Higher Education, Corruption, and Reform

Abstract

Educational corruption is problem in every country, particularly at the college and university level. With illustrations drawn from the United States, this article considers what "basic principles" should shape efforts to deter, expose, and penalize corruption in academic institutions. The article then identifies "best practices" that should be followed by colleges and universities aspiring to high standards. The discussion explores the role that ethics codes and ethics education can play in fighting corruption. More specifically, the article addresses what types of substantive rules and systemic procedures are essential parts of effective higher education ethics codes. Mindful of the fact that reformers are fighting educational corruption in countries around the world, the article notes difficulties that may arise in transplanting American "best practices" to other cultures.

Keywords: Ethics, Corruption, Honor Code, Higher Education, Education, Educational Corruption, Colleges, Universities, Academic Institutions, High Standards, America, United States