The factors that can lead to academic misconduct can be summarised using the acronym ‘TEACUP’.
Time management
Description
Leaving your preparation for an assessment or assignment is likely to put you under unnecessary pressure. When under pressure, we can sometimes make poor decisions.
Addressing this issue
Leaving your preparation for an assessment or assignment is likely to put you under
unnecessary pressure. When under pressure, we can sometimes make poor decisions.
External Factors
Description
Factors external to your university studies may place additional pressures on you as
a student. Personal circumstances such as relationship issues, financial worries or your previous educational experiences may influence how you approach an assessment.
Addressing this issue
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ is eager to support students when they experience difficult
times. You can find more information on the supports available on Student Support Services.
Awareness of Consequences of Academic Misconduct
Description
Being unaware of the possible consequences of academic misconduct may mean that
you are more likely to breach regulations.
Addressing this issue
Ensure that you have reviewed the University’s Student Charter and engaged with information and training materials provided by the Academic Integrity Unit, your module lead and/or your course director.
Clarity on Assessment Regulations
Description
Being unsure as to what is required or permitted with a particular assignment or assessment may lead to breaches of academic integrity.
Addressing the issue
Read any guidance that has been given to you on an assignment or assessment by your module lead or course director. If you are unsure about any guidance that has been given to you, just ask.
Ensure that you have reviewed the University’s Student Charter and engaged with information and training materials provided by the Academic Integrity Unit, your module lead and/or your course director.
Understanding Academic Writing
Description
Understanding how to present your argument using your own words is an important skill to
master and will help you to avoid breaches of academic integrity.
It is important that the reader of your work can understand what sources you have used and that you can adequately present the breadth of literature you have accessed when preparing the assignment.
Addressing the issue
Academic writing is a skill that is developed over time. You will benefit from lots of practise and engaging with the feedback that is provided to you. Ensure that you read widely particularly literature relevant to your field such as books and academic journals. You might find the Regional Writing Centre a helpful place to help you with your writing.
Psychological Factors
Description
You may doubt your abilities or have unrealistic expectations of the standard of work that you can produce at the outset of your studies.
You might lack confidence in how to express your ideas and feel that you share the same views of an author who expresses their ideas coherently.
Addressing the issue
Starting a new programme of study or progressing onto the next year in a programme of study is an exciting but sometimes challenging time.
Review the feedback offered on your assessments and use this to inform preparation for
your next assessment.
Engage with your peers and instructors as part of the learning process to clarify any
concepts that you find challenging. Accept that University learning and assessment is unlike anything you may have encountered before. Like working on your fitness, learning a musical instrument or picking up a new language, you will need to expend time and energy to master these skills. Be patient with yourself and engage with the many supports available to you in the University