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How your student can avoid Honor Code violations

Â鶹ÒùÔº can sometimes make mistakes when things are hectic, like during finals week. These mistakes could be a true accident or an intentional choice to cut corners. Whatever the intentions, actions that violate the Honor Code have consequences that could seriously impact your student’s time at CU.ÌýÌý

With finals around the corner, here are the most common Honor Code violations and tips to help your student avoid them.Ìý

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Cheating includes:Ìý

  • Â鶹ÒùÔº using prohibited notes or study aids, including online resources like Chegg, when not permitted.Ìý
  • Â鶹ÒùÔº collaborating on coursework or tests unless expressly permitted by faculty, including using shared group notes to complete exams.Ìý
  • Â鶹ÒùÔº allowing someone else to complete assignments or exams and turning them in as their own.Ìý
  • Â鶹ÒùÔº copying someone else’s coursework.Ìý
  • Â鶹ÒùÔº failing to abide by specific written course instructions.Ìý
  • Â鶹ÒùÔº using electronic devices or online sources when not expressly permitted.Ìý

Your student can take these steps to avoid cheating:Ìý

  • Read their syllabus. They can ask their professor if they have questions about what is allowed.Ìý
  • Pay special attention to any collaboration policies.ÌýÌý
  • Know the expectations of their coursework.ÌýÌý
  • Consider things like:ÌýÌý
    • Can they use online sources?ÌýÌý
    • Can they use course material, like textbooks or lecture notes in Canvas?Ìý
    • Can they use their own notes?ÌýÌýÌý
  • If your student is taking an online or hybrid course, they should know when they can and cannot use outside resources. If an exam is open-note, that does not mean it is open-internet. They can ask their professor if they are unsure what they can use.ÌýÌý
  • Put their phone away and close all other tabs while they are engaged in coursework unless explicitly permitted. Don’t look at other websites, their phone or other technology while taking exams.ÌýÌý
  • Ask their professor or TA for help if they're confused or stuck.

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When a student submits someone else’s work or ideas as their own or uses paper writing services and technology, such as essay bots or artificial intelligence, whether paid or unpaid, it is plagiarism.Ìý

Plagiarism also includes failing to cite sources correctly. The important thing for your student to remember to avoid plagiarism is to give credit to the source they use. Academic resources like theÌýWriting CenterÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýUniversity LibrariesÌýcan help students learn to avoid plagiarism. With these resources, they can:Ìý

  • Learn how to properly cite and paraphrase to avoid plagiarism.ÌýÌý
  • Learn how to use someone else’s ideas to support their opinion.Ìý
  • Recognize when to use someone else’s ideas and when to use only their own ideas.Ìý

Your student can take these steps to avoid plagiarism:Ìý

  • Cite their sources as they go, including in-text citations and works cited, references or bibliography.Ìý
  • Start early so they have ample time to cite, proofread and edit.Ìý
  • Do not copy and paste material into their paper, even if they intend to go back and delete it later.Ìý
  • Ask their professor if and how they can use artificial intelligence in their class.Ìý

Aiding academic dishonestyÌý

Your student may want to help their friends if they are feeling overwhelmed. However, helping another student gain an unfair academic advantage can lead to an Honor Code referral for your student.ÌýÌý

Your student can take these steps to avoid aiding academic dishonesty:ÌýÌý

  • Do not share their work with others from when they took the class. This includes essays, spreadsheets, exams or course notes.ÌýÌý
  • If their final exam is not in person, they canÌýÌýor take exams alone and in a quiet space.Ìý
  • Remind their friends to use their faculty’s office hours and otherÌýacademic resources.ÌýÌý
  • Close and lock their computer when they step away from it.Ìý

Other tipsÌý

When stress is high, your student may be more likely to make a mistake that violates the Honor Code inadvertently. That’s why being prepared and managing their time is critical to their success.Ìý

Your student can practice good study habits by setting up consistent study sessions to review class material and eliminate distractions. They can start early on assignments, papers and studying. Then, they will have more time to ask questions if needed.Ìý

Finally, your student can use campus resources if they need help! They can talk to their teaching assistants, connect with theÌýWriting CenterÌýand check out otherÌýacademic support and resources. Your student’s academic department may also have more support options specific to their major.Ìý

Learn more about the Honor Code.Ìý

Academic MisconductÌý

Academic Misconduct includes any act in which a student gains or provides, or attempts to gain or provide, an unfair academic advantage over other students.Ìý

°Õ³ó±ðÌýHonor CodeÌýwas designed to uphold CU Boulder's standards of academic integrity and intellectual honesty. It provides quick resolution of reports of student academic misconduct. All CU Boulder students are subject to the Honor Code for academic matters. Â鶹ÒùÔº who violate the code may be subject to discipline.Ìý