NC STATE UNIVERSITY
Explaining U.S. Academic Integrity Standards to
International Students
Developed for NC State Faculty
Office of International Services
http://www.ncsu.edu/ois
2010/2011
NC STATE UNIVERSITY
This following presentation will help you Recognize U.S. cultural values represented in NC State’s
academic integrity policy;
Address the responsibility of faculty in minimizing cultural
barriers related to this area;
 Explain academic integrity to your international students;
and
Provide practical resources for you and for your
international students on academic integrity.

NC STATE UNIVERSITY
NC State University recognizes the invaluable contribution of
international students to its goal of being a center of learning
in a globalized world.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of faculty members to
minimize cultural barriers to enhance the university’s global
learning environment. In relation to academic integrity, this
entails
recognizing the cultural differences that exist within our
student body, and
taking time to explain academic integrity policy in a manner
international students will comprehend.
NC STATE UNIVERSITY
U.S. VALUES INDIVIDUALISM
INTERNATIONAL
VALUES - COLLECTIVISM

Privacy


Competition

Integrated community
life
Collaboration

Ownership

Shared responsibility


Many of NC State’s international students
come from a collectivist culture in which the
individual is of lesser importance.
How is individualism vs collectivism related to
academic integrity? For example, the credit
due to an individual for their written work
may be valued differently. In some cultures,
you can even shame a person by citing their
work because you are implying that their work
is unknown to others.
NC STATE UNIVERSITY
DIRECT
COMMUNICATION
INDIRECT
COMMUNICATION

Direct application

Vague language

Objective

Subjective

Enforcement of Rules

Lack of enforcement
Individuals from certain cultures may not be
comfortable with a figure of authority speaking
openly about a subject. At many universities
around the world, policies will be put in writing as
a formality, but are not enforced. In reality,
students have to read between the lines to learn
the actual policy.
It is important to be open and emphasize the
academic integrity expectations, so that students
understand you will enforce these policies.
NC STATE UNIVERSITY
LOW POWER DISTANCE


Expectation of
familiarity, people are
equal
Open door policy
LINES OF AUTHORITY


Clear distinction
between student and
faculty
Limited contact
For many international students, the
relationship to their professor is only one-way,
meaning that the instructor is not to be
questioned. Questioning can be a sign of
disrespect.
International students may be hesitant to
approach you or ask you to explain your
expectations. They will need time and guidance
to learn to speak up in class and communicate
with you directly about a problem.
NC STATE UNIVERSITY
INNOVATION
IMITATION

Creativity


Originality emphasized

Rote Learning
Imitation is the highest
form of flattery
NC STATE UNIVERSITY

First and foremost, be attentive to cultural differences.
Give
clear definitions of what constitutes academic integrity
and its violations.
Emphasize
that the focus lies on creating individual work.
Collaboration is only allowed if specific instructions and
permission are received from you.
Explain that every source a student uses to learn and create
their own work must be given due credit in whatever style is
most appropriate for your discipline and provide resources.

NC STATE UNIVERSITY
Emphasize your availability (or the role/availability of the
TA for your class) and your expectation that questions be
asked.

Explain that active class participation is expected and that
student input is valued.

In addition to stating your academic integrity policy on the
syllabus or course website, clearly state it in person to the
students and emphasize that these policies will be enforced.

NC STATE UNIVERSITY
Above All - Listen Carefully
Working with international students must be an interactive
process where you are attentive to their cultural values.
Understand what they bring to the table and what you
expect.
Especially with new international students try to learn their
understanding of academic integrity and refer them to the
available resources for greater assistance.
NC STATE UNIVERSITY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The Code of Student Conduct: http://www.ncsu.edu/student_conduct/
To learn how to use various citation styles:
http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/citationbuilder/
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on academic integrity:
http://www.ncsu.edu/stud_affairs/osc/AIpage/aiquestionsstu.html
Examples of academic integrity violations:
http://www.ncsu.edu/stud_affairs/osc/AIpage/case.html
The Academic Resources tutorial for international students:
http://www.ncsu.edu/ois/current/acadsuccess.php
The Academic Integrity tutorial for international students:
http://www.ncsu.edu/ois/current/acadsuccess.php
NC STATE UNIVERSITY
The Office of International Services will gladly assist you in
this endeavor by providing you and your staff with crosscultural trainings as needed. To request a training, please
visit: http://www.ncsu.edu/ois/faculty/oisdelivers.php
The Center for Academic Integrity (provides educational
materials, articles and guides on implementing academic
integrity): http://www.academicintegrity.org/index.php
NC STATE UNIVERSITY
1.
2.
3.
Twomey, Tyra, Holly White, and Ken Sagendorf, eds. Pedagogy, Not Policing.
Positive Approaches to Academic Integrity at the University. Syracuse, NY: The
Graduate School P of Syracuse U, 2009. Print.
Sutherland-Smith, Wendy. Plagiarism, the Internet and Student Learning. Improving
Academic Integrity. New York, NY: Routledge, 2008. Print.
Perera, B. Yasanthi Chandrika. Cultural Values, Understanding, and Awareness:
Indian Students' Perspectives on Academic Integrity. Raleigh, NC: North Carolina
State U, 2000. Print.