Cheating On Tests & Exams
How to Avoid Cheating
What Does This Mean?

According to the Student Code of Academic Conduct, cheating includes:

• using materials or aids not expressly allowed by the instructor in an examination or test;

• copying another person's answer(s) to an examination or test question; copying another person's answers to individually assigned projects;

• consulting with another person or unauthorized materials outside of an examination room during the examination period (e.g. discussing an exam or consulting materials during an emergency evacuation or when permitted to use a washroom);

• improperly submitting an answer to a test or examination question completed, in whole or part, outside the examination room unless specifically permitted by the examination format;

• resubmitting altered test or examination work after it has already been evaluated;

• presenting falsified or fabricated material, including research results;

• improperly obtaining, through theft, bribery, collusion or otherwise, access to examination.

In addition, "contributing to academic misconduct" and more specifically "allowing work to be copied during an examination or test" are forms of academic dishonesty.

How to Avoid Cheating

Most students are honest; however, the pressure to achieve high grades, fear of failure, high levels of stress, peer pressure, parental expectations and lack of preparation may lead you to cheat out of desperation. There are no acceptable excuses for cheating. By using the following strategies, you can avoid the temptation to cheat:

1. Manage your time
   
   Trying to balance school with other life responsibilities and commitments can be a daunting task. If you are finding that you have too much to do and too little time in which to do it you will need to determine what your priorities are, based on your short- and long-term goals. You may find that it is necessary to lighten your load, or you may be able to organize your responsibilities in a way that allows you to stay on top of your course work. Check out the online resources at The Learning Success Centre for information about how to manage your time, avoid procrastination, and stay motivated.
   
2. Prepare thoroughly for tests and exams
   
   Doing well on tests or exams involves creating a study plan that includes long-term and short-term preparation. You can save time and improve your understanding of course material by using strategic study methods. The Learning Success Centre offers free, 50-minute seminars on preparing for tests/exams, writing exams, and dealing with test anxiety. The seminar schedule is available at Online Seminars.
   
3. Seek help when needed
   
   Using the resources available to you on campus is not a sign of weakness; it is a smart way to gain a learning edge. If you are confused about the course content, take advantage of your professor's or T.A.'s office hours - they are there to help. Talk to some of your classmates about meeting regularly in a study group to discuss lecture material or readings, practice and compare review questions, or figure out difficult problems.
   
   For courses that you find particularly difficult, you may consider getting a tutor. You can join Ryerson's Tutor Registry by filling in the form at Tutoring.
   
   If you are in the Business Management program, take advantage of the free tutoring in the Student Resource Centre (B312). Engineering students have access to free assistance in the Engineering Drop-In (Contact lthrash@ryerson.ca for information).
   
   Find out if you are studying in the best way for your learning style by making an appointment with a Learning Strategist in the Learning Success Centre (416-979-5000, ext. 7350).
   
   If you are struggling because you dislike your program of studies, seek career counselling through the Centre for Student Development and Counselling (416-979-5195).
   
   There are many other resources available on campus to support you in achieving your goals. Check out Student Services for more information.
4. Familiarize yourself with all pertinent information regarding the test/exam
   
   You can avoid being falsely accused of cheating during a test/exam by:
   • shielding your work;
   • not looking in the direction of other students' papers;
   • refraining from communication with other students;
   • bringing only those aids or resources that have been permitted by your instructor;
   • not bringing cellular phones, personal audio equipment, and other electronic devices;
   • leaving all coats and bags at the front of the room;
   • bringing your student card or other photo-identification;
   • handing in all test/exam materials at the end of the test/exam

What does this mean?

Cheating, in the context of tests and exams, is attempting to gain an unfair advantage or attempting to provide someone else with an unfair advantage. Students sometimes don't even realize that certain actions constitute cheating. Some examples of cheating include: