It is important to view academic integrity and mental health from the perspective of members who deal with its maintenance and related-issues in their classrooms. During this interview, special guest 👩🏼‍💻Dr. Jodi Martin is featured. Dr. Martin is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at York University.

Keep reading to find out more about Dr. Martin’s perspectives on matters related to academic integrity, mental health, students’ success and more!

What is Academic Integrity and Why is it Important?🤔

Academic integrity is a set of rules or guidelines for conduct that ensure fair, reliable, and ethical learning.

It is important because the credibility and reputability of the degree that students are earning rely on the assumption that the degree was obtained while upholding the standards of academic integrity. Without academic integrity, we run the risk of higher education being devalued and disrespected.

What is Your role as an instructor in upholding Academic Integrity and Academic Wellness?🤔

As an instructor, I am responsible for creating awareness about academic integrity with all my students – but this is a two-way street, oftentimes this is me providing access to information about academic integrity and students needing to take the responsibility to access and understand the information from the resources provided. 

I am also responsible to maintain the academic integrity of each of my courses for all students enrolled. That means ensuring that all students have the same access to content and are assessed in the same way and on the same timelines. 📆

Ultimately ensuring one’s own academic wellness is the responsibility of the individual in question.

What I can do as an instructor is refer to resources that can assist students in their academic wellness journeys. I share these resources regularly through my course eClass pages (I have a section right now about online learning supports for students during virtual learning) and I advertise specific events to students through Course Announcements.  

What are Some Misconceptions that you Believe Students May Have Regarding Academic Integrity?🤔

I think a lot of students think this is something they would never do and perhaps accidentally engage in conduct that compromises academic integrity, often without realizing it.

I also think some students underestimate the seriousness of violating academic integrity and its importance for the reputability of the degree that you are earning.

What are the Best Practices Students can Use to Avoid Academic Misconduct?🤔

Be aware of what behaviours count as academic misconduct.

Read the syllabi or course outlines provided to you – they have lots of information! — Check out the University’s Academic Honesty policy and Student Code of Conduct, and read more about academic integrity through SPARK.

The more you know, the less likely you are to get yourself in an accidental situation of academic misconduct.

Do you Notice Any Trends Between Students’ Mental Health as it Reflects on Their Academic Success in the Course?🤔

Perhaps surprisingly, I find that students who are doing extremely well in the course are often those who seem most anxious. Not necessarily what you might at first glance consider, but it’s what I have anecdotally observed over the past few years. 

Dr. Jodi Martin

Dr. Jodi Martin is an Assistant Professor of psychology at York University. Her teaching focus includes statistics and methodological courses.

She is dedicated to upholding and enhancing student experiences, and to promoting a variety of possible career paths for students graduating with psychology undergraduate degrees.