Working with others is often a part of higher education, but there are times when group work is not permitted. Learn the difference between ethical collaboration and collusion, which is a breach of academic integrity.
What is collusion?
There is a clear distinction between collaboration and collusion when working on various forms of assignments. As a university student, you will be asked to participate in both group and individual assignments. When you are doing an individual assignment and get help completing it, or help another student complete their individual assignment, that is collusion.
Collusion can include:
working with someone else on an assignment that you are supposed to write individually
copying another student’s work, or letting another student copy your work
letting someone write part of an assignment for you.
This does not mean that you cannot work with others at all. Ethical collaboration includes:
working together on a group assignment with your group members (just remember to credit all group members)
helping each other understand the assignment question
studying together.
Be sure to ask your instructor if you are unsure about what kind of collaboration is permitted in your course.
Check your understanding
Read the following scenarios and select the correct answer.
Materials like assessment and exam content, lecture slides, and study guides are protected by copyright. Uploading and sharing them online is prohibited and regarded as academic misconduct.
You might find websites and services offering payment for such materials. Be aware that this is not permitted and can result in serious consequences. It is your responsibility to keep your assessments secure.
Also, websites that accept notes and assignments from students lack quality control, so using work from these sites is unethical and may involve poorly written or inaccurate content. If you're struggling, it's best to contact your tutor or Study Support for additional assistance.
Check your understanding
Read the following scenarios and select the correct answer.
