Fostering Academic Integrity in Online Classes in the University of Santo Tomas During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Vince Henry M. Salles1,*

Author Affliations

1Faculty Member, Senior High School, University of Santo Tomas
*[email protected]

Abstract

Maintaining academic integrity has already been a challenge to many schools. Now that classes are conducted online due to the coronavirus pandemic, dishonesty has been more prevalent during examinations, thus imposing a more significant challenge on upholding academic integrity. In 2020, when the pandemic struck, the University of Santo Tomas in Manila adopted an “enriched virtual mode of learning” which is a combination of online and offline teaching and learning strategies. The University also had to cope with the classes’ sudden shift to virtual mode and deal with academic dishonesty challenges. This paper provides a definition for academic integrity and enumerates the different acts of dishonesty occurring in online classes during this pandemic, based on related studies. The paper also surveys the various internal and external reasons why students commit these academic misbehaviors. It discusses how the University of Santo Tomas advocates the value of honesty through its policies, identity statements, curricular and co-curricular activities. In addition, the paper analyzes the different methods that UST suggested to its academic staff to ensure intellectual honesty in an online setup of examinations. The paper concludes with recommendations employing a combination of values-based approach and practical assessment security strategies to foster academic integrity.