UCL Academic Manual Contract Cheating: An Overview
Contract cheating has emerged as a major concern for educational institutions around the world, including the University College London (UCL). The UCL academic manual defines contract cheating as “the submission, as one’s own work, of work that has been purchased from or otherwise written by a third party” (UCL Academic Manual 2020). The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the UCL academic manual and its policies regarding contract cheating.
Academic Integrity
UCL places great importance on academic integrity. The academic manual states that “all work submitted for assessment must be the student’s own work, except where explicitly stated otherwise” (UCL Academic Manual 2020). This means that students must not engage in any form of academic misconduct, including plagiarism, collusion, and contract cheating. Any form of academic dishonesty can result in serious consequences, including the termination of the student’s studies at UCL.
Contract Cheating
Contract cheating is a form of academic dishonesty that involves the submission of work that has been written by someone else. This can include the purchase of essays, assignments, or any other academic work from third-party sources. Contract cheating is a serious offense and is not tolerated at UCL.
UCL’s policy on contract cheating is clear. The academic manual states that “students must not submit work that has been written, in whole or in part, by someone else” (UCL Academic Manual 2020). Additionally, students must not submit work that has been produced collaboratively unless specifically authorized by the instructor.
Consequences of Contract Cheating
The consequences of contract cheating at UCL can be severe. The academic manual states that “students found to be engaging in contract cheating will be subject to disciplinary action” (UCL Academic Manual 2020). This can include the termination of the student’s studies at UCL, as well as other penalties such as the revocation of academic credits or degrees.
Preventing Contract Cheating
UCL is committed to preventing contract cheating. The academic manual provides guidance for students on how to avoid the temptation of contract cheating, including:
1. Always do your own work. This means writing your own essays, assignments, and other academic work from scratch.
2. Use academic resources such as citing sources and referencing to acknowledge your sources of information.
3. Avoid sharing your work with other students or allowing them to copy your work.
4. Seek help from instructors or tutors if you are struggling with a particular assignment.
Conclusion
Contract cheating is a serious offense that can have far-reaching consequences for students. UCL’s academic manual provides clear guidance on how to avoid contract cheating, as well as the consequences for those who engage in it. Students must take responsibility for their own academic work and must not be tempted to engage in any form of academic dishonesty, including contract cheating. By upholding academic integrity, students can achieve their academic goals and contribute to the wider scholarly community.