Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a hot topic on campuses these days. Cheating and plagiarism can take on many forms - are you sure you're playing by the rules?

Incidents of cheating and plagiarism can include, but are not limited to, the following behaviours:

• Omitting citation information for an idea included in an assignment or directly quoting sources without using quotation marks and citations
• Resubmitting an assignment to multiple classes
• Buying or copying essays
• Cheating during exams by obtaining advanced copies of the test, bringing in unauthorized notes, or texting or otherwise communicating with other students or the outside world
• Unauthorized group work: working together on a project without the instructor's permission
• Falsifying data

Ignorance is no excuse -- it is up to you to know what is acceptable behaviour and what is not.

To avoid the pitfalls above, remember:

• Understand the rules of academic integrity and the CapU policy on cheating and plagiarism.
• Plan your assignments well ahead of their due date.
• Understand the assignment and ask for help when necessary.
• Talk to your instructors if you find yourself falling behind.
• Attend class, pay attention, ask questions.
• The poor choices made by others should not impact your personal integrity and honesty.
• Don't overload yourself - doing a few things well is better than many things poorly.

The CapU Writing Centre has handouts that can help you.

• View their What is plagiarism handout
• Visit their Popular Handouts page for information on related topics.

These tutorials can help you understand the pitfalls of plagiarism:

There are several possible consequences for violating CapU's standards of academic integrity, including but not limited to: failure of the assignment, failure of the course, exclusion from enrolling or re-enrolling in classes, probation, suspension from the University, expulsion from the University with a record of all cheating and/or plagiarism.

• CapU policy on Cheating and Plagiarism

Talk to an Academic Advisor, the Writing Centre or CapU Library if you have any questions. If you are feeling stressed or are struggling with your studies you may want to contact CapU Counselling Services.

Reasons students cheat:

• Stress
• Lack of skill
• "Everyone does it"
• Lack of awareness
• Course load is too heavy
• Not seeking advice or help