Academic integrity is the foundation of educational and scientific activity. Compliance with its principles is a prerequisite for all participants in the academic environment. Violation of these norms entails serious consequences for those involved in academic activity. In this article, we will look at the main types of violations of academic integrity and their consequences.
In Latvia, the regulatory framework does not contain separate documents devoted to the consequences of violations of academic integrity for participants in educational and scientific activities. These aspects are regulated by universities on an individual basis. We have analysed individual regulatory documents that define the types of academic integrity violations and their consequences. These documents include, in particular, an official document of the University of Latvia (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations) and the Law “On Higher Education Institutions”.
Types of academic integrity violations
According to the Regulations of the University of Latvia, academic misconduct includes the following aspects:
- falsification or fabrication of data
- plagiarism
- self-plagiarism
- unauthorised collaboration
- biased assessment
- cheating during exams
- presenting someone else's work as your own
These Regulations also define the degrees of severity of academic integrity violations:
- Undesirable practice (grade 1)
- Serious violation (grade 2)
- Grave violation (grade 3)
We have discussed these in more detail in our article. Below, we will look at the consequences of academic integrity violations for students, educational and research staff.
Consequences of academic misconduct
The Regulations of the University of Latvia define the consequences for academic misconduct by students.
If a student has committed a violation defined as an unacceptable practice, the lecturer may, within the framework of the course:
- Issue a reprimand, verbal warning or censure.
- Lower the grade (except for the final grade for the course).
- Suggest that the assignment be redone on a different topic or that an alternative assignment be completed.
If the violation is defined as serious or severe, the teacher must notify the dean of the faculty and take the following measures:
- Lower the grade (including the final grade for the course).
- Ask the student to redo the assignment (on a different topic or a different assignment).
- Exclude the student from taking the final exam.
- Recommend that the dean of the faculty cancel the grade if the violation is established before the end of the next semester.
If the student has committed a serious violation, the teacher may recommend that the dean of the faculty issue a warning of expulsion or expel the student.
For academic staff, the Regulations provide for the following measures:
- verbal or written warning, reprimand
- application of disciplinary sanctions in accordance with the internal rules of the university and the laws of Latvia
- termination or suspension of the employment contract in the event of serious violations
In accordance with the Law “On Higher Education Institutions”, the university senate determines the requirements and procedures related to compliance with academic integrity and also makes decisions on its violation. A higher education institution has the right to revoke a state diploma if it is established that the academic degree or professional qualification was obtained in violation of academic integrity.
Compliance with the principles of academic integrity is the foundation for the development of science. Failure to comply with these standards undermines confidence in research results, damaging not only the reputation of the scientist, but also the entire academic community. On the other hand, honesty and transparency in research contribute to the formation of a sustainable culture of responsibility and respect for intellectual work.
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