What counts as cheating? A guide to the Honor Code
As you prepare for finals and finish your last assignments, it’s important to understand what counts as academic dishonesty. Some Honor Code violations, like unauthorized collaboration, may be less obvious than you think.
Knowing your course expectations and the CU Boulder Honor Code can help you make informed decisions about your coursework. Here are four ways to protect your academic integrity.
Know your course expectations
Your syllabus explains your instructor’s expectations for coursework, including rules about collaboration, using AI tools and completing assignments. These expectations may be different for each class.
Review your syllabi before starting assignments or preparing for exams. Pay attention to which resources and types of assistance are allowed. If you’re unsure about a rule, ask your instructor for clarification.
It’s also important to review the instructor’s expectations for each assignment, project or exam. These requirements carry the same weight as those outlined in the syllabus.
The CU Boulder Honor Code also outlines academic integrity expectations that apply to all students. Review the Student Honor Code to learn more.
Understand common Honor Code violations
Academic dishonesty includes actions that give you or another student an unfair academic advantage, regardless of intention. Some violations are easy to recognize, while others may be less obvious.
Here are some common examples to know:
- Plagiarism: Using someone else’s words, ideas or work without giving proper credit. When using outside sources, cite them appropriately and follow your instructor’s guidelines.
- Unauthorized collaboration: Working with classmates or sharing answers when an assignment requires independent work. Study groups can be helpful, but check what collaboration is allowed before sharing your work.
- Reusing previous assignments: Submitting work you’ve already completed for another class without the required instructor permission. This can be considered self-plagiarism. Ask your instructor before reusing previous coursework, and cite your earlier work as required.
- Unauthorized AI use: Using AI tools to complete assignments or generate answers when your instructor has not allowed it. Some instructors may permit AI for brainstorming or studying but have different rules for submitted work. Learn more about using AI and following the Honor Code.
- Cheating on exams: Using unauthorized notes, websites, devices or assistance during a test. This applies to in-person, online and take-home exams. Follow your instructor's directions about what resources you can use.
When in doubt, check your syllabus or ask your instructor before using a resource, collaborating with others or submitting an assignment.
Plan ahead and manage deadlines
Managing multiple assignments and exams can be challenging, especially toward the end of the semester. Planning ahead can help you stay organized and give you time to ask questions.
Review your upcoming deadlines, break larger assignments into smaller tasks and set aside time to study. Use a calendar or planner to keep track of what needs to get done.
If you’re having trouble understanding an assignment or meeting a deadline, reach out to your instructor early to discuss your options.
Use academic support resources
Asking questions and getting help are important parts of learning. If you’re struggling with a concept, preparing for an exam or unsure how to cite a source, CU Boulder offers resources to support your academic success.
Visit your instructor during office hours, connect with a tutor or explore academic and tutoring resources. Be sure to follow your instructor’s guidelines about what types of assistance are allowed for each assignment.
Understanding academic integrity expectations and using available resources can help you approach finals with confidence.
Can you use someone else’s clicker in class? What if you want to submit a project you completed for another course? Some Honor Code violations may surprise you.
Take the Honor Code quiz to see what you know, and review the CU Boulder Honor Code for more information.