It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Inaugural Mediterranean Conference on Academic Integrity, hosted by Deree - The American College of Greece. The theme for this conference—Integrity as a Way Forward—resonates here in Athens, as it does in many places around the globe, as we find ourselves in times of unprecedented socioeconomic trials that challenge our preconceptions, our values, and the way we see ourselves in relation to others. In such times, we face many difficult decisions, but one of the toughest is this: As the world changes around us, what is so essential that it must remain the same? One answer, we believe, is “integrity.”

The people you will meet at this conference will be fellow academicians, community leaders, scholars, researchers, and hopefully students gathered here in the shared belief that integrity is necessary for just, humane, equitable societies, and that, therefore, it is in the interest of society that educators take an active role in promoting it. As cultural practices, social mores and even political boundaries change around us and challenges intensify, the need for integrity champions becomes more acute as well. You and your fellow delegates are those champions.

I encourage you to take part in the conversations, both in the sessions and during the many planned opportunities to socialize throughout the conference. Share advice and stories. Build rapport and alliances. Most of all, take full advantage of being among colleagues who share your passion - not only for education, but for education with integrity! Welcome!