When a Student Blows the Whistle (on Himself)

Abstract

Although various forms of dishonesty and cheating are widespread in academic and business settings, this personal experience case involves the intellectually provocative and emotionally stimulating example of a student who literally blew the whistle and turned himself in for cheating. Astonishingly, he turned himself in a few days after he had “successfully” cheated (was not caught) on the class final exam. Told from the perspective of both the student and professor, this personal experience essay addresses the issues surrounding why the student cheated and what led him to take the highly unusual action of turning himself in and accepting responsibility for his actions.