What is ST2?

That was one of the questions that I received when I went to a class and did a presentation on Academic Integrity. 

At Kwantlen Polytechnic University, ST2 refers to the Policy for Student Academic Integrity and Procedures for Dealing with Academic Integrity Violations. Oftentimes, policies or laws are referred to using letters and numbers. An example would be the House of Commons and Senate of Canada referring to An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code as Bill C-3 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code, 2021). 

During my time as Academic Integrity Student Ambassador in the Faculty of Arts, I had the opportunity to engage with students across all Kwantlen faculties. Some students were fully aware of what ST2 is, some had a good enough idea, and some did not know it even existed. Those who had a good enough idea thought it only applied to citation, quoting, paraphrasing, and writing courses, such as English, English Qualifying, and Creative Writing. Little did they know, ST2 applies to all courses offered at Kwantlen (except CPS courses), irrespective of the delivery format. 

As the Academic Integrity Student Ambassador, one of my many duties is to inform students. ST2 goes beyond what most students think. I have helped students understand that using unauthorized communication, material and electronics during a midterm, exam, quiz, etc., count as a violation of ST2. In addition, creating a fake medical note to be exempt from a midterm, exam, quiz, etc., and doing an assignment collaboratively, when it is supposed to be done individually can also count as a violation. 

My role is not to scare students, but to help them understand what falls under ST2. Therefore, I have shared with students my personal experiences on how to avoid violating ST2. During Academic Integrity Week (Fall 2022), I encouraged students to read assignment, midterm, quiz, exam criteria and instructions before starting them and to use the opportunity to ask questions. The criteria and instructions typically state what resources students can and cannot use, who they can communicate with, and how much time they have, besides how much it is out of. Almost always, these instructions and criteria are posted onto Moodle in advance. Furthermore, when I took BUQU 1130, the instructor stated that it was mandatory for all students to bring their KPU Student Card or an unexpired government issued photo ID during the midterms and final exam. Moreover, we were only allowed to have one letter size cheat sheet and could only use the Texas Instruments BAII Plus calculator. Those were the expectations of one instructor that I had, but expectations may vary. If you are not sure what is allowed, it always helps to ask your instructor. 

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Sometimes I think back to Academic Integrity Week in October 2022, engaging with students on what Academic Integrity is and its application. Most students understand that it applies in academics, but practicing integrity outside of academics is important too. When you are applying for jobs, being honest on your CV and cover letter will also be in your best interest. Lessons you learn in university are valuable outside university as well.