Referencing and Academic Integrity

Academic integrity means acting with the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility in learning, teaching and research.

Universities consider that it is vital for students and all staff act in an honest way and take responsibility for their actions and every part of their work. Staff should be role models to students. Academic integrity is important for an individual’s and a university’s reputation.

(Universities Australia 2017, adapted from Exemplary Academic Integrity Project 2013 and Fundamental Values of Academic Integrity 1998)

You can find links to the academic integrity policy on the student hub policy section via the links below:

APIC          CHS            HELI

How do I recognise contract cheating services? 

Scams involving assessment help are increasing and many students have been targeted. These companies pretend to be legitimate study assistance and can look very professional and helpful – however they are illegal and should not be trusted. They may contact you through: 

• Posters and flyers near your campus advertising essay writing and other services. 

• Social media messages on Messenger, WhatsApp or Instagram  

• Online advertisements on websites 

• Emails after you apply for a job

How do I avoid contract cheating? 

ECA offers students free and legitimate study support. If you need help with an assignment, you can book an appointment with one of the learning advisers through this link: Academic Help Desk 

You can find more information about avoiding Contract Cheating here: https://www.teqsa.gov.au/students/understanding-academic-integrity/identifying-avoiding-and-reporting-illegal-cheating-services 

What do I do if I am contacted by, or see advertising for cheating services? 

If you have been contacted by a cheating service or have seen advertising near the campus you may also report this to the Academic Integrity Officer academicintegrity@eca.edu.au so that we can protect other students.  

You can also report it anonymously to TEQSA through this form: https://www.teqsa.gov.au/reporting-suspected-academic-cheating-service-form 

or write to this email: concerns@teqsa.gov.au. 

What to do I do if these companies are asking me for money or threatening me?  

ECA does not approve of any form of cheating. However, if you have been targeted or scammed by one of these services, we can help you. If you have broken the rules of academic integrity, you will still need to go through the academic integrity breach process and face any applicable penalties, however we can support you with your resubmissions and will report the person blackmailing you. We will also help you to change your passwords and take other security measures.  

Please contact the Academic Integrity Officer to discuss your situation and get support. Email: academicintegrity@eca.edu.au