Justice and Consistency in Academic Integrity: Philosophical and Practical Considerations in Policy Making

Abstract

Abstract This opinion article presents two main virtues that should shape the development of academic integrity policies in higher education: justice and consistency. It discusses and analyzes some of the most common features of modern integrity policies, how examples of them achieve (or do not achieve) the goals of consistency and justice, and our position on how colleges and universities can conceive of a policy and sanctioning structure that embodies these broader values while supporting their institution’s unique needs and values. It concludes with suggestions on how to improve the institution’s policies through the lenses of our two overarching values.