When such cases arise, they diminish the integrity not only of the individual student, course, or department, but of the entire institution. Instances of Academic dishonesty, no matter how many or few or how grievous, violate the essential integrity of an academic institution. Academic institutions seeks to instill, impart, create, and foster learning among its students. To turn to a commercial metaphor we can speak about the informed, knowledgeable student being our primary product. We can also draw an analogy to the governmental sector.
Academic dishonesty presents an ethical violation of trust.
It violates the trust between professor and student. Academic dishonesty also violates the trust among students. Those who commit academic dishonesty believe that he or she is not bound by the rules established for all, and by going outside the prescribed boundaries he or can achieve a better grade and standing in comparison to his or her peers. Academic dishonest affects all students. Students who successfully cheat or plagiarize gain considerable advantage over their peers.