Unisa Launches Academic Integrity Course

The course aims to instill the values of honesty, respect, fairness, and accountability in the student’s academic and professional careers. Photo: UNISA

The University of South Africa (Unisa) is set to introduce a compulsory academic integrity course for all students beginning in the 2025 academic year.

The academic integrity course is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge and practical skills to navigate their studies ethically and responsibly. Key topics include the principles of academic integrity, academic writing, strategies to avoid plagiarism, ethical usage of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and the importance of ethical decision-making in assessments and research.

This comprehensive approach aims to instil the values of honesty, respect, fairness, and accountability in the student’s academic and professional careers.

Professor Zodwa Motsa Madikane, Vice-Principal of Teaching, Learning, Community Engagement, and Student Support at Unisa emphasised the importance of the course in maintaining academic integrity.

“Academic integrity is more than an academic requirement; it reflects who we are as an institution and as individuals. This course is designed to ensure that every student understands their role in upholding the values that make Unisa a beacon of excellence in higher education. Through this course, Unisa strengthens the trust between the university, its students, and the broader academic and professional communities”. Said Prof Madikane.

The shift to online education, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has heightened concerns regarding academic integrity. The emergence of AI tools like ChatGPT has further complicated the landscape, necessitating a proactive approach to ethical academic practices.

Unisa’s adoption of the Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) model in 2013 aimed to enhance access to higher education across South Africa, particularly for individuals in rural areas. However, the increased reliance on technology in education has raised concerns about potential areas for academic dishonesty.

In response to these challenges, Unisa adopted a zero-tolerance stance against cheating and plagiarism, and implemented an invigilation application, Digikamva Invigilator App, to safeguard the integrity of the universities’ online assessments and examinations.

Phindiwe Kamolane, Chairperson of the Examination Committee at Unisa, highlighted the role of academic integrity course in the context of online assessment.

“The transition to online assessments presents both opportunities and challenges. Safeguarding the credibility of our assessment processes requires a proactive approach, and this course is integral to the strategy. By understanding and championing academic integrity, students not only strengthen the credibility of their qualifications, but they also demonstrate the principles of ethical leadership.” Said Kamolane.

The introduction of the Academic Integrity Course marks a significant step toward reinforcing ethical academic practices in an increasingly challenging digital environment. By proactively addressing these challenges, Unisa reinforces its commitment to nurturing a culture of ethical behaviour and transparency within its academic community.

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