Advice to students

What are good practices to avoid cheating in coursework, or being accused of cheating?

Be honest about all the sources you have used in an assignment, and the level of indebtedness to those sources.
Don’t copy any part of any other student’s work, and don’t let them copy yours.
If you have any doubts about what is an acceptable form or level of collaboration or discussion with other students, talk about it with the course organiser – before you submit the work for grading.
If you have any doubts about how to reference ideas appropriately – ask someone such as your course organiser, Student Learning, or Library staff. The University’s 'Referen©ite' web page provides a comprehensive on-line set of referencing resources. See www.cite.auckland.ac.nz
Keep preparatory work. You may be requested – by means of interview, and/or through presenting materials used in preparation of a coursework assignment – to demonstrate that work submitted was your own. It is a good practice for all students to retain rough notes, computer files and other preparatory and supporting materials to substantiate ownership of work in case the origins of an assignment are queried.
If you are having difficulty with, for example, the course content, the language of the course, time management, or pressures from overall workload or stress, talk to someone about it or seek assistance. The same applies to a situation where a fellow student is pressuring you to share your work with them. The temptation to cheat can arise from any or all of these circumstances. It is much better to deal with issues as they arise, rather than to be accused of cheating.

Where can a student who is tempted to cheat, or wants more general advice about avoiding cheating, go for help?

Besides family, friends and fellow students, there are many options available at the University, including: