My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Student Blog: Academics, Let's Be Honest

What does academic integrity even look like? Let's talk about It.

By:

Academic integrity has been a big topic lately, especially with the rise of AI software like ChatGPT. I believe that software can have a lot of benefits and can be useful in many areas. At the same time, though, it is a potential enabler for students to break their academic integrity. As we're nearing the end of the semester and approaching finals season, students are becoming more and more stressed, meaning they may be more inclined to take shortcuts and break their academic integrity out of fear they won't succeed. This is a big issue in the world of education right now, and definitely needs to be addressed.

First of all, what does academic integrity even look like? To me, academic integrity means being authentic with your work. It means being truthful about where your inspiration, sources, and ideas are coming from and not taking advantage of programs that will complete your assignments for you. It means that if you are struggling, know when to ask for help instead of taking unethical shortcuts. Having academic integrity means not necessarily always taking the easy route, but instead taking the time to give your best effort, even if you won't end up with a perfect grade. Academic integrity looks like having pride in your work-having integrity-and recognizing that you are capable of accomplishing your tasks in an ethical way.

I maintain academic integrity by reminding myself of why I am in college: to learn and grow as both a student and a person. I came to college and decided to take more difficult classes because I wanted to be challenged and step outside of my comfort zone. At the end of the day, the effort I put in and the skills I gain are more important and will get me farther than necessarily always getting a perfect grade. Also, I am a big believer that cheating or plagiarizing only hurts the person who did it in the end. By cheating on an assignment, you are really only cheating yourself, as you are denying yourself the opportunity to grow and gain skills.

I also think it is a lot easier to resist the temptation to break academic integrity by setting yourself up for success. I try to budget my time well and space out assignments so I don't feel like I am running out of time and, and a result, feel the need to take unethical shortcuts. If you have read any of my other articles, you know by now that I am my planner's biggest fan. I love using my planner to break down assignments into manageable steps and make sure I start them early enough to finish them on time.

Although it may be tempting, the cons of breaking academic integrity far outweigh the pros. Believe in yourself and know that you are capable of doing anything you put your mind to. The end of the semester is a stressful time, but keep pushing through and keep your academic integrity intact!

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Ensemble - Top 3
1. Chess
20.2% of votes
2. The Lost Boys
16.7% of votes
3. Schmigadoon!
11.4% of votes

Need more Los Angeles Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Videos


The Most Happy Fella in Los Angeles The Most Happy Fella
North Coast Repertory Theatre (6/03-6/28)
In the Blink of an Eye: A Musical Memoir in Los Angeles In the Blink of an Eye: A Musical Memoir
The Pico (6/19-6/21)
A Haunting Revue II in Los Angeles A Haunting Revue II
Impro Theatre (6/06-6/26) PHOTOS
Jenn Collela: LIVE at the Nikko in Los Angeles Jenn Collela: LIVE at the Nikko
Feinstein's at the Nikko (6/04-6/05) PHOTOS
MISS MAGNOLIA BEAUMONT GOES TO PROVINCETOWN in Los Angeles MISS MAGNOLIA BEAUMONT GOES TO PROVINCETOWN
Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Davidson/Valentini Theatre (6/17-6/28) PHOTOS VIDEOS
Melt : The Play in Los Angeles Melt : The Play
The Marilyn Theatre at the Lee Strasberg Institute (6/11-6/13) PHOTOS
Los Angeles Choreographers & Dancers presents Cinematic Dance Theater From Louise Reichlin & Dancers, "Tap Dance Widows Club", an acclaimed combination of video, movement and storytelling. and two parts of "Rodeo" in Los Angeles Los Angeles Choreographers & Dancers presents Cinematic Dance Theater From Louise Reichlin & Dancers, "Tap Dance Widows Club", an acclaimed combination of video, movement and storytelling. and two parts of "Rodeo"
Culver City Senior Center (5/30-5/30)
Mike Blaha: Pivotal Nomad in Los Angeles Mike Blaha: Pivotal Nomad
Broadwater Studio (6/07-6/24)
My Life is a Sonnet in Los Angeles My Life is a Sonnet
Broadwater Studio (6/07-6/27)
Hunting the Irish Heiress in Los Angeles Hunting the Irish Heiress
Newport Theatre Arts Center (6/05-6/05) VIDEOS