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Academic Integrity

This guide has been created to provide access to resources on the topic of Academic Integrity.

What is Academic Dishonesty?

Academic dishonesty refers to unethical behaviors that undermine the values of love, courage, honesty, fairness, responsibility, truth and wisdom. It includes actions or behaviours that provide an unfair advantage or misrepresent a learner’s abilities.

NSCC (2017) defines academic dishonesty as an intentional, reckless, careless, or improper act for the purpose of obtaining an academic advantage, credential, admission, or credit by deception or fraudulent means.

Some examples of academic dishonesty include:

  • copying the work of another person
  • doing work for another student
  • using or consulting any unauthorized source or materials
  • using one’s own work for more than one class without permission
  • collaborating on work that is assigned to be done independently
  • plagiarism
  • contract cheating
  • using GenAI without permission

Document Integrity

Document integrity means making sure that a document’s content, format, and structure stay consistent, accurate and trustworthy. This helps ensure that the document has not been changed in an unauthorized way and that the information it contains can be trusted.

Document fraud or falsification involves knowingly creating, altering, or using documents that contain false or misleading information to deceive or gain unfair academic advantage.

Document fraud is a form of academic misconduct when it occurs within an educational setting. Examples include: 

  • submitting a false medical document that has been forged or altered
  • submitting false or fabricated certifications or academic record 
  • submitting false or misleading financial statements or records

Understanding Academic Dishonesty

Understanding the causes of academic dishonesty can help us identify potential risks and take proactive measures to prevent them. By developing skills in time management, stress management, research skills and academic integrity, we can foster confidence both in our learning and in future endeavors.

Time Management

Many learners experience challenges with managing time effectively. Time management is essential for achieving success in your studies, career, and in life. Check out the NSCC Time Management Subject Guide for helpful tips and best practices.

Stress and Workload

Balancing your academic workload can be difficult. It is important to connect with resources that can help you develop skills for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Visit NSCC's Wellness and Counselling Services to learn more about available resources and supports.

Peer Pressure

Building healthy relationships is a key element of the learning community. While you might want to help a friend or feel pressured to share your work, offering unauthorized assistance is considered academic misconduct. Always consult your faculty to clarify if collaboration and teamwork are acceptable.

Fear of Failure

Students often mention that the fear of failure can contribute to academic dishonesty. If you are feeling unsure, reach out to your faculty or the NSCC Library and Learning Commons for support in building the confidence and skills needed for your success.

Understanding Academic Integrity Policies

Academic standards and acceptable behavior can differ. Take time to understand academic integrity best practices, and familiarize yourself with NSCC's Academic Integrity Policy.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Use of Information

University of Alberta Dean of Students. (2013, December 8). Acceptable/unacceptable [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/8Bx5DAqTPhU

References