Tips & Tricks
Each semester, students make several common, preventable mistakes that result in accusations of academic misconduct or harm the quality of their hearing testimony. The below list describes these frequent errors, recommendations to avoid them, and other helpful pieces of information to maintain academic integrity.
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1: Do NOT delete any Generative AI Chat History
Accusations centering on AI Assisted Writing compose 31.13% of all cases for the 2024-2025 academic year. Many of these cases could be prevented, disproven, and refuted by maintaining all chat logs. With this evidence, students can demonstrate how their use of AI matches policies from course syllabi. Be sure to keep your chats organized and available until final grades are in as accusations may be leveled for up to two months after an assignment's deadline.
Image from Open AI Developer Community
2: Use word processors that display document history
Often, a student's document history supports their authorship of an assignment due to its second-by-second detail of edits. This history helps refute accusations of plagiarism and use of AI Assisted writing. Please use Google Docs or Microsoft Word while writing!
3: Prepare a review document (script) before your hearing
Hearings can be stressful, confusing, and frustrating. Creating a script before the hearing helps students organize their thoughts and ensure a coherent, structured statement. This supportive document should include several elements that have been listed below. ​
1. Introduction - introduce yourself, including your name, class standing, and major. Do you refute or acknowledge the accusation?​
2. Accusation Description - describe the assignment in detail. What was the objective of the assignment? What were your instructor's instructions about how to complete it? ​
3. Student Perspective - How did you go about completing the assignment? Describe your perspective on the accusation. What did you do to complete the assignment?​
4. Evidence - explain any pieces of evidence you wish to present and how they refute the accusation. Students may share their screen to present the evidence.
5. Conclusion - briefly summarize your statement, answer any questions the coordinator of academic integrity may pose, and ask any questions you may have about the next steps.
4. Always reach out to your instructor if you any questions, concerns, or worries of academic misconduct BEFORE submitting your assignment.
Many cases result from misunderstandings between students and their instructors. Communicating with your instructor, either virtually or in person, may prevent academic misconduct accusations; this communication could also help support a student's case by demonstrating their commitment to honest academic work. If you have concerns or questions about assignment expectations or procedures, please contact your instructor prior to submission!
5. Still Unsure? Come to office hours!
In Office Hours, please be prepared to discuss your case in depth and ask questions. The LSAHC president has no knowledge of the case prior to the meeting. Additionally, all appointments are confidential: information discussed in Office Hours is not shared with the Coordinator of Academic Integrity and will not be used as evidence.