From Mistake to Movement: The Academic Integrity Campaign

This isn’t the kind of project I talk about with pride in the same way I do others. Not because I’m not proud of it—I am—but because it came from one of the most painful, humbling experiences of my life. This campaign did not begin with a spark of inspiration, it began with a mistake.

In my first year at Deakin, I was not in a good place mentally and emotionally. Following several dramatic family issues,  I fell victim to those “assignment helpers” that clearly breach academic integrity rules. The Academic Integrity Board agreed that I should redo the unit that had the allegation, and aided my recovery by referring me to proper support. 

As I recovered, I began to reflect on how easy it was to fall into this trap. Especially now, in the age of AI, scheming “assignment helpers,” and rising pressure, so many students are vulnerable to this kind of exploitation; especially international students, students with a disability, or anyone feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Unfortunately, not enough students know how or when to access support services, even when they really need it. That is why I led the Academic Integrity Campaign for 2025.

Vi, holding the script in the right-hand corner

Vi in the left-hand corner, camera in hand

Vi on set for the Academic Integrity Campaign

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-wF_cNzjzs

“The videos were like a must-needed stop sign for me, so I can come clean and seek support” - Jane Hoang (Deakin student)

With support from the DUSA Advocacy Team, I led the development of a five-part video series, where each video tells a real story. I interviewed students who, like me, never intended to breach academic integrity, but found themselves pushed beyond their limits; mentally, emotionally, and academically. These stories are raw, honest, and deeply human. They are a reminder that people who breach academic integrity are not always bad students, but rather good students in difficult situations.

My role in this campaign was personal. I led the storytelling process, helped write scripts, and directed the tone and delivery of each video. I wanted every second to feel authentic; not just informative, but impactful. I wanted viewers to feel seen, to understand that one mistake does not define you, what matters is how you grow from it.

A series of episodes for the SASS Awareness Campaign, directed and scripted by Vi

I did not stop at the videos. I showed up on campus, spoke with over 200 students during the campaign launch, and had conversations I will never forget. Students asked me, “Are these videos based on real stories?” I said, “Yes—one of them is mine.” They asked me why I would talk about it so publicly. I told them, “Because hiding our mistakes keeps the shame alive. Talking about them sets people free.”

This campaign was not about punishment. It was about prevention through understanding. It was about letting students know that if you’re struggling, you’re not alone. That there are services and support systems waiting for you, and that you don’t have to suffer in silence.

The Academic Integrity Campaign reminded me what real leadership is. Not perfection. Not performance. But honesty, accountability, and the courage to turn your worst moment into something that might help someone else. If even one student watches these videos and chooses to reach out for help instead of making the same mistakes I did, then it was all worth it

Letter from Gavin Hodgkinson, the manager at the

Deakin Student Advocacy and Support Service Team.