4 ways to avoid cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty

Rushing to get things done, like studying for a test or completing an assignment, can sometimes lead to academic dishonesty—where students engage in plagiarism, cheating or helping another student gain an unfair advantage. Whatever the intention, these actions violate the Honor Code and have consequences.  

Learning to manage your time and asking for help can play a big role in achieving academic success. Use these strategies to help you avoid potential Honor Code violations this semester.  

Review your syllabus 

Faculty include important information in each syllabus, including expectations for their course that you must follow. This information will likely be different for each class.  

Read the syllabus for each of your classes. Awareness of class expectations can lower the likelihood of violating the Honor Code. For example, some faculty prohibit students from collaborating on coursework with classmates or using AI for assignments. With online courses, be aware of when you can and cannot use outside resources. Ask your instructor for clarification if you have any questions about the expectations stated in the syllabus.  

There are also campus-wide Honor Code expectations that are consistent in every class. For instance, resubmitting your own work without faculty permission is a violation of the Honor Code. You also cannot self-plagiarize your work⁠—meaning you must cite any previously written work you use while completing a new assignment. You cannot reuse your own work without that citation. Review the Student Honor Code & Procedures and ask your instructor questions.  

Start coursework early 

Some Honor Code violations occur when students are rushing to complete work. Start early to avoid procrastination and Honor Code violations, whether studying for an exam or working on a long-term project or paper. Allow enough time to ask questions or for help during office hours. You can also reach out to other campus services.  

Use a calendar or planner and add important dates from your syllabi, including exam dates, project or paper deadlines, presentations, etc. Regularly look ahead at your next few weeks to see what is coming up and which things should take priority.  

Complete work on your own 

Academic dishonesty is any act in which a student gains or attempts to gain an unfair academic advantage over other students regardless of intention. Helping another student gain an unfair academic advantage is also considered academic dishonesty.   

With every test, paper, project, lab and assignment, be sure to complete your own work unless the written directions specifically allow you to work with others.   

• You may be able to talk through your work with another student or a study group but don’t share your work. Once you send it to another person, you don’t have control over how it’s shared or used.   
• Don’t search for answers on the internet unless expressly permitted. Especially with online learning, be careful to use resources authorized by your instructors for help. If specific online resources are allowed, write your researched answers in your own words instead of copying and pasting what you found online.  
• Don’t use AI to write papers or answer questions on assignments unless you have permission from your professor. Talk with your professor if you have questions about if and how you can use AI. Learn more about AI and the Honor Code.  
• Nearly any assignment you submit online could be analyzed for similarity to other sources, so cite your sources when appropriate.  
• Exams, including online and take-home exams, should be completed independently unless your instructor states otherwise in the syllabus or exam instructions.  

Find support 

Whether you’re looking for help citing sources or struggling with a concept discussed in class, asking for help is okay. Attend your instructor’s office hours listed on their syllabus, or use academic and tutoring resources. 

Learn more about the Honor Code.