Contract cheating

If you are struggling it might be tempting to engage a third-party to complete some or all of your work. But don't. You always have other options.

You can: 

• Seek an extension from your lecturer if you’re under too much pressure, or apply for special consideration if you’re eligible.
• Talk to your tutor or email your lecturer and seek legitimate help. 

If you have already engaged in contract cheating, UNSW has agreed with ARC that if you come forward to admit to this conduct, the default penalty for 1 assessment cheated will be 0% for that assessment. If you have cheated more than once penalties will be stronger (see below), however you will still benefit from acting honestly. 

We understand that students can benefit from working with legitimate tutors.

• If you already work with a tutor, you can talk to the Learning Centre to ensure they are providing the right kind of assistance. 
• If you need a tutor, Smarthinking is a free online tutoring service available to UNSW students seeking advice on enhancing their writing skills.

As contract cheating is a very serious breach of academic standards, the penalties issued by the University can have a heavy impact on your educational and professional development. 

Students found to have engaged in contract cheating can expect the following penalties:

• 1 assessment - 00 mark and a Fail grade for the entire course. Students receiving this penalty can continue their studies at UNSW, subject to their Academic Standing. 
• 2 assessments - 00FL for the course/s, and 1 Year Suspension from studies at UNSW. Suspended students can return to study at UNSW when the suspension is over.
• 3 assessments - 00FL for the course/s, and Permanent Exclusion from UNSW. Permanently Excluded students can never study at UNSW again.

UNSW is constantly improving its ability to detect contract cheating. More than 100 students have been suspended or permanently excluded in the past 12 months for contract cheating. 

The risks do not end when you graduate. UNSW will rescind your degree, if we find you engaged in contract cheating during your studies, even after your graduation.

UNSW is also aware that some students have been blackmailed by the people who completed the work the student submitted. Blackmail is a crime and could continue affecting your life long after you have graduated. 

Students who have engaged in contract cheating may be targeted by blackmailers.

The person or company that did the work for you may demand money and threaten to tell UNSW about the misconduct, if you do not pay them.

While UNSW does not condone contract cheating, students should not be scared to come forward and get help if this happens. If you find yourself in this situation, please do not keep quiet. It could cost you so much more than just money.

If you need help, you are encouraged to contact the Student Conduct and Integrity Unit, who can talk you through your options. 

E: studentconduct@unsw.edu.au

P: (02) 9385 8515

You can also seek more specialised help from the university, and nearly all of these services are free.  

Tutoring Services

• Smarthinking is a free online tutoring service available to UNSW students seeking advice on enhancing their writing skills.

Academic Assistance

• The Learning Centre offers academic skills support to all students enrolled at UNSW, including consultations to help you work on your assessments. 
• Academic Integrity Module: A self-paced module that you can complete and receive a certificate.
• Learning Centre Resources on Plagiarism
• Leaning Centre Workshops on Plagiarism. What it is and how to avoid it.

Student Support Advisors

• Educational Support Advisors work with all students to promote the development of skills needed to succeed at university, whilst also providing personal support throughout the process.

Student Advocate

• For independent legal advice and advocacy, you can contact Student Advocate at Arc@UNSW

Health and Mental Health

• UNSW Counselling and Psychological Services [CAPS] are available Monday to Friday to help students. 

UNSW Health Service

• UNSW Health Service  provide a quality health service to the students, staff & visitors of UNSW. Their doctors, nurses and administration staff are non- judgemental and have a special interest in youth health.