Rise in university exam cheating

University of Otago campus
University of Otago campus
The University of Otago says it will continue to come down hard on students caught cheating in examinations or plagiarising the work of others in assignments.

Last year, 42 students were penalised for rule breaches, figures supplied by the university showed - 17 during exams and 25 for using plagiarised material in assignments.

The number of students dealt with for exam breaches last year was the highest since 2004, director of academic services John Price said in a statement.

In 2004, 20 cases were reported, dropping to six in 2005 and five in 2006.

The number of students caught plagiarising others' work and dealt with by pro-vice chancellors or heads of departments had decreased over the past three years, he said.

He would not comment on specific cases.

The university was ‘‘never happy about the fact that some students choose to indulge in dishonest practice relating to their studies'', Mr Price said.

‘‘[We] have a policy whereby every case of suspected dishonest practice by students is investigated.''

Repeat offenders could expect harsher penalties to be imposed, he said.

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