Corruption: A Challenge for Universities

(Unpublished manuscript written by John A. Ruhe and F. Byron Nahser.) This paper examines the link of global corruption to the cheating in academe. The problem, causes, and some solutions used in other academic environments are presented as well as sought from the audience. We propose that corruption is caused by both external and internal factors. We also will examine the role of some faculty in failing to stop cheating and the failure to practice integrity themselves that also contribute to the corruption problem. Methods of curtailing cheating will be explored in the literature as well as in the audience. This paper also presents the story of our efforts to improve the character trait development of our students, especially those traits relevant to ethical decision-making (e.g., courage - critical and questioning attitude toward authority and compassion) as part of considering calling for a career.