Zero-tolerance approach toward misconduct puts dissertations under scrutiny

The Ministry of Education has again urged universities to strengthen their management of dissertations and intensify investigation and punishment of academic misconduct, according to a notice posted on its website last month.

The ministry reiterated its zero-tolerance approach toward academic misconduct, adding that every step in paper-writing, including the assessment and review of dissertations, and dissertation defense, should be scrutinized.

In dissertation defense, a student is required to present his or her dissertation to an academic committee, and answer questions asked by committee members. If they successfully defend their dissertation, they will get their degree.