Policy Related Information

On 1 March 2005, UNSW's Academic Board endorsed a six-month University-wide trial of a new framework for dealing with student plagiarism.

In summary, the following initiatives will be implemented within UNSW from Session 2, 2005:

• establishment of The Learning Centre's Plagiarism & Academic Integrity site as the central University online resource for staff and student information on academic honesty and understanding and avoiding plagiarism;
• appointment of a centrally-located Student Ethics Coordinator (SEC);
• appointment of Associate Deans (Education) or equivalent as Faculty Student Ethics Officers (FSEOs);
• optional appointment by Heads of School of School Student Ethics Officers (SSEOs);
• introduction of a new four-level scheme for dealing with incidents of plagiarism;
• creation of a Central Plagiarism Register (CPR).

The trial also includes a six-month pilot study of an electronic similarity detection tool (Turnitin™) in selected Faculties and Schools.

Additionally, from Session 1, 2005, all commencing students in their first session of enrolment (undergraduate and postgraduate) are required to enrol in the online Information Literacy Tutorial (ELISE) provided by the UNSW Library. All students must successfully complete ELISE in order to progress within their program of study.

Together, these strategies are designed to strengthen the culture of academic integrity within UNSW whilst providing mechanisms for improved coordination, cooperation and communications with students about relevant UNSW policy and its implementation.

Handbooks

For further information on the above strategies see the GUIDELINES AND RULES ON STUDENT PLAGIARISM: HANDBOOK FOR STAFF(pdf). The new Handbook includes an additional 'tool' for staff in the form of a step-by-step guide and flowchart (pdf).

A separate Handbook for Students is now available in e-Book form only: Guidelines and Rules on Student Plagiarism: Handbook for Students (pdf)

Academic comment is invited from all staff and students via elected staff and student representatives to Academic Board and the Committee on Education.