Academic misconduct comes in many forms. At CQUniversity we have a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to academic misconduct in any form. We want our graduates to be honest and act with integrity.
To highlight the importance of upholding academic integrity, we have compiled a series of case studies.
Keep reading to find out about Peter and his contract cheating case.
Peter is an undergraduate engineering student and in his first year of study. He has three assignments due in one week and is also working two part-time jobs. One of his assignments has a weighting of 20% and consists of 10 questions constructing mathematical models using differential calculus. The lecturer has informed his students multiple times that they must personally develop the solutions.
Peter is running out of time and has heard about a website where for a subscription fee offers online tutoring and also provides solutions to calculus problems. Peter subscribes, asks for solutions to five of the assignment questions and then submits the answers. However, the lecturer has discovered that some of his students from prior terms have copied solutions to his calculus questions from this website. The lecturer sources evidence that Peter has copied the solutions of those five questions and raises a case of contract cheating.
Peter is sent correspondence outlining the alleged breach of academic integrity (contract cheating) and invited to respond to the allegations. Peter does not respond.
Outcome/penalty
Peter is found to have breached the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure for contract cheating.
Penalty:
- Failing grade for the unit.
- Exclusion for one term from CQUniversity.
- Mandatory completion of the Foundations of Academic Integrity program on return to the University.
It is your responsibility to ensure the work you submit is your own. Be informed. Act with honesty and integrity. And don’t risk your career and your future.
Find out more about Academic Integrity and the safe support services for academic and study help, available to you, free of charge, as a CQUniversity student.
*Disclaimer
Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.
Check out our other Academic Integrity Case Studies:
