A Survey of Professor Reactions to Scenarios of Academic Dishonesty in American Universities

Abstract

This study investigates the opinions of faculty members on the subject of academic integrity at two state universities in the western United States. Results show strong similarities for both universities. Most faculty members are lenient to first offenders and would counsel students after plagiarism is discovered. However, as a group they do little to promote student awareness on what constitutes academic dishonesty. Further, although most faculty members are more stringent in their reactions to second time offenders, most admit there is no tracking of such activities in their departments or schools. The faculties believe that student academic integrity is a problem at both schools.