03/10/2026

Elevating Integrity in Denver: Highlights from the 34th Annual ICAI Conference

by Camilla Roberts

Image credit: Author photograph at Conference

Elevating Integrity in Denver: Highlights from the 34th Annual ICAI Conference

The 34th Annual ICAI Conference brought together scholars, practitioners, and integrity champions from around the world for several days of collaboration, learning, and connection in Denver, Colorado.

With over 150 participants representing seven countries, the conference reflected the global commitment to strengthening cultures of academic integrity across educational institutions. Over the course of the event, attendees engaged in 37 concurrent sessions, several whole-conference sessions, and numerous opportunities to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities facing academic integrity today.

Thank You to Our Conference Sponsors

The success of the ICAI conference would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. Their contributions make it possible for ICAI to bring together educators, researchers, and practitioners each year to share research, discuss emerging challenges, and strengthen our global community.

ICAI would like to thank our 2026 conference sponsors: Studiosity, TrinkaAI, Turnitin, Proctorio, Process Feedback, Cursive, Pangram, and Maxient.

Representatives from these organizations joined conference participants throughout the event, sharing tools and resources designed to support institutions in their academic integrity efforts. ICAI is grateful for their commitment to supporting this important work.

Strengthening Partnerships

A highlight of this year’s gathering was the collaboration between ICAI and the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA). Representatives from ASCA joined the conference, reflecting the shared commitment between the two organizations to support ethical learning environments and fair, educational student conduct processes.

This partnership highlights how closely academic integrity work intersects with student conduct, institutional policy, and student development. Together, ICAI and ASCA continue to advance important conversations about ethical decision-making and responsible academic communities.

A Keynote That Brought Insight and Laughter

This year’s keynote speaker, Paul Osincup, delivered an engaging and memorable presentation that combined research, humor, and practical strategies for navigating stress and building healthier professional cultures.

A former student conduct professional turned keynote speaker, comedian, and author of The Humor Habit, Osincup has worked with organizations including Google, Discover, the U.S. Air Force, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Leadership. His message resonated with many in the audience, reminding participants that humor and connection can play an important role in sustaining well-being while working in demanding fields like academic integrity and student conduct.

Recognizing Excellence in Academic Integrity

One of the most meaningful moments of the conference was the ICAI Awards Ceremony, which recognizes individuals and institutions demonstrating exceptional leadership in advancing cultures of academic integrity.

The 2026 award recipients represent outstanding contributions to research, student leadership, institutional practice, and global collaboration.

Donald McCabe Research of the Year Award

Greer Murphy (University of California, Santa Cruz) and Courtney Cullen (North Carolina State University)

For their article, “Inconsistent Access, Uneven Approach: Ethical Implications and Practical Concerns of Prioritizing Legal Interests over Culture of Academic Integrity,” published in the Journal of Academic Ethics.

Student of Merit Award

Mariana Herrera Gallegos – Universidad de Monterrey

Recognized for her leadership and commitment to promoting academic integrity through peer education, volunteer work, and campus initiatives.

Practitioner or Administrator of the Year

Allison Riley – University of California, San Diego

Honored for sustaining and strengthening a major academic integrity education program despite significant institutional challenges.

Campus of Integrity Award

Universidad Tecnológica de Tulancingo

Recognized for its sustained commitment to promoting integrity through institutional initiatives, educational programming, and collaboration with peer institutions.

Exemplar of Integrity Award

Dr. Mark Bassett – Charles Sturt University

Recognized for courageous leadership and thoughtful contributions to conversations surrounding emerging technologies and integrity in higher education.

Tricia Bertram Gallant Award for Outstanding Lifetime Service

The highest honor awarded by ICAI was presented to Camilla J. Roberts of Kansas State University for her longstanding leadership and global contributions to advancing cultures of academic integrity.

Building a Global Community of Integrity

Beyond the sessions and presentations, one of the most valuable aspects of the ICAI conference remains the opportunity to connect with colleagues who share a commitment to ethical education. From hallway conversations to networking receptions, attendees built relationships and collaborations that will continue long after the conference concluded.

ICAI President, Blaire Wilson, quotes Helen Keller while speaking to the conference:

“The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest person.”

The ICAI community embodies this spirit. Each year, educators, researchers, and practitioners gather to share those “tiny pushes” - the policies, programs, research, and conversations that collectively strengthen cultures of integrity around the world.

We thank everyone who joined us in Denver and look forward to continuing this important work together and seeing everyone in Monterrey, Mexico in 2027.