Understanding the Values of Academic Integrity 

Academic integrity and academic misconduct are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a difference. All academics aspire to uphold academic integrity in their work, which consists of a set of shared values that are essential to maintaining quality in academic work and scholarship.  

Practicing academic integrity effectively includes having an understanding of each of its associated values and the role they play in earning a university degree and producing academic research. For each of the values of academic integrity listed, you will find an explanation of why they are important and practical ways that you can apply them.

Click the sections below to learn more about each of the values of academic integrity. 

Upholding academic integrity helps students engage meaningfully with their studies and supports genuine learning and personal growth. Putting these values into practice now also helps students become better prepared for success beyond university. Yet, upholding integrity is not always straightforward.

During your studies, you will encounter circumstances that challenge your commitment to these principles. These challenges could involve navigating complex academic tasks, balancing multiple responsibilities, or encountering pressures that may tempt you to compromise on integrity, which are discussed in the next section: Engaging with Academic Integrity and Avoiding Academic Misconduct.

Confronting these challenges helps to strengthen resilience and problem-solving skills as you explore different perspectives and consider new strategies for overcoming obstacles. To help you overcome these challenges and gain new skills and strategies, the university offers you many learning supports, venues to seek advice, online guides and more. See the Getting Help guide for more information.