Own your learning
Academic integrity is important because it ensures your learning is genuine, honest, and truly reflects your own abilities. You’ve worked hard and made sacrifices to study - so you want your degree to be something you’re proud of and that others respect.
These values don’t just help you at university - they prepare you for the workplace, where integrity, responsibility, and ethical behaviour are highly valued. Employers trust that UniSQ graduates have gained their qualifications through hard work, original thinking, and ethical practices.
Tips to owning your learning
As a UniSQ student, you're responsible for:
- Submitting your own work that shows what you understand.
- Referencing everything you use, not just text, but also images, music, videos, software, and more.
- Following the instructions for each assignment, including how to use references and whether AI tools are allowed.
- Respecting copyright and privacy laws - don’t use or share things you’re not allowed to.
- Staying engaged - keep up with your studies, ask for help when you need it, and take charge of your learning.
- Thinking critically - don’t just repeat what you read; question it, analyse it, and form your own views.
- Being honest in your research - if you’re doing a project or thesis, follow the rules around ethics and licensing.
Even when things get stressful, acting ethically is always the right move. We're here here to support you, but it’s up to you to make choices that reflect your values and help you succeed the right way.
Each year, you are required to complete the Student Academic Integrity Mandatory Training as part of the UniSQ Student Academic Misconduct Procedure. The training ensures you are aware of what
academic integrity is, how it is managed at UniSQ, and resources to help you with your referencing and writing.
The training takes approximately 30 – 60 minutes to complete, and access to your Assessment Items on StudyDesk will be restricted until you have completed the training.
The expiry date of the Academic Integrity Mandatory Training is changing
Previously, your Academic Integrity Mandatory Training expired 365 days after your last completion. From 2026, this is changing – the Academic Integrity Mandatory Training will expire and reset on the second Tuesday of January each year for all students.
In 2026, this will occur on 13 January.
Continuing students: It's important to wait until your previous training has expired on the 13 January 2026 before you complete it again. If you complete the training before this expiry date, it won't be registered in the system and assessment restrictions will apply once the date has passed.
Why have we made this change?
You told us that having to complete your training when your first assessment was due was stressful. To help remove this pressure, your training will expire early in the new year, giving you plenty of time to complete the training before your first study period and your first assessment due date.
What if I start my studies in Trimester 3?
Your training will still expire on the second Tuesday of January and you will be required to complete it again before your first assessment submission in that year.
Academic integrity isn’t just about avoiding misconduct, it’s about building skills, confidence, and habits that help you thrive at university and beyond. Here’s how you can stay on track and make the most of your learning experience.
Set yourself up for success
- Complete the Academic Integrity Mandatory Training to understand the expectations and build a solid foundation.
- Familiarise yourself with what Academic Misconduct actually is.
- Know your course requirements. Always read your task sheets and assessment guidelines carefully so you’re clear on what’s expected, including if and how you can use AI tools to support your learning.
- Use AI wisely. If AI tools are allowed, use them to enhance your work, not replace it. Always acknowledge the tools you used and cite them properly—UniSQ’s library guides can help. If you're not sure, you can reach out to our friendly Librarians to talk through this one-on-one.
- Keep assignment drafts. Draft versions of your assignments show your progress and thinking throughout the assignment writing process. They can be used as evidence if you need to show that the work is your own, so make sure you keep a copy of different versions of your assignment.
- Build your skills. Learn how to reference correctly, paraphrase effectively, and manage your research with tools like EndNote. The Library have a range of resources and workshops to help you.
- Think critically. Don’t just repeat what you read - analyse it, question it, and form your own ideas.
- Plan ahead. Avoid last-minute stress by staying organised and using study support early.
- Protect your work. Keep your assignments secure and don’t share them with others.
- Respect your own progress. If you want to reuse past work, ask for permission first - it shows integrity and professionalism.
- Use support services. Studiosity offers free writing feedback, and Turnitin helps you check your work before submitting. These tools are safe, approved, and designed to help you grow.
- Ask questions - we're here to help! If you’re unsure about anything, especially around AI use or referencing, reach out to your Course Coordinator, check your StudyDesk, or contact the Library.
If you suspect or know of academic misconduct happening at UniSQ, you can share a concern with us.
Contract cheating providers are illegal in Australia and target students through online advertising and social media. If you are approached by a contract cheating provider, you can report these to TEQSA or to the University.