Dear Students
At the beginning of the academic year, we would like to remind you about the importance of academic honesty (also referred to as “academic integrity”), and ethical integrity which extends beyond academic pursuits.
What is academic integrity?
- It means doing your academic work (e.g. examinations, assignments) honestly and ethically.
- Any form of academic dishonesty will be considered as a serious disciplinary offence.
What is ethical integrity?
Ethical integrity means conducting yourself with honesty, fairness, and respect in all your interactions with the University. It is essential to provide accurate and authentic documents to the University. Falsifying documents, even for seemingly minor reasons, can result in serious consequences, including criminal charges and imprisonment in Hong Kong.
What if you are dishonest or unethical in your academic work?
PolyU is strongly committed to preserving academic integrity and has a zero-tolerance policy towards academic dishonesty. Do not commit such acts, e.g. cheating, contract cheating (paying a 3rd party to complete your work), plagiarism (copying others’ work as your own without full acknowledgement), impersonation, fabrication and falsification.
Penalties for academic dishonesty, or violating ethical integrity, include:
- Disqualification of assessment results
- community service
- disciplinary probation, which could lead to the termination of your hall residence and scholarship
- lowering of award classification upon graduation
- suspension of studies
- expulsion, and even
- imprisonment (for falsifying documents)
The University will also reserve the right to report cases to the police.
Do not act in a way that you will regret later.
What do you need to know?
Please read the sections below in our website about academic integrity:
- How to avoid acts of academic dishonesty?
- What happens if you commit academic dishonest acts?
- Support and resources (e.g. referencing guides, use of generative artificial intelligence)
You should also read carefully the Student Handbook before the start of your studies.
If you have any questions regarding the above or your study, please consult your academic advisor or subject teachers.
Wishing you every success in the new academic year,
Academic Registry
