When most people think of the Office of Student Integrity, they probably don’t think of the developmental aspects required to help students, as well as others, understand the issues and policies that work to uphold the value of a Georgia Tech degree. The issues aren’t always black and white, the policies change, and the stakes can be quite high. That is why it takes a certain type of person to help students successfully navigate these waters to stay on track to success.

Anil Shetty, who recently celebrated his six month anniversary at Georgia Tech, is passionate about the role he plays as a coordinator in the Office of Student Integrity. For Anil, developing values and ethics is paramount. And at Georgia Tech, he has the opportunity to work one-on-one with students to do just that – to help enrich their educational experience.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Anil to learn about his decision to come to Georgia Tech and how he is taking the practice of student integrity beyond Tech’s campus.

Why did you come to Georgia Tech?

Anil: During my job search as a graduate assistant at Florida State University, I was most interested in pursuing roles in conduct where I could apply my love for values and ethics. I really wanted to be able to talk to the students about the issues and this position affords that.

When I met Peter Paquette, Assistant Dean and Director of Tech’s Office of Student Integrity, at the annual Association for Student Conduct Administrators conference, I knew that this would be a promising environment and a good fit for me and my aspirations. Tech is well known for its standards of excellence. I also recognized that there is a good energy on campus. Plus, moving to Atlanta was exciting to me. I have been very pleased with the quality of life here. So you could say, coming to Georgia Tech was an easy decision for me.  

Now that you have been at Tech for 6 months, what has surprised you thus far?

Anil: One of the most amazing things I have encountered during my time here is the excitement and willingness among people to work together. I find this especially true among my peers in the Office of the Dean of Students.

I have also discovered that there can be difficulties connecting with faculty. They don’t understand what we do in Student Integrity and sometimes assume that we will only take their side – students assume this too! They don’t always understand that we are here to evaluate policy – not to be partial.  Much of my role is to educate, and I have found that you can make inroads by being a good spokesperson for the Office as well as the entire Division of Student Affairs. The best way to create these relationships is to connect with faculty, one person at a time. It’s important for them to understand we are all working in the best interests of students here at Tech.

You recently helped spread the good word about student integrity and conduct at a panel presentation hosted by Spelman College. What was that like?

Anil: In November, the Sophomore Class Council at Spelman College invited me to speak as a part of a panel discussion consisting of myself, the associate dean of undergraduate studies from Spelman and an admissions officer from Phoenix School of Law. Among the audience, there were approximately 90 students! While we all brought different perspectives to the discussion, the overall message was that we all have choices – make informed decisions. It is important to know your code of conduct and take ownership of your education.

Given the time of year with projects due and finals on the horizon, the topic was very timely. It is important to be proactive about the policies and to talk openly about the issues that can lead to misconduct such as internal and external pressures, time management, and the need to meet high academic standards. These issues are not unique to Tech nor to today’s college student.

What do you tell Georgia Tech students when the learning opportunity arises?  

Anil: First bit of advice is to never assume – ask if you have doubts about whether or not your actions could violate a policy. Second, if it feels wrong, chances are it is – trust your gut. Thirdly, don’t take the easy way out. It is shortsighted yet with long term impact – don’t cheat yourself out of a world-class education.

What is in store for you in the New Year? 

Anil: I am currently working on two literature reviews which is very exciting, one about academic integrity and the other about an ethical identity development model. I also plan to attend the 2014 Association for Student Conduct Administrators conference, which is hosted in St. Petersburg Beach, FL. Locally, I am a member of the Atlanta Future Leaders of Higher Education. Staying active in this field is very important to me and my professional growth.