Benefits of academic integrity and mentorship

Faculties in the twenty – first century face a variety of daily challenges. The students are, of course, the first priority of faculties’ members. Transfer of knowledge and the difficulties related to developing critical thinking skills and independent learning are very serious matters. Along with the responsibilities of teaching, we strive for our own professional growth through scholarly activities and service to the institution. Balancing these activities can be overwhelming at times and is influenced by the environment of the school and the interactions we have with colleagues. The cultivation of integrity within institutions of higher education is especially pressing now for two reasons. First, this is strong evidence to suggest that academic dishonesty is on the rise. Cheating in higher education suggests alarming trends. Second, we face a „crisis of integrity” in society as a whole. Educational institutions have a special responsibility in such a crisis. If habits of integrity are not strongly instilled before students leave school for the workforce, there is little hope that they will be developed after that point. In the context of higher education, effective mentorship can play a critical role in professional development as well as academic success, because an excellent mentor provides a distinct vision and can guide his or her mentee to achieve the goals associated with these visions. There is enormous value in having the guidance of an intelligent, dedicated, cheering, and authentic mentor. Mentorship develops a sense of personal transformation and empowerment, which is beneficial to the institution.