ETHICAL ISSUES OBSERVED BY A PART-TIME LECTURER IN A TRADITIONAL GEOSCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Academic integrity for non-major geology courses includes plagiarism, not significantly contributing to group projects and cheating. Based on personal observations of over 800 upper division students and about 500 lower division students in general education courses fewer than 20 students were caught in blatant plagiarism or cheating on an exam. On average in a class of 50 students, 4-6 overly depend on others in a group project. Plagiarism from lower division students has changed over the years from using all text from the internet to interspersed portions of an article within self-written prose.

Overall, the best way to address these situations is to clearly explain the University's policy on plagiarism and cheating. Details of assignments must be clearly stated with an emphasis on academic integrity. The University subscribes to the turnitin.com service which checks the students work with internet sources. Students are able to examine their work and resubmit when text is highlighted i.e. detected as copied. Group projects must include partner and pier evaluations that are clearly defined in the initial assignment.

Associated issues are gender, culture, age and academic experience and/or academic rank. These issues can be avoided with repeated communication of expectations and encouragement even when achievement is low. The part-time faculty and student relationship is often fragile and requires firmness and skill by the instructor.

San Jose State University maintains a well-publicized and detailed policy administered through the Office of Judicial Affairs and is very supportive to the part-time faculty in upholding academic integrity.