Cheating is an umbrella term used for describing all forms of academic misconduct. Because it covers everything, it’s not possible to offer any single definition of cheating, but you can find some definitions and examples below.
Other forms of cheating include (but not exhaustively):
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The use of unauthorised notes in exams or in-class assessed tests (including, for example, information stored on digital devices or unauthorised accessing of the internet in contravention of the examination rubric).
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The possession of such notes, even if not used, may also be considered a form of cheating, or at least an intent to cheat.
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Unauthorised viewing of another student’s work during an exam or in-class test.
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Unauthorised communication during an exam or in-class test.
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Unauthorised access to materials such as exam papers, prior to sitting an ‘unseen’ exam.
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Fabrication: the faking of data claimed to be derived from experiments or other research conducted.
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Falsification/Misrepresentation: falsification of evidence claimed to be derived from experiments or other research; falsifying signatures of staff, or altering information on documentation to gain personal advantage.
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Denying others access to information: for example, the stealing or removal of pages from library textbooks and journal resources.
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Impersonation: e.g., impersonating another student in an exam OR allowing someone to impersonate you.
Other forms of cheating include (but not exhaustively):
We can avoid cheating by:
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Setting realistic time for revision and coursework (check our time management page for tips).
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Checking what we can take to the examination rooms and to our desk before starting an exam.
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Arriving early for the exam so we have time to make sure we don’t have any unauthorised material on us – not even material on our phone!
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Leaving the question paper at the exam.
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Keeping quiet in the exam and not talking to other students.
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Submitting our own assignment, not a friend’s.