During the International Scientific Forum, organized by KAZGUU, the participants discussed the topical issue in higher education “Academic integrity in secondary and higher education institutions of Kazakhstan.”

Kadisha Dairova, Vice President on Student Affairs and International Cooperation of JSC Nazarbayev University, shared her experience of enormous work done in this direction with the participants of the Forum “Academic Integrity: issues and perspectives. Best Practices”. She made a report on the theme: “Academic integrity. Looking back, we look forward”, through which informed the international and domestic experts in the field of higher education about the stages of formation and development of the largest research center of the country Nazarbayev University established at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Kadisha Dairova noted that today a problem of academic dishonesty exists in Kazakhstan, and it is connected primarily with the fact that many members of the society, including parents and students themselves, do not consider it seriously. In this regard, educating the younger generation of Kazakhstan to high moral and ethical principles should be started from the walls of kindergarten. And this relation must be maintained at all stages of personality formation – family, school, university and work.

She told about the creation of the Academic Councils in Kazakh-Turkish high schools, which members are active representatives of student governments, as one of the successful practical examples. They have a widespread support for children; give advice to students during studies and examinations by teaching them the principles of academic integrity and morals.

Recently the rector of KAZGUU University Talgat Narikbayev, addressing the participants of the Forum, pointed out that the concept of integrity is generated especially in education, as most of their time young people spend in schools and universities. Therefore, they have a great responsibility, – said Talgat Maxutovich.

Summing up the two days of discussion and interchange of views on the topic, leading international and Kazakhstani researchers, practitioners, experts in Economics and Law have come to a unanimous opinion on the need for legislative consolidation of the concept of academic integrity. This measure will actively contribute to the inculcation of high moral principle of Kazakhstani youth.

At the official closing ceremony of the Forum a joint resolution “Academic integrity” was signed between JSC KAZGUU University and JSC Nazarbayev University.

This document will give the legal status to the concept Academic integrity which includes honesty, integrity, fidelity to undertaken commitments and the conviction of the rightness of cases. It is planned to provide the punishment to participants of the educational process by law, as our country will not become competitive without preparation of honest, highly professional specialists, – commented the rector of KAZGUU University Talgat Narikbayev at the signing ceremony.

Also, the rector of Nazarbayev University Shigeo Katsu said that in the era of high competition to improve the quality of education is impossible without respect for academic integrity, which includes the set of values ​​and principles developing personal integrity in learning, teaching and assessment, scientific research. Therefore, it’s time to develop a common document on academic honesty, which would be kept by every self-respecting university, using international and own experience, since many universities have adopted the unique codes of honor.