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RMIT University Library - Learning Lab

Academic integrity and preparing for exams

 

To maintain academic integrity when preparing for your exams, there are a few things you should know: 

  • Be aware that not all exams have the same rules (notes and studying tips – linking to existing academic integrity material). 
  • You need to check the instructions to find out what you can and can't bring on the day of the exam.
  • You need to be aware of what technologies are permitted and omitted!
  • Be wary of purchasing/sourcing exam papers from outside of the university library. 

You can do this by checking your canvas modules on exam materials and emailing tutors/lecturers. 

When preparing for exams, make sure you're aware of the exam instructions & allowable materials. You should consider academic integrity in the following:

  • Be aware of the instructions of online/take-home exams in that, what technologies are permitted, closed/open book exam and working with others. 
  • Whether you’re allowed to use notes (building confidence by not relying on notes and instead actively recalling material from memory (Karpicke & Blunt 2011)). 
Exam details example including allowable materials

The benefits of considering academic integrity when preparing for exams:

  • Fair and honest qualities are attractive to future employers. 
  • Taking personal responsibility gives a sense of pride towards academic achievements.
  • Helps boost academic and professional performance. 
  • Builds a path of academic success from investment in your education. 

The implications of breaching academic integrity when preparing for exams:

  • A charge of academic misconduct upon your university record carried throughout your studying period. 
  • You may face expulsion from the university depending on the severity of breaching academic integrity. 
  • Consistent breaches of academic integrity builds harmful habits impacting academic and professional performance. 

Find out more about academic integrity