First things first, what exactly is integrity? Well, it’s all about being honest, ethical, and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It’s about staying true to your values and principles, and not compromising them for personal gain. In simpler terms, it’s about being a decent human being.
Now, let’s talk about why integrity matters at university. Sure, we’re here to get an education, but it’s about more than just passing exams and earning a degree. University is a place where we develop as individuals, build relationships, and prepare ourselves for the real world. And guess what? Employers value integrity just as much as they value academic achievements. They want to hire people they can trust, who will represent their organisation with integrity.
So, how can we practise integrity in our daily lives as university students? Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Be honest with yourself: It all starts with self-reflection. Take a moment to identify your values and what integrity means to you. This self-awareness will guide your actions and help you make the right choices.
- Avoid plagiarism: We have all been tempted to copy and paste that perfect paragraph from the Internet, but let’s resist the urge. Plagiarism is a big no-no and can have serious consequences. Instead, learn to properly cite your sources and give credit where it’s due.
- Be accountable: Admit your mistakes. If you make an error or miss a deadline, don’t make excuses or try to cover it up. Take responsibility, learn from it, and strive to do better next time.
- Respect academic integrity policies: OUM has its own set of rules and policies regarding academic integrity. Familiarise yourself with them and make sure you follow them to the letter. Ignorance is not an excuse!
- Support your peers: Encourage your classmates to uphold integrity too. If you witness academic dishonesty, don’t turn a blind eye. Speak up and help create a culture of honesty and fairness.
- Be true to yourself: University is a time of self-discovery and personal growth. Don’t compromise your values or engage in activities that go against your principles just to fit in. Stay true to who you are, and surround yourself with people who also have integrity.
Remember, integrity is not a one-off thing, it’s a lifelong practice.
By embracing integrity at university, we can pursue success in all aspects of life. So, let’s keep it real, stay honest, and make our university experience one that we can be proud of.
