Grades and degrees are merely symbols representing academic abilities. It was the Director of the Academic Integrity Office at the University of California at San Diego in the US who reminded AUN students on October 11, 2019.
Dr. Tricia Gallant, spoke on contract cheating, asking students to focus on what these grades represent and that their performances would help them to get a job and do well in the job.
“The grades that you get while you are in the university are meant to represent the learning that you have had, the knowledge, skills, your abilities, your competencies.”
The talk on contract cheating was a joint program of the Writing Center, Office of Judicial Affairs, Student Government Association and Honor Society.
She maintained that there were far more to grades than what an employer wants.
Employers don’t just want knowledge and skills in particular subjects; they want graduates with integrity and interpersonal skills who can work one-on-one with others or in teams and can solve complex problems.
“These graduates should be able to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems using their critical thinking skills.”
This was why she stressed that students should not outsource themselves, especially the learning experiences which develop their writing and thinking skills, through contract cheating.
She went on to give tips on how to avoid contact cheating. They include developing time management and academic skills.
The Director of AUN Writing Center, Mrs Emilienne Akpan, said the presentation is an annual event to promote academic integrity as a way of life.
“We want our students to trust what they know and to diligently acquire or enhance their college skills. We continually do this so that they understand that here at AUN, academic integrity is one of the core values.”
The talk was a buildup to activities marking the International Day of Action (IDoA) against contract cheating on October 16, 2019, a global program of the International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI).
Reported by Omorogbe Omorogiuwa
