The Academic Honesty Policy at the Universal American School in Dubai

Academic dishonesty is viewed as a major dilemma facing institutions of higher learning which comes in various forms of violations represented in cheating, plagiarism, fabrications, copying. etc. The main purpose of this study conducted at the Universal American School in Dubai is to evaluate the school?s current academic policy in terms of its perception by the faculty as well as that of the students. Data was collected using the academic integrity questionnaire which is consisted of eight questions that are designed to check the students? understanding of academic dishonesty, as well their tendency to commit it. The findings of this study revealed significant differences in the students? responses in terms of their grade level, as well as their academic standing. The findings also revealed that the majority of the teachers found the current policy to be lenient and is not strict enough, and that amendments to it are vital, they also credited this high number of malpractice cases to the administration?s somewhat lenient approach, as well as fulfilment of the consequences, while the minority found it to be fair and effective and that is due to different academic disciplines.