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Associated Students denounce academic integrity amendment

In response to a proposed change in the Code of Academic Integrity, the ASUA Senate last night voted unanimously to pass a resolution voicing their opposition to the UA Student Affairs Policy Committee.

Two weeks ago, University of Arizona Student Affairs Committee chairman Steve Smith informed the Senate that, if approved, the addition to the Code would restrict students from using previous work for multiple classes without approval from professors.

The resolution, which was introduced by Sen. Julie Burkhart, stated that "The purpose of declaring a major field of study is to build upon knowledge gained from one course to the next, and work completed for one course may be helpful in completing an assignment for another course."

This opinion was reflected throughout the Senate.

"Should we ask our teachers to not teach us something twice because we have already learned it?" asked Sen. Shane Brogan.

The resolve also stated, "the goal of an institution of higher education should be to award degrees and certificates based on knowledge and skills learned, not number of hours spent doing class work."

Other senators had the same opinion.

"Two weeks ago, Smith said that education is based on credit and that credit is a reflection of work," said Sen. Ryan Roa. "I disagree with this and fully support the resolution."

The unanimous decision was a drastic change from two weeks ago, where the senate narrowly decided to oppose the change, 6-4.

Brogan said he was happy with the new vote.

"I am happy to see that those senators who were in favor of the change have come around this week," he said.

Despite the resolution's approval, some senators were wary of its impact on faculty senators, who will determine whether the proposal passes.

"Honestly, I like the resolution, but I really don't think that anybody in the Faculty Senate is going to care," said Sen. Lauren Hickey. "I think the resolution gives the students a united front in which to voice their opinions."

Hickey added that a student e-mail campaign would allow students a good forum to voice their opinions on the matter.

"I think creating an e-mail link like ASA (Arizona Student Association) is a fabulous idea," she said. "It would give credibility to the resolve that we just passed."

ASA maintains an e-mail link that allows students statewide to respond to the bills currently awaiting state legislative approval.