Academic integrity is a core value of the University of Sydney, in both education and research. By joining the University community, you have agreed to uphold this value and to proactively contribute to the University’s culture of academic integrity.
Acting with academic integrity means doing the right thing even when things seem difficult and taking a shortcut to academic success seems easier. There is no such thing as achieving genuine academic success without first putting in hard work and effort.
Behaving with academic integrity also means that you must acknowledge where other people, technologies or tools have contributed to your work in some way. This could include acknowledging words, ideas, images, computer code, or artistic or musical creations. It can also mean acknowledging any assistance provided by other people in relation to your work, including any feedback, proof-reading or editing.
Acting with academic honesty also means you do not try to benefit academically by misleading others or being unfair to others, including gaining any kind of unfair advantage over others.
When you act with academic honesty and integrity at the University, having applied the proper effort, you can be proud that you have truly earned your qualification. You can be proud that you have developed your mind and skills to the tertiary level and be confident in your ability to succeed in your career.
When you are being assessed for a group assignment, you need to contribute your own original work to the group and properly acknowledge any outside sources, tools or technologies used in the preparation of your work. If you don’t, you put everyone in the group at risk of being accused of an academic integrity breach.
Acting with academic honesty in group work also means that you commit fully to participating in group discussions and meeting agreed deadlines. It is unfair to leave your group members feeling like they need to complete work you were supposed to complete. It is even more unfair (and dishonest) to accept marks for group work if you have let others do your work for you.
The Academic Honesty Education Module sets you up with knowledge and support services so you can study with academic integrity.
The module is mandatory for all coursework students. Completing the AHEM means you won't have to retake it for up to five years, even if you change courses.
If you’re a new student, you will be automatically enrolled when you begin your course. You should see the module in your Canvas dashboard.
If you're a current student
You need to complete the AHEM by the census date of your first semester. Your academic record can be suppressed if it isn't completed.
It takes about an hour to complete.
If you have any problems accessing or completing the module, contact the Office of Educational Integrity (OEI) at educational.integrity@sydney.edu.au.
At university, there is a different style of learning. There is less focus on memorising knowledge delivered by teachers, and more focus on locating and interpreting knowledge, and developing critical thinking skills.
While this can be an adjustment at first, university is designed this way intentionally. If you are ever struggling, remember that there are a wide range of workshops and online resources to assist you with your studies.
The University’s Student Wellbeing services offer a range of confidential and free health and wellbeing support, including self-help resources on time management, exam preparation among other things.
For information about referencing and online guides to different citation styles, visit the Library's referencing page.
We expect you to be familiar with the policies and codes covering academic honesty and conduct at the University.
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