Study finds cheating common

ST. LOUIS - According to a report on student conduct released by Washington University's Committee on Academic Integrity, 16 students failed classes last semester because they were caught in the act of plagiarism, changing answers or collaborating on exams.

The report showed a small rise in the number of complaints of academic dishonesty since spring 1998. In actuality, the answer is unclear. The exact degree of cheating that occurs on campus is unknown. "I don't really see it," said Washington sophomore Kelly McDonough. "People who got into this school don't need to resort to cheating."

"I personally have never seen it," senior Lisa Marcus said. "But there's the honor code." Marcus referred to the university judicial code, which defines academic misconduct as "including, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of student status, and resume falsification."

Cases of cheating can be handled one-on-one with the professor, but Washington University recommends to its faculty that the cases be kept confidential and brought before the academic integrity committee, where they are adjudicated by a group of students and faculty.

Using the rules of due process, the committee hears all cases of academic misconduct. Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Sara Johnson said the procedure actually benefits the accused, as both students and professors are assured a fair hearing.

"They (students) need an impartial group to talk to," Johnson said.

English Prof. Joe Loewenstein said he would rather report an incident of cheating than deal with it on his own.

"Most of us are tempted to handle such things ourselves, when the board is in a better position to know if the student has been a chronic offender against the university's policy for academic integrity," Loewenstein said.

If the professor's methods are brought into question, a fair trial for both students and professors is essential. James McLeod, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, recognized the possibility that a student might feel like they were the victim of unfair treatment.

"There are always issues out there-debates on the way something is or should be done. That I expect," said McLeod. McLeod said faculty members are always willing to listen to complaints, "as they should be."

What steps were taken to prevent cheating in the classroom? Some faculty members rely on written assignments to prevent the likelihood of cheating.

Others, who administer tests, heavily monitor their exams. Multiple-choice exams are machine graded, and according to math prof. Ron Freiwald "a computer program scans the answers looking for suspicious similarities in answers of students sitting near each other."

Administrators strongly recommend that each faculty member clearly state expectations for their class at the beginning of the semester, addressing the issue of academic integrity with their students. "Students appreciate knowing the expectations of their academic community," said McLeod.

"Academic dishonesty cheapens the value of the degree, and puts honest students at a disadvantage," said Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Sara Johnson, reiterating the value of academic integrity on campus.

"It shouldn't be tolerated at the university level, especially here," said sophomore Ted Westerman.

Cheating not only negatively affects the academic community, but it also affects the faculty.

"You'd be surprised to see how upset faculty members are to see cheating in the classroom. It's a betrayal," said Johnson.

"I think we're doing reasonably well," said McLeod, about the university's effort to prevent cheating. But he also recognized the fact that faculty and administrators could do a better job of educating students about the dangers of academic dishonesty. "We always remain vigilant, and make sure that people understand how important academic integrity is to this university," said McLeod.

02-04-99