Contact Academic Integrity
Math and Computer Building, room 1068
University of Waterloo
200 University Avenue West
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
academic.integrity@uwaterloo.ca
The OAI had a number of resources to promote academic integrity in online assessments. For more tips and resources for teaching in the online environment, visit Keep Learning with Integrity.
The following tips were prepared by CEL, CTE, and the OAI. This information is available in PDF format.
Set your students up for success
Don’t assume that all, or even most, students will cheat on online exams. Know what the research shows.
Avoid creating high stakes situations where students are more likely to feel desperate
Design exams that uphold academic integrity and decrease the opportunity for academic misconduct
Use timed exams appropriately and only when learning outcomes warrant timed assessment
Consider that students are writing exams in various time zones, during a pandemic
Use exam delivery settings that encourage academic integrity
Instructors can ask students to sign the following academic integrity agreements when completing assignments and tests:
Implementing the use of a signed form can help reduce academic misconduct (Ely, Henderson & Wachsman, 2014; Konhheim-Kalkstein, 2006). In particular, research demonstrates that signing an academic integrity form in a non-proctored environment can decrease instances of cheating (Ely, Henderson & Wachsman, 2014). Instructors should introduce the form to be signed by students and discuss the intent behind its use.
The form is a reminder that academic integrity is important, and that each student is personally committing, by their signature, to uphold the values of integrity and honestly demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the topic at hand. Being explicit and specific about prohibited behavior makes it easier for students to understand and avoid (Whitley & Keith-Speigel, 2001).
Instructors can use infographic icons on assessments to clearly indicate to students the level of collaboration acceptable, authorized aids, and unauthorized aids. Download and use the templates and icons (PPT).
Math and Computer Building, room 1068
University of Waterloo
200 University Avenue West
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
academic.integrity@uwaterloo.ca
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within our Office of Indigenous Relations.