Academic Integrity

Find academic integrity staff resources

Visit the Academic Integrity Staff Resources SharePoint site for staff resources on academic integrity, including:

• Current advice on generative AI and assessment
• Resources and tips on designing for integrity
• Advice on responding to contract cheating issues including blackmail.

Log into SharePoint with your staff ID to access.

Learn about our approach to integrity

Academic integrity is a foundation for professional integrity and safeguards the reputation of students and staff, and our assessment and awards. All staff and students play an important role in Western’s approach to academic integrity.

• Our Academic Integrity Strategy promotes an integrated and educative approach to integrity and the development of professional ethics, following TEQSA guidance on academic integrity. An overview of the Academic Integrity Strategy is available on the staff SharePoint site.
• Integrity is a fundamental value in Western’s strategic plan, and a curriculum principle in our Curriculum Design and Approval Policy.
• Western’s Student Honour Code identifies core academic integrity values identified in collaboration with student partners at Western. These align with fundamental values identified by the International Centre for Academic Integrity and endorsed by TEQSA, Students confirm their commitment to the values of the Student Honour Code through the Academic Integrity Module.
• Our Assessment Policy promotes integrity in assessment. Western’s Assessment Guide includes strategies for assessment design that support integrity and student engagement.
• The Use of Artificial Intelligence Policy guides the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools in learning, teaching and assessment, as well as research and administration.

Check academic integrity guidelines for students

Academic integrity guidelines for students are linked to Subject Outlines, They include information on appropriate use of generative AI.

Resources to assist students to study with integrity are available from the Library, including student resources on generative AI.

Find out more about academic misconduct

Western’s approach to misconduct is based on the Student Misconduct Rule. This contains the University’s official rules and procedures for academic, general and research misconduct and applies to all students including those in Western Sydney University programs taught by other education providers.

Information for students about the Student Misconduct Rule including support for students involved in misconduct processes and school contacts is available on the Student Misconduct Rule information page.

Information for staff on the Student Misconduct Rule is available with a staff login.

Respond to contract cheating issues

We have processes in place to support students and staff in reducing risks associated with contract cheating. Students are increasingly vulnerable to hostile behaviour by contract cheating services.  Risks to students include blackmail, for example demands for payment, class materials, assessment tasks, contact details of other students or University login details.

If you are a student and have concerns about blackmail or identity theft, we will help you. Contact Wellbeing Services on 1300 668 370 (Option 5).

If you are a staff member who has received reports from students with concerns about blackmail or identity theft, or reports about the use of contract cheating services, follow advice for staff on responding to contract cheating issues on the Academic Integrity Staff Resources SharePoint site. Log into SharePoint with your staff ID to access.

Students and staff can report contract cheating services using our online form.

Ask questions or provide feedback

Contact the Office of the PVC Learning & Teaching if you have questions or feedback on academic integrity or  resources on this site