Explaining U.S. Academic Integrity Standards to International Students Developed for NC State Faculty Office of International Services .

Explaining U.S. Academic Integrity Standards to International Students

Developed for NC State Faculty

Office of International Serviceshttp://www.ncsu.edu/ois

2010/2011

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This following presentation will help you -

Recognize U.S. cultural values represented in NC State’s academic integrity policy;Address the responsibility of faculty in minimizing cultural barriers related to this area; Explain academic integrity to your international students; andProvide practical resources for you and for your international students on academic integrity.

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NC State University recognizes the invaluable contribution of international students to its goal of being a center of learning in a globalized world.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of faculty members to minimize cultural barriers to enhance the university’s global learning environment. In relation to academic integrity, this entails recognizing the cultural differences that exist within our student body, and taking time to explain academic integrity policy in a manner international students will comprehend.

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U.S. VALUES - INDIVIDUALISM

INTERNATIONAL VALUES - COLLECTIVISM

Privacy

Competition

Ownership

Integrated community life Collaboration

Shared responsibility

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Many of NC State’s international students come from a collectivist culture in which the individual is of lesser importance.

How is individualism vs collectivism related to academic integrity? For example, the credit due to an individual for their written work may be valued differently. In some cultures, you can even shame a person by citing their work because you are implying that their work is unknown to others.

DIRECT COMMUNICATION INDIRECT COMMUNICATION

Direct application

Objective

Enforcement of Rules

Vague language

Subjective

Lack of enforcement

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Individuals from certain cultures may not be comfortable with a figure of authority speaking openly about a subject. At many universities around the world, policies will be put in writing as a formality, but are not enforced. In reality, students have to read between the lines to learn the actual policy.

It is important to be open and emphasize the academic integrity expectations, so that students understand you will enforce these policies.

LOW POWER DISTANCE LINES OF AUTHORITY

Expectation of familiarity, people are equal

Open door policy

Clear distinction between student and faculty

Limited contact

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For many international students, the relationship to their professor is only one-way, meaning that the instructor is not to be questioned. Questioning can be a sign of disrespect.

International students may be hesitant to approach you or ask you to explain your expectations. They will need time and guidance to learn to speak up in class and communicate with you directly about a problem.

INNOVATION IMITATION

Creativity

Originality emphasized

Rote Learning

Imitation is the highest form of flattery

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First and foremost, be attentive to cultural differences.

Give clear definitions of what constitutes academic integrity and its violations.

Emphasize that the focus lies on creating individual work. Collaboration is only allowed if specific instructions and permission are received from you.

Explain that every source a student uses to learn and create their own work must be given due credit in whatever style is most appropriate for your discipline and provide resources.

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Emphasize your availability (or the role/availability of the TA for your class) and your expectation that questions be asked.

Explain that active class participation is expected and that student input is valued.

In addition to stating your academic integrity policy on the syllabus or course website, clearly state it in person to the students and emphasize that these policies will be enforced.

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Above All - Listen Carefully

Working with international students must be an interactive process where you are attentive to their cultural values. Understand what they bring to the table and what you expect.

Especially with new international students try to learn their understanding of academic integrity and refer them to the available resources for greater assistance.

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1. The Code of Student Conduct: http://www.ncsu.edu/student_conduct/

2. To learn how to use various citation styles: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/citationbuilder/

3. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on academic integrity: http://www.ncsu.edu/stud_affairs/osc/AIpage/aiquestionsstu.html

4. Examples of academic integrity violations: http://www.ncsu.edu/stud_affairs/osc/AIpage/case.html

5. The Academic Resources tutorial for international students: http://www.ncsu.edu/ois/current/acadsuccess.php

6. The Academic Integrity tutorial for international students: http://www.ncsu.edu/ois/current/acadsuccess.php

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The Office of International Services will gladly assist you in this endeavor by providing you and your staff with cross-cultural trainings as needed. To request a

training, please visit: http://www.ncsu.edu/ois/faculty/oisdelivers.php

The Center for Academic Integrity (provides educational materials, articles and guides on implementing academic integrity): http://www.academicintegrity.org/index.php

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1. Twomey, Tyra, Holly White, and Ken Sagendorf, eds. Pedagogy, Not Policing. Positive Approaches to Academic Integrity at the University. Syracuse, NY: The Graduate School P of Syracuse U, 2009. Print.

2. Sutherland-Smith, Wendy. Plagiarism, the Internet and Student Learning. Improving Academic Integrity. New York, NY: Routledge, 2008. Print.

3. Perera, B. Yasanthi Chandrika. Cultural Values, Understanding, and Awareness: Indian Students' Perspectives on Academic Integrity. Raleigh, NC: North Carolina State U, 2000. Print.

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