Enhancing Cultures of Academic Integrity in Irish Higher Education

This paper describes the process of establishing and fostering a national approach to further understand, enhance, and embed a positive culture of academic integrity in the Irish higher education sector. The global challenge of academic misconduct encouraged by the cheating service providers is one which the Irish quality assurance and qualifications authority recognized could not be ignored or simply eradicated through regulation but that there needed to be a greater move to provide an environment in which cultural change and adoption of strategic approaches to academic integrity education and awareness could take place, embedding an appreciation of academic integrity within diverse cultural contexts, in a mutually supportive, open, and collaborative manner. The overall strategic approach, development of key resources, engagement of key leaders within the higher education sector, active involvement of key staff as members of a national academic integrity network have all been key factors in bringing about positive change. An underlying message is the dynamic nature of this area; it is constantly diversifying and requires constant monitoring, adaptation, and agility. The national vision described here is one of well-informed, educated, and aware stakeholders who in turn can enable a community of resilient learners equipped to withstand the lure of cheating providers, and a community of higher education staff who are well-informed, resourced, and equipped to operate within an institutional culture in which academic integrity is understood, commended, and upheld.