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even if the decisionmaking process has been undermined by stress or peer pressure. The real test of character is whether we can learn from our mistake, by understanding why we acted as we did, and then exploring ways to avoid similar problems in the future. Making ethical decisions is a critical part of avoiding future problems. We must learn to recognize risks, because if we can39。t know the rules about plagiarism may accidentally use words or ideas without giving proper credit, or one who fails to keep careful research notes may unintentionally fail to quote and cite sources as required. But the fact that such a violation is unintentional does not excuse the misconduct. Ignorance is not a defense. But Everybody Does It Most people who get in trouble do know the rules and facts, but manage to fool themseWhy Integrity Matters What is Integrity? Integrity is defined as adherence to moral and ethical principles。re taking, we can39。m not hurting anyone, or I really need this grade. Excuses can get very elaborate: I know I39。s not cheating because I39。re makingand that leads to bad decisions. To avoid fooling yourself, watch out for excuses and try this test: Ask how you would feel if your actions were public, and anyone could be watching over your shoulder. Would you feel proud or ashamed of your actions? If you39。s in it for me), and simply haven39。 transcript notation。t learn from the test, depriving him/herself of an education. Cheating undermines confidence and independence: the cheater is a fraud, and knows that without dishonesty, he/she would have failed. Cheating destroys selfesteem and integrity, leaving the cheater ashamed, guilty, and afraid of getting caught. Worst of all, a cheater who doesn39。t really hurt anyone. But individual choices have a profound cumulative effect. Cheating can spread like a disease, and a cheater can encourage others just by being seen from across the room. Recent statistics suggest 30% or more of college students cheat. If a class is graded on a curve, cheating hurts others39。m not interested in what you39。s economy and our individual wellbeing. For example, but for the savings and loan debacle, there might be funds available to reduce the national debt and pay for education. In sum, we all have a mon stake in our school, our munity, and our society. Our actions do matter. It is essential that we act with integrity in order to build the kind of world in which we want to live. 1. A person of integrity not only sets high