April 29, 2014

Campus InvolvementThe TechnicianPage 6

Kettering University has introduced standards of behavior through the Code of Eth-ics, Code of Student Conduct, and a policy on Academic Integrity to ensure the sustainability of a culture that supports our Mission, Vision, Values, and Pillars of Success. The standards and policies implemented by Kettering are ethical because they promote and ensure that the behavior of the members of this commu-nity will enhance the well being of not only other members of the community but also other communities in which these members represent themselves.

Kettering’s Code of Ethics states, “…fun-damental relationships upon which our universi-ty is built are those between individual students and individual professors…”. This concept di-rectly relates to the concept of reverence. There should be mutual respect between students, faculty, and administration when participating in courses and university affairs.

Based on Kettering’s own definition of cheating, the use of cribs on academic exercises would be considered cheating unless specifi-cally authorized by the instructor of the course. However, due to the institutionalization of cribs a more in-depth analysis is required. In order to effectively analyze cribs at Kettering it is beneficial to separate cribs into two different categories: cribs used for homework assign-ments, lab reports, and final projects, and cribs used to study for tests.

The purpose of homework, lab reports, and final projects is to help students to understand concepts taught in a course and to demonstrate succession in meeting the course objectives. When using cribs to complete these assign-ments students are not challenged in ways that foster a comprehensive understanding of course material. Additionally, using a crib in order to complete a final project does not show that a student has met the course objectives but that they were able to simply present another’s work as their own.

In order to gain information about the gen-eral opinions of cribs at Kettering I administered two surveys; one to students, and one to faculty. The student survey has provided evidence with respect to student’s stated opinions about cribs and how they use them. Generally students stated that cribs are beneficial to their academic experience (87%) and help them to succeed in a university that requires them to learn a signifi-cant amount of material in a condensed amount of time. Almost all students said they use cribs for test preparation (98%) and almost half of them said they use cribs for homework assign-ments (48%) and lab reports (40%).

The additional comments section of the

student survey allowed me to analyze students’ opinions in further detail. Students generally defended the crib system, some even saying, “I would never not use a crib if given the choice” and “good grades get you a degree, not good ethics.” Throughout these comments students justify their use of cribs based on factors such as the eleven-week semester, their service to the community through Greek life, and an apathetic approach to changing test questions by faculty.

The faculty survey has provided evi-dence of faculty’s stated opinions on cribs, and how often faculty change assignments, projects, and tests. 31% of faculty stated that all students had access to cribs for the courses they teach, and 31% stated no students have access. The views of ethical implications with the use of cribs was evenly distributed with yes (31%), no (29%). Faculty also generally stated that stu-dents mastery of course material through the use of cribs was dependent on how they are used (58%).

The additional responses from the faculty survey represent diverse opinions on cribs and how they affect a student’s academic experi-ence. One faculty member said, “…[cribs] encourage students to focus on knowledge that is partial and spotty, and think of their educa-tion as a series of questions to be answered.” Another said, “Much [ado] about nothing.” These comments illustrate the drastic difference in opinions among faculty and what level of interest they have in the academic experience of their students.

Constantly throughout the 327 addition-al comments of the student survey are referenc-es to cribs allowing students to more efficiently focus their studying on topics they will be tested over. This removes students from the real reason universities exist, to provide an environment to learn. According to our student handbook the Mission of our university states:

We prepare students for lives of extraor-dinary leadership and service by linking trans-formative experiential learning opportunities to rigorous academic programs in engineering, science, mathematics, and business.

Although this may not have been inten-tional, our mission statement does not directly mention academic learning. It focuses on the linkage between the work part of Kettering’s co-op program and the academic program. Ac-cording to another one of our professors “Cribs do nothing to challenge students to be creative or to take intellectual risks”. This deviation from the mission of our university is unethical by all parties involved because it allows members of the community to present the university as being something other than it actually is.

According to Dr. Friedman, a professor at Santa Clara University, “Memorizing answers is analogous to the practice of going through a textbook using a highlighter to mark the five or ten percent that you believe you actually are supposed to learn—or at least will be tested on.”. This outlines how cribs can be used in a detrimental way and can negatively affect the pursuit of the community outlined in our Code of Ethics. If a crib is used as a source for prac-tice problems, or a way to determine how well a student understands course material, our Code of Ethics has not been violated. In this context the ethical use of cribs is entirely dependent on the student.

There is fluctuation in the ways and fre-quencies in which professors approach chang-ing assignments and tests for particular courses. Some state that they attempt to change their assignments every term while others state they change them less frequently. This poses an ethi-cal dilemma for both students and faculty be-cause students are put in a position where they are tempted to cheat and faculty can receive false acknowledgment for the supposed success of the students in their course. This course of action by professors also gives students a way to justify unethical action by saying that if the professor can’t put in enough effort to change their test its their fault.

According to Psychology of Academic Cheating “…individuals are likely to engage in some forms of dishonesty when unavoidable situational pressures clash with personal agen-das”. From this analysis we can see how the structure at Kettering may hinder the academic experience. The rigorousness of the eleven week semester puts students in a position where unethical action can seem to be the only way to survive. This environment and access to cribs can also allow students to prioritize the immedi-ate tangible, grades, over a more comprehensive understanding of course material.

In order to successfully promote a com-munity driven to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, support will be needed from students, faculty, and administration. A rigorous commitment to the policies and standards of the university by faculty and administration will be needed to set an example for students that ethi-cal conduct is an expectation at our university. The implementation of an honor code by the students of Kettering University and its support from faculty and administration would further promote ethical conduct and academic integrity throughout our community. This will ensure that the behaviors of the members of this community will enhance the well-being of all those they come in contact with.

Continued from Page 2

Letter from the EditorWelcome back B-Section!It is exciting to return to campus and see all of our friends, colleagues, and community. This past winter was one for the record books, and it defi-

nitely makes us feel so much more anticipation for summer. As always, the Technician is open to feedback, suggestions, and writers. If you feel we aren’t being your voice, step up and put your words in

print! It is crucial to have all of the campus involved in putting out our editions, and the greater diversity in content we have, the better we represent the whole of Kettering.

As always,Jackson ColoskeEditor in Chief

April 29, 2014

Campus UpdatesThe Technician Page 3

Greek Row

The Brothers of Sigma Chi are very excited to host their annual Derby Days fundraiser this week! Money donated from the events of the week will be given to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Sigma Chi’s International Charity of Choice. The brotherhood is also happy to have had Professor Reg Bell out to the house for dinner during 3rd week, and looks forward to hosting dinner for their new Faculty Advisor: Professor Richard Stanley. Coming off of the recent celebration of our 50th anniversary on campus, our chapter is also looking forward to completing renovations in our cafeteria and volleyball court in preparation for another suc-cessful 50 years on campus!

Sigma Chi Updateby the Brothers of Sigma Chi

Welcome back to campus! This term is off to great start. We attended our International Re-union Day and met sisters from all over Michi-gan. It was really interesting to learn about the different chapters and how they operate in comparison to our chapter here on campus. We are really looking forward to upcoming events on campus, including Derby Days and Greek Week. We hope spring term treats everyone extremely well. Good luck on your academics, student activities and all of your affairs. See you around campus!

by the Sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta

Alpha Gamma DeltaUpdate

Phi Delta Theta would like to welcome everyone back to campus and wish everyone the best of luck in their classes this term! We would also like to let everyone know that May 31st will be our 5th annual GM to GMI relay to support the ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclero-sis) Foundation. If you are interested in forming a team contact Marquis Munday at mund0652@kettering.edu. Even if you’re not interested in running, come on out to the pool and support the cause! There will be a BBQ and raffle while we await the runners.

by the Brothers of Phi Delta Theta

Phi Delta ThetaUpdate

ASC Changes and Open House

Chloe Hauxwell, staffThe Academic Success Center was quite

busy between terms. The SARC (Student Aca-demic Resource Center), run by the ASC, was moved from the end of the hall to right next to the ASC office. This was done for a variety of reasons. Since it is now out of the way, put into its own classroom setting, the ASC is much quieter. It is connected to the ASC office, which allows the staff to assist students when set-ting up appointments with tutors, getting their schedules, or anything else they may need help with. It also allows them to keep their textbooks out for students to use during business hours, rather than keeping them in lockers, where they weren’t available for public use.

In this new space, an area was made specifically for writing assistance. It is partially secluded, and has a computer, allowing the assistant to easily help students on their papers and theses, even those on work term or other-wise off campus.

To show off these new changes, the ASC is hosting an open house on Thursday, May 29th from 12 to 3pm. There will be stations to introduce all of the services, slideshows, snacks, and refreshments. There will also be a chance to win prizes. For more information, email the Academic Success Center at academicsuccess@kettering.edu or visit their office, room 3-332 in the AB.

New Provost Selected

by Matthew White, guest contributorIn a memorandum sent via e-mail to the

Kettering community on Tuesday, March 4, Dr. Robert McMahan, President of Kettering University, announced that he had selected Dr. James Zhang as the successor for Dr. Robert Simpson in his role as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The letter thanked the faculty and staff who served on the search committee, as well as the campus at large for their engagement. It went on to thank Dr. Simpson for his dedica-tion to the university, having served as Provost twice.

Describing what he called “a rare combina-tion of scholarly achievement, administrative acumen, and industry experience,” Dr. McMa-han spoke of the positive feedback Dr. Zhang’s colleagues had for his ability to lead. He also assured the community that his personal con-versations with Dr. Zhang convinced him that he would make “an exceptional Provost and a strong strategic partner.”

Dr. Zhang was the assistant Dean under Dr. McMahan while he was the Dean of the Kim-mel School.

In order to facilitate the transition, Dr. Zhang will spend the month of June working with Dr. Simpson before assuming the role.

Campus Engagement

by Holly Hutcheson, guest contributorAs a student on Kettering’s campus,

you’ve surely heard about the student body government called KSG. There are a few differ-ent branches of the student government, one of which is the Senate, which is made up of two representatives from each class, as well as two multicultural representatives, a vice president and a president. As of Spring 2013, the Sen-ate created three committees in order to better divide up work between its members. These committees are Campus Engagement, Campus Improvement, Health/Safety/Food Services, as well as Multicultural Involvement.

Campus Engagement is involved in plan-ning and advertising for all of the events that the student Senate puts on, including Late Night Breakfast, the Town Hall meetings with Presi-dent McMahan, and some class events. This term, the events scheduled include the Town Hall with President McMahan that is coming up on 5th Friday at lunch in BJ’s lounge. The point of this event is to gather and learn about what is going on around campus. There will be a review of what is happening around the school, as well as the opportunity to ask President McMahan questions and contribute your own opinions about life on campus.

If you have any questions, comments, con-cerns, please contact KSG@Kettering.edu. We love to hear more opinions from the students, as we are meant to be representing you guys and what you want! If you are interested in joining any of the committees, please e-mail us, or stop by to one of the Senate meetings (Thursdays at lunch in the KSG office on the third floor of the CC).

photo courtesy of Chloe Hauxwell