Academic misconduct refers to any action that gives a student, or another person, an unauthorised advantage, whether done individually or with others.
It may occur in any assessment completed toward a qualification at Southampton Solent University.
As misconduct can be intentional or unintentional, students should familiarise themselves with what the University considers an offence. The following is a list of offences and their definitions.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is when a student uses someone else’s work without giving proper credit through correct referencing - by quoting, paraphrasing, copying, or imitating it - and submits it as if it were their own.
Artificial intelligence (AI) misconduct
AI misconduct is when a student submits work created by generative artificial intelligence, ChatGPT for example, without permission. You can only use AI tools if your assessment brief allows it, and any AI use must be clearly referenced.
You should refer to the assessment brief or ask your tutor if you’re unsure how AI is allowed to be used in your assessment.
Collusion
Collusion is when students let other students in their cohort see or use their work, and it is then submitted as another student’s own. It also includes working together on an assignment that’s meant to be done alone without permission.
Falsification
Falsification is when a student makes up, changes, or misrepresents information or data and submits it as if it were their own work.
Replication (self-plagiarism)
Replication happens when a student submits the same or very similar work that has already been used for an assessment. If you are repeating a module, you need to create new work, unless the resit assessment brief says it’s okay to revise a failed assignment. If you have any concerns about this, you should ask your module tutor.
Contract cheating
Contract cheating is when a student pays or arranges for someone else to complete an assessment, or when a student knowingly submits work that has been completed by someone else.
Exams breach
An exam breach is when a student breaks the rules during an exam. This includes using notes or devices you’re not allowed to, getting a copy of the exam beforehand, talking to or copying another student, or taking the exam for someone else.
Ethics breach
An ethics breach happens when a student doesn’t get the required ethical approval for an assessment or fails to follow the ethical rules they were given.
False extenuating circumstances claim
This happens when a student gives false information in a request for extenuating circumstances, like faking medical documents or lying about their situation.