Academic Misconduct in Higher Education: Beyond Student Cheating

Abstract

AbstractWhen people hear the term “academic misconduct”, student cheating often comes to mind. In this chapter we provide a broader perspective, presenting formal definitions of the terms academic integrity and academic misconduct, arguing that such concepts should apply to all members of the academy. Unfortunately, research conducted in the UK and the US suggests that faculty and administrators engage in misconduct and unethical practice, in research as well as other domains. Here we review policy changes in Canada’s approach to dealing with research misconduct, with the aim of strengthening “Canada’s research integrity system” (HAL in Innov Policy Econ, 2009, i). We also present public accounts of academic transgressions by Canadian faculty and administrators, with a primary focus on research misconduct. A query of Retraction Watch found 321 retractions involving academics working in Canadian higher education institutions during the years 2010–2020. Articles in the press are then used to further highlight incidents of academic fraud and plagiarism, as well as questionable practices in student supervision, hiring practices, international student recruitment, and inappropriate interpersonal relationships. We conclude by calling for a comprehensive study of academic misconduct by faculty and administrators at Canadian higher education institutions as well as an assessment of how well the changes to Canada’s policies on research misconduct are working, particularly with respect to public disclosure.