Title

An Interactive Portal and Support Network for Victims of Unethical Academic Practices

Overview

PR3 aims to address an often-overlooked aspect of academic integrity: the support and protection of individuals affected by academic misconduct. While detection and prevention are critical, it's equally important to offer restorative support to those harmed by unethical practices—whether they are students, educators, or researchers. This project result focuses on building an innovative online platform and advisory network to fill this gap.

Rationale

Victims of academic misconduct—including whistleblowers, students falsely accused of misconduct, or individuals affected by contract cheating—often struggle to find guidance, emotional support, or institutional backing. Many institutions lack clear protocols for supporting such individuals, leading to confusion, stress, and even professional or academic harm. PR3 offers a restorative approach, promoting healing, empowerment, and ethical responsiveness.

Activities

To implement PR3, the FAITH project team will:

1. Design and Launch an Interactive Web-Based Platform

• Create a user-friendly, multilingual online portal accessible across partner countries.
• Include sections for reporting experiences, accessing resources, and contacting advisors.

2. Develop a Support Network of Trained Advisors

• Recruit and train professionals from partner institutions to serve as advisors.
• Advisors will offer personalized guidance to individuals dealing with academic misconduct.

3. Offer Practical Tools and Information

• Provide downloadable documents, FAQs, and self-help materials.
• Include anonymized case studies and best practices for handling academic integrity issues.

4. Facilitate a Safe Discussion Forum

• Enable users to engage with peers and advisors in a moderated, respectful environment.
• Protect user privacy and encourage open, stigma-free communication.

5. Promote Accessibility and Awareness

• Disseminate information about the platform through institutional channels and project events.
• Ensure inclusion by addressing the needs of vulnerable or underrepresented groups.

Expected Outcomes

• A fully functional interactive platform that serves as a safe space for victims of misconduct.
• A trained, international advisory network ready to support individuals facing academic integrity challenges.
• Increased visibility of victim experiences, contributing to a more compassionate and responsive academic culture.
• Integration of restorative practices into the broader academic integrity framework.

Impact

PR3 highlights the human side of academic integrity by providing tangible support to those affected by misconduct. It shifts the narrative from punishment to protection and healing, aligning with modern values of inclusivity, empathy, and ethics in education. The platform and its network will have a lasting legacy, continuing to offer support even beyond the project’s lifetime.