Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is an important part of the Cairnmillar Institute practices and culture.
A breach of academic integrity is considered a serious offence. Students are expected to familiarise themselves with the academic integrity policy and rules at Cairnmillar before undertaking or submitting any form of assessment.
Cairnmillar is committed to equitable and ethical research and assessment practices. Students can confidentially report any suspected breaches of academic integrity to any staff member at any time.
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct can include but is not limited to:
Plagiarism is the use of another’s ideas, concepts, words or illustrations – published or unpublished – without correct or appropriate acknowledgement of the author or source of the material.
Intentional Plagiarism is when the writer is fully aware that they are passing off another’s words, ideas or concepts as their own. It is often deliberate or premeditated, and may show a clear intention to deceive.
Unintentional Plagiarism is when the writer may have a lack of understanding, skill or knowledge of plagiarism, referencing or citing accurately the work of others. It can also occur unintentionally when “cutting and pasting” quotes or blocks of text from other documents to the writer’s work.
Collusion is the act of a student presenting work as their own, but which resulted from working in collaboration with others in the preparation and production of the work.
Text Recycling is reusing one’s own work and presenting it as new research without referencing or acknowledging the older work. An example would be using last year’s assignment from another University, and presenting it as an assignment for this year. Regardless of it being your own work, this is still plagiarism.
Paraphrasing – all work must be written in your own words. Even written in your own words, you still must cite sources of material, concepts and ideas. Without citing these sources, and without paraphrasing into your own words, it is still a form of plagiarism.
Why is Plagiarism Wrong?
- It is important to preserve intellectual honesty – the academic community relies on the exchange of ideas and information to further knowledge and research.
- It is important to give credit for work done – plagiarism cheats writers and researchers of the credit they deserve for their work.
- Plagiarism is ethically wrong – presenting another’s work as your own is dishonest, and is like lying or cheating.
- Plagiarism is cheating yourself of the growth and learning that research for yourself brings.
- Plagiarism damages your own self-respect – why undertake study if you negate it by copying?
What is the Cairnmillar Institute Rule?
The Cairnmillar Institute expects all students to submit work that is their own, and to acknowledge the work of others. Plagiarism, collusion and text recycling are deemed inappropriate behaviour, for which students will be investigated and penalised.
Ignorance is no excuse.
Referencing
Correct and accurate referencing to the best of your abilities is required. See: Referencing and APA6 & APA7
Policy
You can find the Academic Integrity and Student Conduct Policy and Procedures on our website.
Need more info or support?
See also: Compulsory Academic Integrity Module on Canvas
The Library has detailed information on Copyright and Academic Integrity expectations. See: Library
The Librarian, your teachers and your Course Coordinators are also available to help you understand what is expected of you while you study. It is better to ask now than be caught out later.
What happens if I breach the Academic Integrity standards or am suspected of academic misconduct?
See: Academic Integrity Breaches and Misconduct Investigations