Academic integrity: a plain guide

Why it matters to you

The point of an assignment is to build a skill or show what you know. Shortcuts skip the learning, and the gap tends to show up later on an exam, in the next course or at work. There are practical stakes too. Breaches can lead to a failing grade, a note on your record or worse, depending on the school's policy.

What counts as plagiarism

Plagiarism is presenting someone else's words, ideas or work as your own. It includes:

• Copying text without quotation marks and a citation.
• Paraphrasing too closely, even with a citation.
• Using someone's ideas or data without credit.
• Handing in work written by someone else, paid or not.
• Reusing your own earlier work without permission.

Many cases are accidental, caused by messy notes or last-minute writing. Intent may matter to how a case is handled, but it usually doesn't change whether it counts. Good habits from citing sources and research papers prevent most problems.

Other common breaches

• Cheating on tests: using unauthorized notes, devices or help, or sharing answers.
• Unauthorized collaboration: working together on an assignment meant to be done alone.
• Fabrication: making up data, sources or quotes.
• Helping others cheat: sharing your work for someone to copy also breaks most policies.

Working with classmates

Studying together is usually encouraged. Quizzing each other, talking through ideas and comparing notes are great ways to learn. The line is usually at the work you hand in. Rules differ by course, so check the syllabus or ask. Some teachers allow discussing problems but require you to write answers alone. Others expect joint work on group projects but individual reflections. When a group project is shared, make sure everyone's contribution is fair and clear.

AI tools

Schools and teachers have very different rules on AI writing and chat tools. Some ban them for graded work. Some allow them for brainstorming or checking grammar. Some allow more if you say how you used them. The rule can even change from one assignment to the next.

• Read the syllabus and assignment for the policy. If it says nothing, ask before you use a tool.
• If use is allowed, follow any rules on disclosing or citing it.
• Check everything an AI tool tells you. They can produce wrong facts and even sources that don't exist.
• Remember the purpose of the task. If the tool does the thinking, you miss the practice.

If you are unsure

1. Check the syllabus, the assignment sheet and your school's academic integrity policy.
2. Ask your teacher before the work is due. Asking early is always fine.
3. Use your school's writing center or academic support office for help that is clearly allowed.
4. When you have made a mistake, raise it yourself. Owning it early is usually the best path.

This page gives general information only. Your school's own policy sets the actual rules and process. If you are facing an integrity case, read the policy closely and ask the office that handles it, or a student advocate or ombuds office if your school has one, what your options are.

When pressure builds

Most shortcuts happen under stress: a deadline tomorrow, too much due at once, or feeling lost in a class. If you are in that spot, ask for an extension, talk to the teacher or visit academic support. It feels hard to ask, but teachers would much rather help than handle a case later. A weekly plan also makes those crunches rarer.

Academic integrity questions