This digest cites studies of academic dishonesty in two- and four-year institutions, examining variables such as frequency of dishonest behavior, individual and environmental factors associated with dishonest student behavior, and responses of faculty. Academic dishonesty appears related to: (1) individual characteristics such as student academic achievement, age, social activities, major, and gender; (2) peer group influences; (3) instructor influences; and (4) institutional policies. Higher rates of academic dishonesty were associated with students with lower GPA's; younger students; traditional college students; underclassmen; social groups with tolerant attitudes toward cheating; classes where the subject matter seemed unimportant or uninteresting; or where the professor seemed disinterested or permissive. The digest concludes with recommendations to reduce academic dishonesty in two-year colleges including: (1) communicate policies on academic misconduct regularly to students and faculty; (2) encourage faculty to discuss dishonesty with students; (3) establish non-permissive test environments with watchful instructors, spaced seating and varying exam formats; (4) enforce policies in a consistent, fair and timely manner; and (5) maintain emphasis on mature behavior, self-responsibility and proper conduct. Contains 12 references. (PGS)