ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AS A COMPONENT OF THE INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

The article explores academic integrity as a key element of the internal quality assurance system in Ukrainian higher education institutions. Against the backdrop of the ongoing reform of higher education in alignment with European standards, the necessity of implementing effective mechanisms for monitoring and supporting ethical conduct among all participants in the educational process is substantiated. The authors analyze the legislative foundations of academic integrity, particularly the provisions of the Law of Ukraine «On Education», which define the concept, principles, violations, and types of responsibility for breaches of academic ethics. The article is based on theoretical frameworks developed by scholars who consider academic integrity a crucial factor in building trust in learning outcomes, improving the quality of educational services, and ensuring transparency in assessment. Special attention is paid to a systemic approach to fostering an integrity-oriented environment, which includes adopting internal codes and regulations, implementing plagiarism detection programs, enhancing the academic culture of both faculty and students, and integrating the topic of integrity into educational curricula. Based on an analysis of the regulatory framework of Ukrainian higher education institutions (HEIs), survey results, and the experience of implementing integrity principles, the article identifies key trends, practices, and challenges. In particular, it highlights issues such as the formalistic approach to academic integrity checks, low student awareness, insufficient motivation among faculty members, and the lack of a unified system for monitoring academic integrity. The conclusions emphasize that academic integrity holds strategic importance for enhancing the quality of education, cultivating academic culture, and strengthening the international reputation of Ukrainian HEIs. The article proposes several directions for improving academic integrity policies, including awareness-raising activities, professional development for faculty, increased engagement of student self-governance, and the initiation of a national anti-plagiarism registry. This material will be useful for university administrators and staff, education researchers, and all participants in the educational process who are interested in implementing effective quality assurance mechanisms based on ethics and responsibility.