Tomorrow (Wednesday 19 October) marks International Day of Action Against Contract Cheating. This annual event aims to promote academic integrity and increase awareness of the exploitative tactics used by essay mills. It is an opportunity for the whole academic community to demonstrate their commitment to honesty and speak out against those who seek to undermine this.
While essay mills are now banned in the UK, companies continue to offer their services disguised as assessment help or writing support, often by direct messages on social media. Professor Deborah Gill, Vice-President (Education and Student Experience) has added her support to the day, saying:
“We are extremely proud of the work put in by our students during their time with us, but contract cheating threatens to undermine these efforts. The pandemic prompted a significant increase in activity by essay mills, and we are pleased that recent legislation has now outlawed their activities. The University continues to invest in supporting our students to maintain good academic practice, and in tools to help us to detect cases.”
Help and support
We have a range of resources, aimed at staff and students:
- The Library’s Academic Skills pages with useful academic tools, tips and resources;
- The University is a member of a QAA project that has released a range of student and staff resources;
- The SUSU Advice Centre can help students with free, independent and confidential advice including queries about the academic integrity process; and
- The library offers academic support appointments for students.
Find out more about academic integrity
If you are interested in finding out more about academic best practice, the International Center for Academic Integrity has organised four online events tomorrow which both staff and students are welcome to attend.
