What is the primary role of academic integrity in higher education?

Question: What is the primary role of academic integrity in higher education?

The primary role of academic integrity in higher education is to ensure that learning and research are conducted in a fair, honest, and ethical manner. Here's why it is vital:

- Preserving Credibility: Academic integrity safeguards the credibility of institutions, degrees, and research by promoting trust and authenticity.

- Fostering Fairness: It ensures that all students are evaluated based on their genuine efforts and abilities, maintaining a level playing field.

- Encouraging Originality: By discouraging plagiarism and cheating, academic integrity nurtures creativity, independent thinking, and genuine intellectual contributions.

- Building Ethical Foundations: It cultivates values like honesty, responsibility, and respect, preparing students to uphold ethical standards in their professional and personal lives.

- Advancing Knowledge: Upholding academic integrity allows for reliable, truthful research that contributes meaningfully to societal progress.