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1. Not all uses of GenAI are academic misconduct, but some may be.
Generative AI tools are becoming more powerful and are often integrated into other applications you may already use (Grammarly, Microsoft 365, etc.). You will encounter different rules for GenAI use in each of your courses, as faculty members design their individual courses and assessments. Some classes might allow it for brainstorming, others might not permit use for assessed work. When in doubt, check your course syllabus or ask your instructor directly. Learning at the university level can – and should – be challenging. Using AI responsibly means using it to support and augment your learning, not to do the work for you.
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2. Not all misconduct will get you suspended, but it is a possibility.
Academic misconduct can have serious consequences, including suspension. The Dean’s Office will decide whether to resolve the misconduct through a Warning Letter, the Diversionary Process, or the President’s Advisory Committee on Student Discipline (PACSD). Suspension is a potential outcome for PACSD cases. It is important to take every allegation seriously and seek support early.
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3. Tutors can be a valuable learning support but be wary when their services seem too good to be true.
Tutors can help you better understand course concepts but should not do your work for you. Be wary of tutors who promise a guaranteed grade, provide solutions or edits to your assignments, or ask for your CWL login. UBC offers ethical options including peer academic coaching, research support, and writing consultations. A good tutor helps you understand course material and improves your academic skills but does not do your assessed work.
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4. Don’t be tempted by sites and services that promise answers, shortcuts, and easy ways out.
You might encounter ads or messages promising access to course materials, assignment help and better grades. Some might even offer exam solutions or essay-writing services. It is cheating to get someone else to do your work for you, paid or not. Some of these services can be predatory and might threaten to report their users to the institution, impersonate students, or even blackmail them. Exercise caution with “study-help” services and do not share your CWL with anyone.
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5. Sharing your work or course materials can be misconduct, and it can also infringe copyright rules.
Think carefully before sharing your work or your course materials with other people or online (such as in group chats or posting on file-sharing sites). Sharing your work carries considerable risk. For instance, it might get plagiarized by someone else, or you might be providing unauthorized assistance to other students. Course materials provided to you (like lecture slides, assessments, and syllabi) are the intellectual property of the instructor(s) who created them. Sharing them without permission can violate copyright laws.
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6. Working with others is an important skill: it’s (usually) OK to give and receive help from your peers, but how you do it matters.
Collaboration is a big part of learning and an important skill. However, not all collaboration is allowed. What is allowed in one course or assignment might be misconduct in another. Studying with a classmate is often encouraged, as long as you are not copying or helping each other complete individually assessed work. Unauthorized collaboration, whether in group work or while working on assignments, may be considered academic misconduct. When in doubt, ask your instructor what type of collaboration is acceptable.
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7. Make sure you understand what 'open book’ means and what you can and cannot bring to your exams.
Make sure to follow all exam or test instructions from your professor and invigilator, including any rules about what material or devices you can bring or use. Keep anything that is not permitted (phone, notes, textbook etc.) stored away and off your person. Do not use your phone as a calculator - using or being in possession of an unauthorized resource during an exam can be considered academic misconduct. And remember, an “open book” exam may not mean you can use any or every tool you want. If you need clarity around what “open book” means for your assessment, ask your instructor for more information.
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8. Not knowing is not an excuse.
As a UBC student, you are expected to understand and follow the rules about academic integrity. Read your course syllabus, assignment instructions, and UBC’s academic integrity policy. If something is unclear (like whether you can use AI, work with a friend, or reuse your own past work), ask your instructor or TA before you act. Being informed is not just about avoiding trouble: it is your responsibility.
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- Expectations of Academic Integrity, Discipline for Academic Misconduct, UBC Academic Calendar (Vancouver/Okanagan)
9. Resources are available to support you in learning with integrity.
If you are struggling in your courses, reach out for help. UBC has academic and wellbeing supports to help you stay on track. Your instructor is also here to help and can direct you to other supports that are available. Using these supports is not a sign of weakness; it is a smart way to build your skills and confidence and shows that you take academic integrity seriously.
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10. If an allegation of academic misconduct is made against you, here’s what you can do.
Being accused of academic misconduct can feel overwhelming. You may be concerned about impacts on your studies, degree progression, and your wellbeing. Take some time to learn about your options, the process, and where to get support. You must be given an opportunity to respond to the allegation before the Dean’s Office makes their decision. If you have concerns about the fairness of the misconduct process, false accusations, or would like some additional support, reach out early to the Ombudsperson for Students or advocacy services. You do not have to go through the process alone.
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