Academic and scientific misconduct: issues for nursing educators

The public attention to issues of academic and research misconduct requires that all faculty and students become familiar with the policy and procedural areas and roles of various officials in handling allegations of misconduct. Although the incidence of such misconduct seems to be small, issues of reporting, adjudication, rehabilitation, and deterrence are important to all with concern about the integrity of academic processes. Many issues concerning the management of allegations of academic or research misconduct remain unresolved. Examples include the definition of misconduct, provision for (or lack of) anonymity, the role of the whistleblower, the burden of proof, the statute of limitations, the nature and application of sanctions, and the processes of rehabilitation.