Tips & Strategies for Preventing Academic Misconduct

When Taking an Exam:

  • Do not use materials or resources that have not been pre approved by your instructor. Clarify with your instructor prior to the start of the exam what you are allowed and not allowed to use. If you are unsure what materials or sources you are allowed to use, do not use them.

  • Make sure that any notes, electronic devices (including phones), or unauthorized materials are stored away in a closed backpack or bag before you receive your exam. Any notes or materials that are not stored away during an exam may be considered academic misconduct.

  • Don’t let your eyes wander and do not talk to anyone during the exam.

  • Cover your exam so others cannot copy from you.

  • During online exams follow all LockDown browser and proctor instructions.

  • When you get an exam back, do not make any alterations (changes or corrections) on the exam itself; make corrections on a separate sheet of paper. Do not submit an altered exam for re-grading.

When Writing a Paper:

  • Understand the definition of plagiarism.

  • If you copy words directly, you must use quotation marks and show the source of the information.

  • If you borrow facts, statistics, graphs, pictures, etc., you must show the source of the information.

  • If you borrow someone else’s information or idea and don’t copy word for word, you must correctly paraphrase or summarize the information, that is, put it in your own words, and you must still give the source of the information.

  • If you are not sure, ask the instructor for help, or seek assistance from the Writing Resource Center

When Working with Others on Assignments:

  • Do not work together more than the instructor allows. Submitting the same or very similar assignments as another student(s) (even if everyone worked on it) is not acceptable unless the instructor specifically states that the assignment can be completed together.

  • If a classmate suggests working together on a graded assignment, ask yourself first whether the instructor allows this. If you are not sure, ask the instructor before doing so.

  • If you are allowed to work together, do not copy someone else’s work or allow someone else to borrow your work.

  • Do not copy answers from solutions manuals or from students who previously took the class or from other sources.

Source:
UC Davis, Division of Student Affairs, Office of Student Support and Judicial Affairs. Suggestions for Avoiding Academic Misconduct. (2015).