Enhancing Academic Integrity through a Whole-of-Institution Approach: The CCT Swiss Cheese Model

The aim of this model is to:
- Illustrate a whole-of-institution approach to enhancing academic integrity
- Convey the multiple layers, stakeholders and activities involved in cultivating academic integrity
- Avoid a singular focus on preventing cheating in assessment
- Provide an engaging communication tool for discussing academic integrity and managing risk.

Anecdotally, with the advent of gen-AI in the sector, dialogue has naturally focused on upholding academic integrity and security of assessment mechanisms. This can sometimes be a singular focus on preventing cheating. However, no single action or approach will guarantee academic integrity or the prevention of academic misconduct. Multiple layered actions reduces overall academic integrity vulnerabilities across programmes and gives us the opportunity to build competency in academic integrity. A holistic approach to academic integrity takes a whole-college commitment, with shared actions across the College community including both academic and administrative staff. We developed this model to communicate a holistic approach within CCT College and how the cumulative impact of layered actions contributes to our culture of academic integrity across the student lifecycle.