What academic integrity means for you

As Semester One exams get closer, it’s a good time to check you understand what academic integrity means at UC. Knowing the rules helps you feel prepared, avoid unintentional mistakes and make choices you can be proud of.

Academic integrity matters because it keeps things fair for everyone. It also protects the value of your qualification and helps you build the skills you came to UC to develop.

To help you prepare, here are here are a few things to keep in mind

Academic misconduct can include things like cheating in an exam, copying someone else’s work, using AI tools when they’re not allowed, submitting work written by someone else or not referencing your sources properly.

Some breaches are intentional, but others happen because students are unsure about the rules. Either way, academic misconduct can have serious consequences.

The best way to avoid problems is to understand your responsibilities before you sit an exam.

Exams: know the rules before you go in

Cheating in an exam is taken seriously at UC. Before your exam, make sure you know what you can and cannot bring with you. This includes things like notes, devices and calculators, which may need prior approval.

Do:

Check the official exam instructions before your exam.

Ask early if you’re unsure whether something is allowed.

Tell the exam supervisor straight away if you accidentally bring in notes, a device or any other unauthorised material.

Don’t:

Look at someone else’s answers.

Talk or communicate with others during the exam.

Bring in unauthorised notes, devices or other materials.

Share information about exam content with other students who have not sat the exam yet.

It’s not worth the risk. If you’re unsure, ask before the exam starts.

Plagiarism: give credit where it’s due

Plagiarism means using someone else’s words, ideas, data or work without properly acknowledging them. This can include content from books, websites, lecture notes, another student’s work or AI tools.

Referencing shows where your information came from and helps your lecturer see how you have used evidence to support your own thinking.

Top tips:

Use quotation marks when copying someone’s exact words and include a reference.

Paraphrase properly by putting ideas into your own words as well as acknowledging the source.

Check AKO | LEARN to see which referencing style your lecturer wants you to use.

Keep track of your sources while you work, not just at the end.

AI tools: check what’s allowed first

AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot and other writing or study tools can be useful, but they must be used responsibly and only when your course allows them.

Different courses may have different rules about AI use. In one course, AI might be allowed for brainstorming or study support. In another, it may not be allowed at all.

Before using AI, check your course information and ask your Course Coordinator if you are unsure.

Using AI in a way that is not allowed, submitting AI-generated work as your own or failing to acknowledge AI use where required may be treated as academic misconduct.

Ghost-writing: your work must be your own

Ghost-writing is when someone else writes your work for you, whether that is a friend, family member, paid service or online tool. It also includes buying or downloading work and submitting it as your own.

Getting feedback and support is okay. Submitting work that someone else has produced for you is not.

Your exams are designed to show your understanding, skills and progress. That means the work you submit needs to be yours.

Need help? Ask early

If you are stressed, confused about referencing or unsure about exam or AI rules, you are not alone, and help is available.

You can:

Contact your Course Coordinator if you are unsure what is allowed in your course.

Check your course information on AKO | LEARN.

Book support with Te Pokapū Pūkenga Ako | Academic Skills Centre for help with study skills, referencing, writing and preparing for exams.

Read UC’s academic integrity information and misconduct procedures so you understand your responsibilities.

Asking for help before you sit an exam is always better than guessing.

You’ve got this

Academic integrity is about being honest, fair and respectful in your learning. By doing your own work, following the rules, referencing properly and asking questions when you’re unsure, you are helping create a fair learning environment for everyone.

Good luck with your exams.