Horizon Scanning Report on Academic and Institutional Integrity
A report by Sarah Elaine Eaton and Beatriz Moya, University of Calgary. Commissioned by the N-TUTORR National Digital Leadership Network.
Abstract
This horizon scanning report examines the evolving landscape of academic and institutional integrity in higher education. It traces the historical development of academic and institutional integrity concepts, analyses current international best practices, and forecasts future challenges and opportunities. The report highlights how technological advancements, globalization, and changing educational models have transformed the nature of academic misconduct and institutional responses. Key issues addressed include contract cheating, AI-generated content, and credential fraud. The study synthesizes insights from literature reviews and related documents to provide a comprehensive overview of innovative strategies employed by leading institutions worldwide. These range from integrity-focused curriculum design to generative artificial intelligence. The report concludes with actionable recommendations for higher education institutions to foster cultures of integrity, leverage emerging technologies, and prepare for future challenges. By adopting proactive, holistic approaches to academic and institutional integrity, universities can not only mitigate risks but also enhance their educational quality and global reputation in an increasingly complex and interconnected academic landscape.
Author
Sarah Elaine Eaton is a Professor and research chair at the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary (Canada). She is an award-winning educator, researcher, and leader. She leads transdisciplinary research teams focused on the ethical implications of advanced technology use in educational contexts. Dr. Eaton also holds a concurrent appointment as an Honorary Associate Professor, Deakin University, Australia.
Beatriz Antonieta Moya, Ph.D. in Educational Research from the University of Calgary, specializes in ethics, leadership in higher education, and artificial intelligence. Awarded the 2023 Outstanding Student Award by the European Network for Academic Integrity, her work focuses on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and fostering ethical practices. She has co-authored peer-reviewed publications on academic integrity policy and AI ethics in education and regularly leads workshops and presentations internationally, highlighting her commitment to promoting integrity in higher education through interdisciplinary research and leadership.