AJC Ruling on Alleged Academic Dishonesty in Africa in the International Setting Course

On April 30, 2010 the Ashesi Judicial Committee (AJC) ruled against one (1) of two (2) students for academic dishonesty.

Facts of the case:

  1. Student A presented a paper that constituted a 62% similarity index from turn-it-in and demonstrated a lack of original work and improper referencing. The student admitted to the charge.
  2. Student B presented a paper that constituted a 62% similarity index from turn-it-in. This student had already completed an informal resolution in a previous Africa in the International Setting course.

Both students had been provided an opportunity to rewrite the paper by their lecturer. It was the rewritten paper that had the high similarity index.

Sanctions:

  1. Student A received a failing grade for the paper. She would also receive a grade no better than a D+ for the course.
  2. Student B received no sanction from the AJC. The student had simply presented most of her original work in the rewrite and Turn-it-in saw that as self plagiarism. Ordinarily if that paper had been presented to another course that would have constituted self-plagiarism and academic dishonesty. However, given that this was a re-write of the same assignment, this was not the case.

The AJC hopes that others learn from this case and avoid making the same mistakes. The AJC would especially like to advise students of the following:

  1. Presenting unoriginal work constitutes plagiarism. Your lecturers want to hear your voice in a paper, even if you properly reference if the majority of the paper is someone else’s opinions and ideas, it’s not originalBe aware that assignments are meant to assess your own thinking, not that of others.
  2. Avoid procrastination and begin assignments early. Both students admitted to not spending adequate time on the paper.
  3. Seek clarifications from your lecturer in rewriting papers as it is an opportunity for you to improve your grade.
  4. Communicate with lecturers about any difficulties with assignments and ask what percentage of referencing is considered “too much” and therefore, plagiarism.
  5. Visit the Writing Center for help on writing papers.

 

 

Campus Update: Building foundations are in place at new campus

Construction progress is continuing on Ashesi’s new campus site at Berekuso. The foundations of all of the academic buildings have been completed and the columns which will support upper floors and roof structures are rising from the ground. In the classroom buildings the outlines of the terraced seating arrangement can clearly be seen on the floors. There is a sense of excitement on the construction site as buildings start to take form on the one hundred acre site.

In addition to the foundation, contractors are close to completion on the underground tanks that will store water for the university. The tanks will be fed by a borehole drilled in the valley below and rain gutters that will collect water from the roofs above. Water will be purified at a central location and distributed to all the buildings for use. The combination of rain harvesting gutters and a borehole will ensure there is adequate water supply for our growing campus community.

Below are a few recent pictures from the new campus site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Click here to view a pdf with more pictures of construction at the new campus site .

Ashesi prompts national ethics discussion

On Monday, April 26, 2010, Ashesi University College and the University of Cape Coast hosted a conference exploring how to integrate ethical values into higher education. The conference began a national discussion on the importance of ethics in our education system and successful methods for teaching integrity in our schools.

Participants learned from the work of Dan Ariely, Professor of Behavioral Economics at MIT, and Barry Schwartz, Professor of philosophy at Swarthmore College. Speakers at the event included Databank Chairman, Ken Ofori-Atta; CEO of ENO International, Roland Akosah; Ashesi University College President, Dr. Patrick Awuah; University of Cape Coast Ethics Committee Member, Dr. Nelson Buah; Mr. Anis Haffer, Founder of GATE Institute; Mrs. Ellen Hagan, Director of L’aine Services Ltd.

The conference was well attended by leadership from Ghana’s public and private universities. In addition to faculty and administrators, student leaders at the various universities attended and engaged in vigorous discussions about ethical issues at their institutions.

Among the topics discussed were guidelines for teaching moral wisdom; scientific research findings on factors that influence ethical decision making among students; the urgent need for ethics in Ghana’s educational system; and an exam Honor Code which has been introduced at Ashesi University College.

Ashesi’s Honor Code in particular was highlighted by the event moderator, Ben Avle of CitiFM 97.3, because of the recent debate between Ashesi and the National Accreditation Board on this initiative. The Honour Code at Ashesi enjoins students to work with integrity and to hold each other accountable. Students sign a pledge stating that they will act ethically, report their own academic policy violations if and when they occur, and report acts of academic misconduct by their peers.

Student panelist Kwabena Owusu-Adjei reported that the honor code has helped build a culture of honesty on Ashesi University College’s campus. Students who cheat are looked down upon, and are reported to the Ashesi Judicial Committee (AJC). He stated that the honor code allows him and his peers to feel more comfortable holding those who abuse the rules accountable for their actions. Kwabena stated, “Exams are now conducted with more discipline and integrity than they were before 2008, when the Honour System was instituted. Ashesi students are very proud of this fact; it sets us apart in a good way.”

Dr. Esi Ansah, Acting Head of the Department of Business Administration explained that since the institution of the Honour System, Ashesi faculty have taken care to craft exam questions in such a way that it is more difficult for students to cheat without being caught. According to Dr. Ansah,“Ashesi exam questions compel students to think independently and analytically, thereby instilling in them the importance of their own independent, intellectual contributions and the uselessness of copying another’s work.”

However, Dr. Sena Kpeglo of the University of Cape Coast, pointed out the Honor Code system may not be easy for all universities to implement. She stated that ethical practices must start by having good institutional policies which ensure the integrity of procedures such as faculty hiring and student admissions. The challenge of tackling ethics at larger universities is much greater because of the volume of students. Dr Kpeglo declared that faculty and staff must be truly engaged if the system is to be successful.

Dr. Nelson Buah, a member of the University of Cape Coast Ethics Committee, reported that though Cape Coast University does not have specific courses dedicated to ethics, ethics is discussed as part of the coursework in some departments. Also, UCC engages the subject through hall masters in student housing and through engagement with faculty. He agreed that ethics is an important subject that universities should pay attention to if their graduates are to be of benefit to the nation.

Leaders from corporate Ghana, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, Databank Chairman, Mr. Roland Akosah, CEO of ENO International and Ellen Hagan, Director of L’aine Services added their voices in support Ashesi’s Honor Code and an increased focus on ethics in higher education. Ken Ofori Atta stated that ethics was one of Databank’s core values and a key factor they looked for when hiring new employees. Mr. Akosah echoed the Databank Chairman’s sentiment, commenting that if Ghana wishes to have an economy that is globally competitive, it must have business people and civil servants that work honestly.

At the closing of the conference, the leadership from several universities pledged their support for an improved focus on ethics at their institutions and their support for Ashesi’s Honour Code system. Zenith University College, Student Representative Council (SRC) member, Emmanuel Holm, stated “I would really like to begin an honor code system at Zenith. We have had some problems with issues of integrity in the past and I think this system could help. I’m sure there will be some resistance from certain people in the school but we can try to convince them to join.”

Ashesi students shine at first Ghana International Model UN Conference

The first ever Ghana International Model United Nations conference (GIMUN) was held on the 20th and 21st of March 2010 at Miklin Hotel. A hundred and fifty students took part, selected from tertiary institutions throughout Ghana. Thirty Ashesi students applied to participate and all thirty were accepted. Delegates were housed in private hostels at the University of Ghana, Legon, and provided with transportation and food during the conference.

The two day conference commenced with visits to a number of embassies in Ghana including the Spanish, U.S. and Russian Embassies. Participants were elected as delegates of different countries and each delegate was given the opportunity to visit their respective embassy. This allowed delegates to meet and interact with their respective Ambassadors and Consulates.

The goal of the conference was to simulate the real-life proceedings of the United Nations. Consequently, position papers prepared by delegates from each country were read and resolutions were drafted. Delegates were separated into two committees, with one committee debating the World Economic Crisis, whilst the other debated Global Climate Change. Students also served as members of the security service and press core.

Ashesi students took on several leadership roles during the conference. Isaac Appiah (Class of 2012) was the General Assembly Vice President, Eyra Lydie Gnanih (Class of 2012) was the secretary of her committee, and Diana Dayaka Osei (Class of 2012) headed the Press Core. In addition, during the closing ceremony a number of Ashesi students were recognized for their hard work: Prince Dwomoh (Class of 2012), representing Iran, was voted the “best delegate” of his committee and Annatu Neina Abdulai (Class of 2013), representing Mexico, won “best dressed delegate”.

The highlight was the crowning of Sebastian Apau (Class of 2011) as “best overall delegate” of the conference. This distinction means Sebastian receives an automatic confirmation to attend the Global Model United Nations programme which will be held in Malaysia this summer.

Barclays (Ghana) Managing Director speaks at launch of ASC week celebration

12th April, 2010 marked the official launch of this year’s Ashesi Student Council (ASC) week celebrations, an event-packed week designed to boost school spirit and morale in addition to providing students with a change in routine. The official launch of the ASC week took place at Ashesi’s Building 3. Guest speaker Mr. Benjamin Dabrah, Managing Director of Barclays Bank, Ghana, spoke on the theme, “The importance of building an honest society”.

Mr. Dabrah began his talk by asking the audience whether it was necessary for people to be honest and live by values and principles. He then answered the question himself by sharing a number of milestones from his own life and explaining how each had shaped the kind of person he had become. Mr. Dabrah also highlighted the importance of setting goals and taking advantage of opportunities along the way. “Where you start in life doesn’t matter if you know where you’re going,” he stated.

Whilst speaking, he touched on a particular phenomenon he had observed: a tendency of Ghanaians to compete with each other rather than develop their own unique talents. Rather than settling for mediocrity and taking solace in being better than the next person, he suggested that young Ghanaians strive to develop themselves. He stressed the need to cultivate the habit of being “excellent” instead of just “better”. Mr. Dabrah also mentioned that students ought to see their time in university as a chance to develop as many life skills as possible since these would ultimately prove more important than the degree they receive itself. He highlighted the excessive emphasis placed on Masters’ degrees in Ghana today, noting that a focus on quantifiable skills was more important.

As he wrapped up his speech, Mr. Dabrah reiterated that nothing in life came easy and that hard work was the principle ingredient of success. He encouraged the students to shed any sense of entitlement they might have and instead work to accelerate their own development and that of the country.

‘Best Delegation’ at Model UN conference in China goes to Ashesi students

From 1-4 April 2010, a delegation of five students from Ashesi University participated in the Asia International Model United Nations Conference hosted at Peking University, Beijing, China. They made themselves, their school, and the entire nation of Ghana proud by winning the ‘Best Delegation’ award, beating out delegations from fifteen other countries. In addition to the ‘Best Delegation’ award, representatives from Ashesi won two ‘Outstanding Delegate’ Awards for their performance representing Africa’s interests in two UN subcommittees.

The Model United Nations Conference provides an opportunity for university students from around the world who share an interest in international relations to come together and discuss important issues from different perspectives. The goal of the conference is to simulate the proceedings of the real United Nations. The Beijing Model United Nations Conference facilitated discussions covering a spectrum of topics including: politics, economics, society, and culture. Discussions centered on developing solutions to some of the most pressing global issues, such as the global financial crisis and relief efforts in Haiti.

The Ashesi delegation was involved in four different United Nations committees, namely the General Assembly, the Group of Twenty, the Non-Governmental Organizations and the Ambassadors Program. Students stepped into the shoes of diplomats and ambassadors and engaged in negotiations, while learning how to interact with fellow student colleagues from all over the world

The Ashesi delegation included: Isaac Appiah (Class of 2012), Prince Addoquaye Acquaye (Class of 2012), Prince Paul Dwomoh (Class of 2012), Edwin Acquah (Class of 2011) and Omayma Halabi Ahma (Class of 2011).

The delegation was sponsored by Silver Star Towers, Latex Foam, Ash Foam, Azar Chemicals, Wire-Weaving, Koala Shopping Centre, Ethiopian Airlines and Ashesi University, for whose assistance the delegation was extremely grateful.

One of the delegates, Isaac Appiah, stated “I believe that it is as a result of the critical thinking skills we have developed as part of our education at Ashesi that helped us perform so well in this international conference.”