TNMU Associate Professor Halyna Loi Delivered a Lecture “Academic Integrity and Krok-1” for Medical Students

On June 6, 2025, as part of the preparation for the licensing exam “Krok-1” for third-year medical students, Associate Professor of the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology Halyna Loi delivered a thematic lecture “Academic Integrity and Krok-1.”
The event aimed not only to emphasize the importance of adhering to principles of honesty during the exam but also to foster a responsible attitude toward academic culture in general.

Today, the issue of academic integrity is particularly relevant in Ukraine, as the quality of education, trust in diplomas, and credibility of scientific research determine the reputation not only of individual universities but of the entire country in the global academic community.
Amid war and global challenges, Ukraine is striving to integrate into the European Higher Education Area, where integrity is a core value. Cultivating a culture of honesty among students and faculty is an investment in professionalism, responsibility, and societal resilience.

A recent important step in strengthening academic integrity was the adoption of the Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine No. 576 dated April 17, 2025. This order approved methodological recommendations for implementing tools and mechanisms to transform the functioning of higher education institutions based on transparency and integrity.

The document outlines the implementation of clear procedures in the educational process, broader student involvement in shaping an honest academic environment, and obliges universities to be more transparent—particularly regarding financial flows, the publication of statistical data, meeting protocols, and other administrative decisions.

The lecture covered the basics of academic integrity, common violations and their consequences, as well as the rules for ethically taking the Krok-1 licensing exam.
The speaker shared a real example of a violation detected by staff of the Testing Center during the Krok-2 exam, emphasizing the repercussions of such actions and the disciplinary responsibility borne by the student involved.

Halyna Loi also announced the launch of the program “Ambassadors of Academic Integrity: Let’s Build a Culture of Honesty Together!” which is actively being implemented at TNMU. The program aims to involve students in promoting the values of honesty, responsibility, and transparency in the educational environment.
An open call for applications was announced during the lecture, offering motivated students the opportunity to become change leaders in their academic communities.

At the end of the lecture, an anonymous survey “Academic Integrity and Krok-1: What Do You Choose?” was conducted. The results showed that students take academic honesty seriously when preparing for and taking exams.
The vast majority of respondents agreed that taking Krok-1 honestly is crucial for their professional future.

Do you consider taking Krok-1 honestly important for your future career?
Among the main reasons for academic dishonesty, students cited fear of failing the exam and excessive workload.

In your opinion, what most often drives students to violate academic integrity?
On a scale from 0 to 10, most students rated their confidence in passing the exam honestly at levels 8–10.

How confident are you that you can pass Krok-1 without violating academic integrity?
(0 — not confident at all, 10 — completely confident)

In response to the open question “What does it mean for you to take Krok-1 honestly?” students emphasized the importance of not using forbidden devices or aids, avoiding outside help, and striving for an objective assessment of their knowledge.

To the question “What advice would you give a friend who wants to use a cheat sheet?” most responses urged against it, pointing out that such behavior is not only unethical but also carries serious consequences.
Students emphasized that even a small effort in preparation is far more valuable than risky attempts to cheat. They also expressed solidarity with those who study independently.

The lecture and survey results convincingly demonstrated that TNMU students understand the importance of academic integrity as a key value in professional development.
Their awareness of responsibility, commitment to honest learning, and readiness to resist the temptation to cheat reflect a mature academic environment—one that shapes not only competent professionals but also individuals with strong ethical principles.
Such approaches ensure trust in Krok-1 exam results, uphold the university’s reputation, and strengthen the global standing of Ukrainian medical education.