"There is a need to promote and maintain an elevated level of academic integrity and place equal responsibility for appropriate workplace behavior on all University of Kigali communities” Prof. Dr Tombola M. Gustave, the Vice Chancellor made these remarks on Friday November 26, after introducing the new Academic Integrity, Sexual Misconduct, and Plagiarism Policy at the Kigali campus. The remarks were made at a regularly scheduled Senate Meeting of the University of Kigali and the Vice Chancellor noted that the policy will be binding on all UoK staff and students.

The new policy was however the brainchild of the promoters who noted that all world class Universities had academic integrity policies and therefore the policy was crucial for the onward progress of the University of Kigali. Mr. Philibert Afrika, Chairman of the Board, speaking on behalf of the university promoters highlighted that the Academic Integrity, Sexual Misconduct, and Plagiarism Policy is adopted to promote zero tolerance of all forms of corrupt academic practices in the University learning environment.

Mr. Philibert Afrika noted further that "the promotion of intellectual honesty is a fundamental value our university offers to the community. We are training students who should become responsible citizens with the right skills and possess a willingness to be accountable wherever they find themselves”

On the new policy, the Vice Chancellor noted that "the statement will be in the files of every member of staff. Same thing for students, they have files here, this statement will be in their files for whoever joins as a new student, the Registrar gives to the student the forms to fill, it will be signed by any student joining and be part of the file of the student.”

Academic integrity at the UoK is founded upon and encompasses the following values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, professionalism, customer responsiveness and responsibility and each member of the academic community will be accountable for his or her actions. Staff are expected to become familiar with this policy and to take lead in discussing the meaning of academic integrity with all students.

Prof Robert E, Hinson, Deputy Vice Chancellor-Academic says the university has taken proactive steps to promote academic integrity to build a world class university. "Because the student population is growing, we know these problems might come, instead of letting it become a national disaster and embarrassment to us, we are taking proactive steps to ensure that both students and staff exhibit appropriate workplace attitudes and the policy will have a huge impact because in life when you sign for something, you can’t say you didn’t know about it. You are bound to live by that pledge” Hinson says

Prof. Robert E. Hinson deputy vice chancellor-Academic of the University of Kigali during the interview on November 26, 2021. Dan Nsengiyumva

Hinson added that particularly for female students, the policy will put them in an environment where they are free; and enjoy University services without any intimidation. Nobody is going to tell them that if you do not meet me here you will not pass your exam and get appropriate grades.

All University of Kigali staff and students will sign an academic integrity pledge and the policy will be binding on everyone at the University.

The University of Kigali will on Friday, 3rd December 2021, graduate over two thousand students at the world-famous Kigali Arena. This is the largest graduating cohort in the history of the University, an indication of the growing relevance and influence of the University.

the University of Kigali launches the academic integrity, sexual misconduct, and plagiarism policy on November 26, 2021. Dan Nsengiyumva