Why Is Academic Integrity Important?

By Staff Writer | Last Updated August 4, 2015

Academic integrity is important because it ensures that students possess the responsibility to acquire skills honestly in the classroom that aids them in the workforce. Academic integrity also guarantees students a quality learning experience in which work is evaluated fairly and hard work is recognized and valued.

Academic integrity within a program of study raises the bar of learning and ensures that the program is reputable. When a student is allowed to cheat, the student is not fully prepared for the workforce, and the university’s reputation may be compromised, as the knowledge, skills and professional competence of the student don’t accurately represent his learning opportunity.

Academic integrity also encourages students to become honest, hard-working and distinguished members of their communities. For example, the University of Victoria upholds that core values associated with academic integrity, such as responsibility, respect, trust and fairness, are an essential component of teaching students how to live a life of civic duty within communities. Academic integrity and the values associated with this practice also help to develop awareness of responsibilities and rights within the workforce, society and the global community.

Academic institutions often define academic integrity as intellectual honesty within academic work that is devoid of plagiarism, fabrication and dishonesty.