Editor’s note: This is the third story in a series of articles and interviews dealing with the issues and concerns of plagiarism at ETSU.In recent weeks, the East Tennessean began addressing the issue of plagiarism in an effort to raise the level of awareness among students at ETSU, and to alert them to the seriousness and possible ramifications associated with this act.
Last week, the ET sat down with Paul Davis, a returning student studying computer science, and listened as he voiced his concerns regarding integrity at the university level.
“We’re here to learn how to think, to live away from home, to balance a checkbook, to live with other people in a dorm,” Davis said. “We’re not here to get a job, or get our ticket punched.”
Davis, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Medical College of Virginia and the University of Richmond, said, “The students are missing it, because it’s about why are we here.”
Davis, a non-traditional student who holds an MBA, returned to college this spring to increase his knowledge in computers.
“How are you going to learn if you don’t do the work?” said Davis, a former employee of Symbion Healthcare. “We are learning to think. To grow and mature. To grow as a person, to develop character.
“Character is what you do when no one else is looking.”
Davis said that his interest was the first week of school, listening to a professor citing the student handbook: “Don’t do this, don’t do that.” It seemed to be a formality, missing the whole point.
“[Plagiarism] needs to be an ethical question, more than a policy,” Davis said.
“If they haven’t learned to do their own work here, they’ll fail in the business world. Significance is more important that worldly success.”
Davis cited examples of why he believes that learning is critical.
“It’s not because the policy book says so,” he said. “Students’ character and integrity should tell them that it’s wrong to lie, cheat and steal, which is what the issue of plagiarism is all about. Policy, set the boundaries. The greater question should be ethics.
“Nixon won’t be remembered for his foreign policy, but for Watergate and resigning. The Nixon-Ford era was replaced by a man with integrity, Jimmy Carter.
“When you leave ETSU, and you’re under the gun, what are you going to do? Lying, stealing and cheating became a way of life, so you don’t question it.”
Davis said that he had seen more than his share of dishonesty in the business world, having seen executives stand and lie, leave the room and then laugh about it.
Davis suggested that there should be more effort on the part of the professors to connect with the students.
“A sense of unity creates accountability,” he said.
“The university is small enough that students are not a number.”
Policy is neither the question or answer, but the consequence.
“It’s about doing the right thing.” Davis said.
“You are not fooling the professors. Some students are just looking for a free ride.
“A mistake in combat can cost you your life and those around you.”
“If you don’t learn it here, don’t expect to learn it after you leave. Learning starts here.

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