Seven Universities in Chișinău Launch Anti-Corruption Campaign to Promote Academic Integrity

On June 3, 2024, seven higher education institutions in Chișinău, Moldova, launched an information campaign titled 'Zero Tolerance for Corruption in Universities' aimed at reducing corruption through internal integrity promotion mechanisms.

The campaign was initiated following a comprehensive study on academic integrity conducted in Moldovan universities for the first time. The study, which surveyed 4,209 students from seven universities, revealed significant insights into the state of academic integrity.

Key findings from the study included that 46% of participants would recommend their university to acquaintances or friends, 58% of respondents were fully satisfied with teaching materials prepared by teachers, and 55% gave high marks for teacher-student interaction. However, only 29% were fully content with canteen conditions, and a mere 14% were satisfied with hostel conditions.

The study also highlighted that most students perceive corruption acts, such as plagiarism, fraud, and bribery, as serious issues in the education process. The most serious actions considered by students were sexual harassment and purchasing graduation diplomas.

This campaign is significant because it addresses corruption in education, a critical issue that can have far-reaching consequences for a country's development. If successful, it could lead to a more transparent and accountable education system, which will significantly boost Moldova's efforts to join the European Union.

Education and Research Minister Dan Perciun welcomed the decision to launch the campaign, stating: *"The study confirms certain perceptions which exist in the society regarding the deficiencies dealing with ensuring integrity, and the pretty high level of tolerance towards copying, bribe and other illegal practices."*

In response to the study's findings, the universities will approve anti-corruption plans and concrete measures to prevent corruption. These measures include adopting internal mechanisms for reporting illegal acts and implementing external monitoring at examinations.

The Education and Research Ministry will repeat the study in 12 months, purchase a national anti-plagiarism software, correlate university financing with efforts to ensure integrity, and monitor the implementation of approved plans. Additionally, national training and awareness campaigns for students and teachers will be conducted.

The seven participating universities are: State University of Moldova, Moldovan Technical University, Academy of Economic Studies, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ion Creanga State Pedagogical University, Alecu Russo State University of Balti, and State University of Physical Education and Sport.

With Moldova having obtained EU candidate status in June 2022 and facing the challenges of corruption, this campaign represents a significant step towards improving academic integrity and reducing corruption in Moldovan universities.

Key Takeaways

• 7 Moldovan universities launched a "Zero Tolerance for Corruption" campaign.
• A study revealed 46% of students would recommend their university, but 14% were satisfied with hostel conditions.
• Students perceive corruption, plagiarism, and bribery as serious issues in education.
• The campaign aims to promote internal integrity mechanisms and prevent corruption.
• The Education Ministry will repeat the study in 12 months and implement anti-corruption measures.