Resolution on Enforcing Academic Integrity Standards

Background

A successful university must establish and enforce the highest standards of academic integrity. Based on significant evidence presented to the NBFC by the Office of Student Conduct, which is charged with dealing with violations of academic integrity, and based on the experience of many faculty members, Rutgers is not meeting its obligations in this area.

Both the faculty and the administration have roles to play in the enforcement of standards of academic integrity. In addition to making certain that students in our classes receive very clear guidance about the applicable academic integrity standards, faculty can also participate in the enforcement process as Academic Integrity Facilitators or as members of hearing committees. The administration must provide the structure, the leadership, and the resources for the enforcement of the high standards of academic integrity already articulated by the University Senate and a number of faculty committees.

The Office of Student Conduct has the responsibility for enforcing a very wide range of student conduct beyond academic integrity violations. As a result, its primary reporting relationship is a nonacademic one. There should also be a clear academic reporting relationship. This level of academic administration would have the ability to educate faculty members about maintaining standards of academic integrity and participating in the enforcement process. Most critically, this level of academic administration would be able to provide the appropriate financial and personnel resources needed. for effective enforcement of our high standards of academic integrity.

 

Resolution

Be it resolved that the NBFC calls upon the administration to provide the leadership necessary for the effective enforcement of our high standards of academic integrity by implementing appropriate educational and recruitment processes for the faculty, by reconfiguring the academic integrity administrative reporting relationships, and by providing the sorely needed financial support for the Office of Student Conduct.