Academic integrity refers to the ethical code and moral principles that guide behavior in educational settings. It emphasizes honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility in all academic work. This means that students should produce original work, properly cite sources, and avoid cheating or plagiarism. Maintaining academic integrity is essential for fostering a positive learning environment. It ensures that all students are evaluated based on their own efforts and abilities. Institutions often have policies in place to address violations, which can include consequences like failing grades or disciplinary actions, reinforcing the importance of upholding academic integrity.