University studies are built on honesty and trust. It is your responsibility to ensure that your work is based on genuine competence. These guidelines will help you act with integrity throughout your studies.
What is expected of you?
As a university student, you are a member of the academic community. In practice, acting with integrity means that you:
- complete assignments and exams independently, unless collaboration has been specifically permitted
- always cite your sources properly
- respect the work of others
- follow each course’s instructions on the use of tools and AI
- maintain an open and respectful atmosphere in teaching
- do not disrupt the learning environment of others
- do your fair share in pair and group work
If you are unsure whether you are allowed to use a particular tool or collaborate with others, ask the teacher before starting the assignment.
Why does honesty benefit you?
Acting with integrity in your studies is not just a university rule – above all, it is in your own interest.
- You learn for real. When you complete assignments and exams yourself, you build competence that you will need in working life and as a professional. A grade gained through dishonesty cannot replace missing knowledge.
- Your degree is credible. Employers and the academic community value a UEF degree because it is based on genuine competence. Every honest piece of work strengthens this trust.
- You develop skills you will need throughout your career. Referencing sources, critical thinking and careful handling of information are research and working life skills that you learn naturally when you act with integrity from the start.
- You study in a fair community. When everyone acts honestly, you can trust that all students are assessed equally and that your own work receives the recognition it deserves.
- You avoid consequences that delay your studies. Academic dishonesty can result in a failed assignment, a written warning or even a fixed-term suspension.
What counts as academic dishonesty?
Academic dishonesty is any act intended to give a false impression of your own or another person’s competence. The rules on academic dishonesty apply to all coursework – exams, essays, assignments and theses – in both on-site and distance learning.
Cheating
You may not use notes or tools in an exam unless they have been specifically permitted.
Examples:
- You look up information on your phone during an on-site exam.
- You use textbooks or notes during a Moodle exam, even though this is not allowed.
- You use a translation tool in a language test essay, even though the task must be completed using your own language skills.
Unauthorised collaboration
You may not collaborate with others or use outside help unless this has been specifically permitted.
Examples:
- You complete an individual assignment together with another student.
- You use a WhatsApp group to ask for help during an exam.
Impersonation
No one else may complete coursework on your behalf.
Examples:
- Someone else takes an exam in your place.
- You buy a thesis from a ghostwriter.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism means using someone else’s text, idea, image or translation without proper citation.
Examples:
- You do not cite all the sources you have used in your thesis.
- You copy text from another thesis and only cite the sources it used – not the thesis itself.
- You present someone else’s idea in your own words without a reference.
- You compile an assignment by cutting and pasting passages from different sources without references.
Self-plagiarism
You may not submit the same or nearly the same piece of work for more than one course. If you draw on your earlier work, you must cite it properly.
Examples:
- You submit the same essay for two different courses.
- You copy part of a previous essay into your thesis without a reference.
Sharing your coursework
You may not give your own work to another student for dishonest use.
Example:
- You give your essay to another student, who submits it as their own on another course.
Use of AI in your studies
The same rules on academic dishonesty apply to the prohibited use of AI tools as to any other form of dishonesty. Always follow the course-specific instructions on the use of AI. If the teacher has not stated whether AI may be used, ask before starting the assignment.
Suspected academic dishonesty – how the process works
If you are suspected of academic dishonesty, the matter proceeds in stages. You will always be heard before any decision is made, and you have the right to have a support person present.
1. The teacher investigates the matter
The teacher will contact you and ask for an explanation, either orally or in writing, for example by email.
After the investigation, the teacher will take one of the following actions:
- Concludes that no dishonesty has taken place – you will be informed that the matter is closed.
- Provides guidance and advice if the violation is minor or the result of a lack of awareness.
- Refers the matter to the faculty if it is a clear case of academic dishonesty.
During an exam, the teacher or supervisor may remove you from the exam immediately if the suspicion of dishonesty is strong or you are disrupting the session. In this case, the reason for the removal and whether you admit or deny the dishonesty will be recorded.
2. Faculty-level proceedings
If the matter is referred to the faculty, the dean will investigate the suspected violation.
The process is as follows:
- You will receive written notification of what you are suspected of.
- You will be given the opportunity to be heard – primarily in writing, or orally if necessary.
- You may bring a support person of your choice to the hearing.
- The dean will decide whether a violation has occurred.
What are the consequences of academic dishonesty?
If the teacher detects or suspects dishonesty, the matter will be investigated and you will always be heard before any decision is made. The consequences depend on the severity of the violation:
- Minor violation or one resulting from a lack of awareness: the teacher will guide and advise you on the correct way to proceed.
- Moderate violation: a written note from the dean. In addition, your coursework may be failed or your grade lowered.
- Serious violation (e.g. repeated, large-scale or deliberate dishonesty): a written warning from the rector or a fixed-term suspension.
Appeals
You have the right to appeal a decision:
- Failed coursework or a lowered grade – submit a request for rectification to the UEF Board of Appeal.
- Written warning or fixed-term suspension – once you have received the decision, appeal to the Administrative Court of Eastern Finland. Instructions for appeal will be included with the decision.
Do you need help?
- Correct practices in your studies – ask the course teacher.
- You are suspected of academic dishonesty – you have the right to be heard and to bring a support person with you.
- Questions about the procedure? Contact Student and Learning Services at your faculty.
- You feel a teacher has acted unethically – you can raise the matter with the teacher’s supervisor.
- Suspected misconduct – report it through the UEF whistleblowing channel or contact the Chier Legal Officer at UEF University Servies.