Moving Beyond Plagiarism Detection Towards A Culture Of Academic Integrity

The advent of electronic detection of plagiarism can lead to an increasing use of punitive measures and the re-inforcement of a very negative approach to academic scholarship. An alternative approach is the honour code system, which originated in the US. Students take a pledge to uphold the principles of academic integrity and in return are awarded certain privileges and responsibilities. These may include examinations that are not invigilated by staff and a student judiciary that polices the honour code. There is a campus-wide focus on the positive promotion of academic integrity and scholarship and less emphasis on penalties and punishment. The rise in the number of plagiarism-related cases has forced many HEIs into a rapid evolution of policies and practices for dealing with plagiarism. Wide variation in the detail and use of plagiarism policies has been demonstrated at a national level, with concern from the OIA that this could lead to inequality of treatment of students.