New Unit Named Academic Initiatives and Integrity Announced

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Monica Holland

The office of the provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs announces creation of a new unit for Academic Initiatives and Integrity. This unit was formerly part of the Office of Academic Integrity and Student Conduct, which worked closely with both the Division of Student Affairs and the Division of Academic Affairs. This change reflects the university’s commitment to increasing its academic reputation and the value and prestige of the degrees it awards.

Effective Oct. 1, this unit will oversee all matters concerning academic dishonesty violations. Academic Initiatives and Integrity will also be responsible for educational outreach to faculty, staff and students in regard to the university’s Academic Integrity Policy and procedures. These efforts are currently under way, and more than 30 presentations have already been offered to more than 80 sections of First Year Experience courses this fall.

Monica Holland has been promoted to the position of executive director of the Academic Initiatives and Integrity unit. Holland holds both a doctoral degree and a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Arkansas, as well as bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arkansas Tech University. Dedicated to Student Affairs for more than nine years, she most recently served as director of the office of Academic Integrity and Student Conduct. Previously she was assistant dean of students in the office of Community Standards and Student Ethics. She has also held a position as an academic adviser in Pre-College Programs. The new unit will also include Jill Scott, administrative specialist, and Debbie Frederiksen, graduate assistant.

Last year, a new Academic Integrity Policy and sanctioning rubric were implemented campuswide. The success of this system can be seen in the positive response from faculty and students alike. The new policy and related information can be found at http://provost.uark.edu/457.php.