Beware! If you’ve received an offer of ‘study help’, don’t fall into the cheating trap
We’re aware that significant numbers of students are currently receiving communications from contract cheating services – companies who offer support with assignment writing or assessments.
If you’ve received a message in your Deakin email or on your social feeds that promotes ‘study help’ or guarantees you a high grade, don’t fall for it. Even if the company looks legitimate, these services are illegal and breach Deakin’s Student Academic Integrity Policy.
We know that study can be stressful and sometimes you feel unprepared or out of your depth, but there’s never any excuse for cheating. Using contract cheating services – even if you only do it once – can have lifelong consequences for your degree and career.
If you use cheating services, you could:
- Fail your subject or course – you can expect to face formal penalties from the University that may affect your grades and enrolment and, in some cases, hinder your future career.
- Lose your visa – as an international student, any instances of academic misconduct could lead to the cancellation of your Confirmation of Enrolment.
- Be ineligible for, or be stripped of, professional accreditation – if contract cheating is on your record, many professions won’t ever let you register to practise.
- Be blackmailed by cheating service operators – the people who supply your assignment can force you to pay even more money by threatening to report you to the University.
I’ve received an offer of ‘study help’ – what should I do?
- If you’ve received an advertisement for contract cheating services in your student inbox, please hit the ‘Report phishing’ button or forward the email to [email protected]. If you know of students at Deakin who are promoting or using contract cheating services, you can raise your concerns with the Student Conduct Team (this can be anonymous).
- Unsure about the difference between contract cheating services and legitimate study help? Read more about how contract cheating works and take our quiz to ensure that you’re studying honestly.
- Have a question about academic integrity but feel awkward asking someone directly? Contact DUSA’s Ask an Advocate service. DUSA will post your anonymous question and a response on its academic integrity webpage within three business days so that other students can also benefit from this information.
- If you’re a commencing student in T1/S1, make sure you complete the compulsory Academic Integrity unit, which you’ll find in DeakinSync.
I don’t want to cheat but I’m struggling with my work – help!
- If you’re struggling with an assignment, ask your Unit Chair or teaching team for help – and the sooner, the better. We also offer heaps of study support here at Deakin, so make the most of these resources.
- You may also be eligible for assignment extensions or special consideration.
- Check out our academic integrity website for helpful advice and information, and read our Student Code of Conduct and Student Academic Integrity Policy.
- You may also find it helpful to download the DeakinWELLBEING app – the interactive, fun and bite-sized activities, resources and information help you to take small steps every day to build positive habits, coping skills and resilience. Or make an appointment with a Deakin student counsellor for free and confidential support.