University of South Australia resources
The system that the University has in place to foster academic integrity is underpinned by a policy which guides the University's approach to academic integrity and academic misconduct. Resources that support the development of academic integrity are provided by Learning Connection.
- What can be done about plagiarism and cheating at UniSA? - In a nutshell - 5 minute summary
- Staff resources
- Student resources
Staff resources
Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual
The University's Academic integrity policy is embedded in the Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual (Section 9 Academic Integrity). The policy encourages a positive culture of academic integrity by:
- defining the meaning of academic integrity and academic misconduct (of which plagiarism is one of several possible actions)
- explaining how this understanding will be shared with students
- and outlining the University resources and structures available to manage academic misconduct
Designing assessment
The Designing assessment web page can assist you with fostering academic integrity by designing assessment tasks that:
- are clearly linked to the specific learning outcomes (graduate qualities) for your course
- have explicit marking criteria
- considers the time your students will need to complete the assessment tasks as part of the related activities required to achieve the outcomes for your course
- are clearly communicated to your students
Academic Integrity Officers
Specialist officers located in each School handle the initial inquiries into cases of academic misconduct in their discipline area. The role of the AIO facilitates the:
- interpretation and implementation of policy
- initial management of reported cases of academic misconduct
- management of Turnitin
- making judgments on cases of academic misconduct
- consistency of outcomes when academic misconduct is proven
- regular reporting to relevant Heads of Schools, school boards and division teaching and learning committees.
Turnitin
Turnitin software is a text comparison software available University-wide. Any work submitted by a student may undergo testing using text comparison software. A condition of enrolment is that students give their consent to this process.
Course coordinators can organise with their School's Academic Integrity Officer for their students to use Turnitin to pro-actively screen (educative approach) for original work or for considered checking by staff for plagiarism. The use of the Turnitin software is managed by AIOs in each School.
Student resources
The teaching and learning environment in which both staff and students participate, provides the best mechanism for staff to put into place learning and assessment opportunities for students to demonstrate that they have understood, practised and valued academic integrity.
Referencing webpage
The Referencing webpage provides information and resources designed to help students learn the referencing techniques and styles for different disciplines or fields of study.
Plagiarism
The Plagiarism website offers a number of resources for staff and students to assist in understanding what plagiarism is and how to develop ways of avoiding it.
Notemaking from reading webpage
The Notemaking from reading web page for students helps students clarify why they need to take notes, how they will use them, how much and what to note including recording the bibliographic details, notemaking for summaries and distinguishing between direct quotes, summaries and outlines.
Succeeding in exams webpage
The Succeeding in exams web page provides general information about exams and advice to assist students with preparation and performance in certain types of exam.
Academic Integrity handout
- Printable one page summary of information and resources for students (PDF 238.19kb - download Adobe Acrobat)
Online workshops
Notemaking from reading
The online workshop for students develops their notemaking skills and
offers strategies and practice exercises for making notes.
Aiming for exam success
An online workshop that assists students with developing strategies for
success in exams including understanding and preparation for different types
of exams.