Academic honesty matters — both in the classroom and beyond. It’s about doing your own work, giving credit where it’s due, and sharing your learning and creativity in ways that reflect you own efforts. On this page, you’ll find practical tips and tools from dos and don’ts to resources available on campus. Whether you're writing a paper, collaborating on a project, or preparing for exams there is support available every step of the way.
Academic Honesty Roadmap
Success starts with a solid plan… and the right roadmap. Explore the LA&PS Academic Honesty Roadmap to discover key habits, smart strategies and essential information to help you stay focused, prepared and on track throughout your academic journey.
Academic Honesty in Action: 4 Key Practices | Academic Honesty Dos and Donts
Academic Honesty in Action: 4 Key Practices
Read Course Outlines & Policies
Read course outlines and policies to understand expectations and responsibilities from the start.
Map out Assignments
Map out assignments in advance so you can manage your time and avoid last-minute stress.
Ask about using AI
Ask about course guidelines and AI use to clarify what’s allowed and ensure you’re working within the rules.
Get Support
Engage with faculty and visit office hours to build connections and get support when you need it.
Academic Honesty Dos and Donts
YU Card
Always have your YU card with you at exams; they are the only acceptable form of ID! Without your YU card, you may not be able to write your exam.
Course Outlines
Always read your course outlines. They include important information about course policies, assignments and due dates. Each course might have different policies, especially about the use of AI for coursework, so it’s important to take a close look at each one.
Assignments
Plan out your assignments, midterms and exams at the beginning of the semester, so that you can prepare for what is coming up.
Time
Give yourself plenty of time for assignments and studying. When you're not rushed, it's easier to stay focused and still have time reach out for help when you need it.
Gen AI
Get familiar with each instructor’s rules about the use of Generative AI for course work. If you’re not sure, ask your instructor or TA.
Group Work
When working or studying in a group make sure to take your own notes and submit your own work. Don’t share your work with others even if they ask to see it and you are trying to help.
Course Materials
Remember that the material you receive in class was created by your instructor and do not belong to you. Never post online, share or sell your professor’s notes, slides and course materials.
Ask for Help
Don’t hesitate to ask for help! Whether it is to your instructor, TA, or one of many on-campus resources (e.g. Writing Centre, Learning Commons, Library, PASS/SNACK, etc.), reaching out for extra support when you need it is one of the most effective ways to ensure academic integrity.
Staying Focused under Pressure: Advice from Students
Many students that have engaged in academic misconduct share that the feeling of being under pressure contributed to their decision-making. By practicing a few key skills and habits, you can help support your learning and reduce stress throughout the term.
It can be a challenge to balance school, work, and time family, friends, and community. In speaking with students, they have shared that they can feel under pressure when:
- Working on assignments or studying for tests at the last minute.
- Assignments and exams all fall in the same week or period of time.
- Trying to understand a difficult concept or assignment.
To prepare for a successful term, students have shared the following advice:
- Map out your assignments throughout the term and make a plan to prepare for them.
- Plan in advance and reach out early for support to help you organize your time.
- Reach out to your instructor or teaching assistant for help with understanding the course material.
- Explore the resources and supports available to you as a LA&PS student, including help with writing, research, coursework, and the opportunity to connect and talk with other students.
Connecting with Academic Resources & Supports
When mapping out assignments or when working through how to navigate your coursework, there are academic resources available to support you. LA&PS offers specific course supports available to you through the SNACK and PASS programs. You can also connect with other students to talk through your courses and experiences at university through the Peer Mentorship program. We encourage you to reach out and explore these reliable academic resources available to you at York.
Student Numeracy Assistance Centre at Keele (SNACK)
SNACK provides support to students in LA&PS courses that involve math, stats and Excel. Connect with a Peer Tutor to get the assistance you need.
PASS Program
Our free Peer-Assisted Study Sessions, or PASS, are a proven effective strategy for helping you succeed in challenging courses.
Peer Mentorship
Connect with a high-achieving upper-year student, who can help you adjust to university life and find support and resources.
Questions?
We encourage you to reach out to an Academic Honesty Coordinator!
Connect with us by emailing lapshonesty@yorku.ca.