and the student body itself. Regular assessment must be conducted and the topic incorporated into professional development. The primary goal for educational institutions should be to foster and support the development of academic integrity in their students.