Why is academic integrity so important?
It protects the value of your degree
- A degree from UOW has value because of our shared commitment to high quality teaching and learning, as well as robust standards of academic integrity. If you cheat, your actions can damage the University’s reputation and devalue the quality of our awards. Employers and other universities trust that a UOW degree reflects genuine learning and achievement. Academic integrity ensures your qualification is respected and recognised.
It prepares you for your future
- Studying at university is an opportunity to learn and challenge yourself. When you graduate you should be confident that you have achieved the full education necessary for the award of your degree through genuine effect. Future employers expect UOW graduates to act honestly,ethically and to take responsibility for the integrity of all their work.
It supports a fair learning environment
- Cheating undermines the efforts of other students and creates an unfair advantage. If you cheat, you’re taking advantage of other honest students who are doing their own work. Integrity shows that you take pride in your work and respect the learning process.
What are your responsibilities?
As a UOW student, you are expected to act honestly and ethically in your studies. This includes:
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Familiarising yourself with academic integrity expectations in your assessment work so that you know how to avoid academic misconduct.
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Submitting original work that acknowledges others appropriately, including the ideas, designs, code, words or works of others. You must also acknowledge any use of generative AI tools in your work.
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Understanding assessment requirements. Make sure you know the task instructions, marking criteria and appropriate acknowledgement practices. Refer to your subject outlines to check which referencing guide/s you need for your subjects. The required referencing guide may change across subjects, schools and faculties.
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Discouraging other students from any form of academic misconduct. You should not share your assessment work with other students, as this may give them an unfair advantage and could result in academic misconduct for both of you. Supporting others to act with integrity means encouraging them to complete their own work and seek appropriate help when needed.
Support and resources
While academic integrity is your responsibility, UOW provides support if you need it:
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Lecturers, tutors and Subject Coordinators can answer your questions about assessment tasks and requirements.
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UOW offers a range of academic skills and study support including personalised support, workshops and resources in areas such as referencing, academic writing and other study skills.
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If you are studying your UOW degree outside Australia with one of our partner institutions, please contact the team responsible for student administration, who will be able to refer you to the academic support services at that location.
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All commencing coursework students must complete the StartSmart module in the first few weeks of session. If you do not complete the module, your results will not be released at the end of session.
