Academic Integrity for Students

Why it matters

Academic integrity is about getting real value from your degree. When you're stressed or unsure how to tackle an assignment, it may be tempting to take shortcuts. Those shortcuts can hurt your learning and your peers.

The two biggest integrity traps are:

  • Stress overload: Personal issues, academic pressure or wellness struggles
  • Knowledge gaps: Not knowing how to cite properly or structure a research paper

When these combine plagiarism and cheating can become tempting. Don't let it get there.

BE WELL TO DO WELL

Take care of yourself

Your wellness is the foundation of your academic success. When stress builds up, step back. Take a break, call a friend or get some sleep. 

Ask for help

The university has resources for everything from mental health to study skills. Use them before things feel overwhelming. Check out the Campus Life web page for support options.

Rely on U of A resources

What about those third-party sites offering to write your assignments or sell you past exams? They're academic misconduct traps. Stick with official University of Alberta resources; they're free and won't get you in trouble. Explore the Academic Success web page for more information.

Know the Rules

The university has a new Student Academic Integrity Policy (SAIP). Familiarize yourself with what is expected of you and the university’s approach to academic integrity concerns. If you face an allegation the Office of the Student Ombuds can help you navigate the process.

Using AI

The rules around AI tools are still evolving. The reality is every course and even every assignment might have different policies.

Things to do

Read your syllabus carefully

Check if your instructor has addressed AI use upfront.

Check each assignment

Just because AI was allowed for one paper doesn't mean it's fine for the next. Always verify and cite your AI use when it's permitted.

When in doubt, ask

Email your instructor and get their answer in writing so you can refer back to it later.

Why academic misconduct actually hurts

  • It's unfair. You get an advantage others don't have.
  • It weakens your degree. Misconduct allegations damage the university's reputation and your credentials' value.
  • It can be dangerous. If you graduate without fundamental skills, people could get hurt. Your degree should represent what you actually know and can do.