| In place |
2020 |
| Reviewed/ Revised |
2024 |
| Reviewed/ Revised by |
IQAC (04 May 2024) |
| Approved by |
Academic Council (26 Oct 2024) |
| Notification |
Registrar |
| Notification No & Date |
27-10-2024 |
| Next schedule review |
2027 |
1.Introduction
Integral University is committed to upholding a culture grounded in ethics, integrity, and academic freedom. These values are essential to the University's mission to foster critical inquiry, intellectual growth, and responsible scholarship. This policy outlines the guiding principles and responsibilities related to ethical conduct, academic integrity, and the protection of academic freedom, as well as the University's stance on anti-corruption and anti-bribery.
2.Scope
This policy applies to all members of the Integral University community, including faculty, students, researchers, administrative staff, and external collaborators. It addresses ethical behaviour, academic freedom, academic integrity, and anti-corruption practices in all academic and institutional activities.
3.Objectives
- Promote ethical behaviour and decision-making in academic and professional environments.
- Uphold academic freedom and protect the rights of individuals to explore and express ideas without fear of censorship.
- Maintain the highest standards of academic integrity through honesty, fairness, and responsibility.
- Prevent and address all forms of corruption and bribery within the University.
4 Academic Freedom
4.1 Principles
- Freedom of Inquiry: Right to explore and challenge ideas without censorship, subject to ethical and legal standards.
- Freedom of Expression: Right to express academic and personal views respectfully and lawfully.
- Freedom in Teaching and Learning: Faculty have autonomy over their teaching methods; students are encouraged to think critically and express diverse perspectives.
4.2 Responsibilities
- Exercise freedom with respect for others' rights and dignity.
- Uphold ethical standards in teaching, learning, and research.
- Abide by laws and university policies.
5. Academic Integrity
5.1 Principles
- Honesty: Avoid plagiarism, cheating, and misrepresentation.
- Fairness: Apply unbiased evaluation and uphold justice in academic interactions.
- Responsibility: Cite sources, respect collaborative rules, and report misconduct.
5.2 Violations
- Plagiarism
- Cheating
- Fabrication
- Collusion
5.3 Consequences
- Disciplinary actions (warnings, grade penalties, suspension, or expulsion).
- Educational measures (e.g., workshops).
- Appeals process ensuring fairness and transparency.
6. Promotion of Ethics and Integrity
6.1 Education and Awareness
- Workshops and Seminars on ethical practices, citation, and research standards.
- Ethics Pledge signed annually by faculty and students.
- Support Resources: Writing centres, plagiarism detection tools, and ethical guidance.
6.2 Faculty Responsibilities
- Exemplify Ethical Leadership: Faculty must consistently demonstrate the highest standards of ethics and integrity in teaching, research, publication, and service.
- Foster an Ethical Learning Environment: Faculty are responsible for creating a classroom and research environment that encourages honesty, respect, and open intellectual dialogue.
- Provide Clear Expectations: Faculty should communicate clear academic and ethical expectations for assignments, assessments, and collaborative work.
- Uphold Fair Evaluation: Grading and feedback must be impartial, transparent, and based solely on academic merit.
- Mentor in Ethical Practice: Faculty are expected to guide students in understanding the importance of ethical scholarship, proper citation, and responsible research.
- Report and Address Misconduct: Faculty have a duty to report suspected breaches of ethics or academic integrity to the appropriate authorities in a timely and confidential manner.
6.3 Student Responsibilities
- Adhere to university ethics and integrity policies.
- Submit original work, respect assessment norms, and report violations when witnessed.
- Commit to Ethical learning: Students must approach all academic and research work with integrity, ensuring it reflects their own efforts and properly credits others' work.
- Understand University Policies: Students are expected to familiarize themselves with all relevant policies on academic integrity, plagiarism, collaboration, and misconduct.
- Demonstrate Honesty in All Assessments: Examinations, assignments, and projects must be completed independently unless explicit permission for collaboration is granted.
- Respect Academic Freedom: Students should engage with diverse ideas and perspectives in a respectful manner, contributing to an open and inclusive academic environment.
- Report Unethical Behaviour: Students are encouraged to report incidents of academic dishonesty or unethical conduct using the designated channels, helping maintain a culture of integrity.
- Participate in Integrity Training: Students must take part in workshops or modules designed to educate them about ethical research, citation practices, and anti-corruption standards.
6.4 Staff Responsibilities
- Ethical Conduct in Operations: Staff must conduct all administrative, financial, and support-related duties with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
- Compliance with Policies: All staff members are expected to understand and comply with university policies related to ethics, anti-bribery, and anti-corruption.
- Confidentiality and Fairness: Staff should handle sensitive information with discretion and impartiality, ensuring that administrative decisions are fair and not influenced by personal interests or external pressures.
- Participation in Training: Staff are required to attend regular training programs related to ethics, anti-corruption practices, and the prevention of bribery.
- Supportive Environment: Staff should contribute to creating a positive ethical culture across campus, supporting both academic and operational excellence
7. Anti-Corruption
7.1 Zero Tolerance Policy
- Integral University has a zero-tolerance stance toward all forms of corruption, including abuse of power for personal gain.
7.2 Prohibited Conduct
- Soliciting or accepting kickbacks, gifts, or Favors in exchange for academic or administrative influence.
- Manipulating grades, admissions, funding, or promotions through corrupt practices.
7.3 Reporting and Investigation
- Anonymous reporting mechanisms will be provided to report suspected corruption.
- All reports will be investigated promptly and confidentially by an Ethics and Compliance Office.
7.4 Disciplinary Action
Violations may result in termination, expulsion, legal action, or other sanctions as deemed appropriate by university policy and applicable law.
8. Anti-Bribery
8.1 Definition and Scope
Bribery includes offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting anything of value to improperly influence actions or decisions. This applies to interactions with:
- Government agencies,
- Educational partners,
- Students and parents,
- Vendors and contractors.
8.2 Prohibited Practices
- Bribing officials to obtain permits, accreditations, or funding.
- Offering gifts in return for grades, scholarships, or admissions.
- Favouritism or “quid pro quo” arrangements in employment or research grants.
8.3 Prevention and Training
- andatory anti-bribery training for administrative and senior staff.
- Regular audits to ensure compliance.
- Clear gift and hospitality policies to regulate acceptable behaviour.
8.4 Reporting and Sanctions
All suspected bribery must be reported to the authorities. Violations may lead to dismissal, legal prosecution, and reputational penalties for both individuals and the institution.
9. Protection of Academic Freedom
9.1 Addressing Concerns
- A grievance procedure is in place to handle complaints of academic freedom violations.
- Non-retaliation for raising legitimate concerns is strictly enforced.
9.2 Support Structures
- An Academic Freedom Committee will oversee protection and promotion of academic freedom.
- Counselling services available for individuals facing threats or challenges related to academic freedom or ethics.
10. Holistic Organizational Culture
Integral University is dedicated to cultivating a holistic organizational culture that promotes well-being, inclusivity, ethical collaboration, and continuous development. This culture is foundational to achieving academic excellence, institutional integrity, and a strong sense of community among all members of the University.
10.1 Core Values
- Excellence with Value-based education
- Mutual Respect & Universal Brotherhood
- Integrity & Transparency
- Sustainable Development
- Responsiveness to Society
10.2 Institutional Practices
- Team-Building and Cross-Functional Initiatives: Regular workshops, retreats, and forums to foster interdisciplinary understanding and collaboration.
- Recognition Programs: Transparent systems to recognize contributions in academics, research, service, and ethical leadership.
- Well-being Programs: Mental health support, wellness activities, flexible schedules, and student/faculty support systems.
- Feedback Culture: Safe, structured channels for giving and receiving feedback to enhance transparency and mutual understanding.
- Inclusive Leadership:Leadership training and development to ensure all leaders promote values of inclusion, empathy, and shared governance.
10.3 Responsibilities
- Leadership: Set the tone for holistic culture through transparent, empathetic, and accountable decision-making.
- Faculty & Staff: Model ethical, inclusive, and collaborative behaviour; support student well-being and personal development.
- Students: Engage respectfully, support peers, and contribute positively to the university community.
- Administration: Allocate resources to support cultural initiatives, ensure policy alignment, and monitor effectiveness.
11. Roles and Responsibilities
- Faculty: Uphold ethical teaching and research standards; guide students in integrity.
- Staff: Uphold ethical standards and integrity in the task assigned.
- Students: Follow ethical and academic policies; respect others’ freedom and rights.
- Administration: Enforce this policy, provide resources and training.
- Academic Affairs Committee: Monitor implementation, handle grievances, and ensure continuous development of this policy.
12. Continuous Improvement and Review
- The policy shall be reviewed every three years to ensure continued compliance with legal standards and best practices
- Feedback Mechanisms: Open channels for suggestions and concerns from university members.
- Ongoing Training: Ethics and integrity training will be integrated into orientation and professional development programs.