Tips for Avoiding Academic Dishonesty

Listed below are several strategies for helping students avoid academic dishonesty.

  • Plagiarism: Use research materials appropriately. Cite all sources that are quoted or paraphrased in papers or material used. If there are any questions on how to cite, get help from appropriate sources, such as class instructors, librarians, or the ISU Writing Center.
  • Fabrication: Allow enough time to finish assignments by budgeting extra time for research, writing, and proofreading. Fabrication is a form of lying and students will be held accountable for giving false information.

Three people reading.
  • Cheating: Understand and follow the guidelines class instructors have laid out in introductory lectures or in the syllabus. Ask instructors for clarification on instructions if there are any questions. Instructors may have different expectations and policies. Check with class professors to see if they allow students to study from previous semesters' exams and tests. Set sufficient time aside to study for exams. 2

  • Aiding and Abetting Dishonesty: Follow your instructor's rules when working with other students on in-class or out-of-class projects, papers, or speeches. Be careful about giving help when fellow students should be working alone. Avoid being dishonest by not lending homework, copies of exams or quizzes or providing answers to other students. Protect your work from being copied while doing assignments or taking tests. Report students that are cheating or being dishonest in any way to appropriate authorities.