Collaboratively developing a class Statement of Values or Code of Ethics is essential for establishing shared understanding and commitment to academic integrity in today’s complex learning environment. Autumn Caines, in her helpful resource Is This Technology Ethical? Analysis Helper for Educators, gives both faculty and students a tool to help create this Code of Ethics.

Rather than simply imposing rules, engaging students in creating these guidelines builds community ownership and acknowledges the evolving nature of academic integrity in an AI-enhanced world. Students often share similar values regarding honest academic work, and their perspectives on ethical use of modern tools and technologies can provide valuable insights for developing practical, relevant guidelines.

This collaborative approach to defining academic integrity

• Promotes an inclusive learning environment
• Creates clear, shared expectations
• Encourages positive behavior rather than focusing on restrictions
• Addresses contemporary challenges and tools
• Builds student investment in maintaining academic standards

Essential groundwork for this process

Ensure alignment with the VU Academic Integrity Policy while addressing current technological and educational realities

Clearly communicate non-negotiable requirements for fair assessment of learning outcomes:

• Explain specific restrictions (e.g., closed-book exams, individual work requirements)
• Connect these requirements to specific learning objectives
• Address appropriate and inappropriate use of AI tools and other technologies

Establish collective responsibility

• Everyone shares accountability for maintaining academic integrity
• Create clear procedures for reporting concerns
• Foster a culture where upholding standards is seen as supporting the learning community

Frame the discussion positively

• Emphasize this is about creating clarity, not preventing misconduct
• Acknowledge diverse perspectives on integrity in a digital age
• Focus on supporting student success through honest academic work

Address contemporary challenges

• Include guidelines for AI tool usage
• Consider remote and hybrid learning scenarios
• Discuss digital collaboration boundaries
• Address proper citation of AI-assisted work

This approach creates a foundation for academic integrity that is relevant, inclusive, and responsive to modern educational challenges while maintaining high academic standards.

Back to Main Page (Scroll to bottom of page for links to series) – How to Foster Academic Integrity

This content draws inspiration from the  University of California San Diego Academic Integrity website. They also provide a Reinforcing Academic Integrity in the Age of AI: A Guide for Instructors, which offers additional recommendations for how to craft a GenAI policy for your courses.