Student Spotlight: Meet Brittney!

Each week, we'll be doing a Library Ambassador 'Student Spotlight' on the topic of academic integrity. Read on to hear each Library Ambassador discuss integrity in their studies!

Meet Brittney, a 4A Enviroment student. 

What does academic integrity mean to you?

Academic integrity means not copying someone else's work, whether it is from a researcher or another student. It also means being honest and completing your work individually and going to the professor or teaching assistant when you need help. Avoid sharing answers with your peers to prevent plagiarism. The answers you submit are your own original ideas. 

Have you ever had a situation in which your academic integrity was tested? What did you do?

I have been in group projects where my group members did not cite their work properly and that tested my academic integrity since my name is on the final product as well. In this situation, I would try to match the citations to the text, however, I was not able to fix everything because I did not know specifically where the information came from. Then, I contacted the group member who completed the section and reminded them how to cite accordingly. 

How do you maintain your academic integrity?

I maintain my academic integrity by ensuring that I have properly cited all the information that I use in my work and refer to the university policies. Additionally, I do not share my work with others to prevent any future conflicts regarding plagiarism. 

Which resources on campus (i.e. the WCC, the SSO, the Library) have you used and why did you find them helpful?

I have gone to the WCC and the Library to clarify certain citation methods. Sometimes the sources that I use do not give me all the information that I need to properly cite it. I went to the WCC and the Library Research & Assignment Help Desk to figure out what I should include in my citation. 

How are the Library Ambassadors engaging with students on academic integrity?

Library Ambassadors are engaging with students on academic integrity through the Academic Integrity sessions during the semester. During these sessions, Library Ambassadors quiz the students about their knowledge on the academic integrity policies. As well, we guide students to the WCC and Library Help Desk for when they are unsure about academic integrity policies.