Plagiarism, cheating and disruption of university activities

Since it is not always easy for students to know where the boundaries lie, the information below explains what applies in these matters.

Plagiarism

Given the easy access today to online sources of information, it is quick and simple to find knowledge on a wide range of topics. However, when it comes to your own academic writing at university level, it is essential that you do not use such sources without clearly stating where the information comes from.

Copying text without proper attribution is known as plagiarism and is not permitted. This applies even if linguistic changes have been made to the text. Note that this also applies to shorter excerpts from a text. If a sentence is copied, the source must be clearly stated.

Using other students’ examination assignments, either wholly or in part, is also not permitted.

Using material that you yourself have previously submitted is referred to as self‑plagiarism and is likewise not permitted.

Submitting a text written by an AI chatbot, which is handed in more or less unedited as your own work with the intention of misleading the examiner, may be considered equivalent to ghostwriting and/or plagiarism and is normally regarded as cheating. For other uses of AI chatbots, please refer to the course-specific instructions and the guidance provided by the course teacher.

To avoid unintentionally committing plagiarism, it is important that you are familiar with the academic rules governing quotation and referencing. Information is available under the heading Academic writing on the page During your studies.

Cheating and unauthorised collaboration

It is important to carefully follow the instructions provided ahead of examinations. Unless otherwise stated, examination assignments must be completed individually. Read the course instructions carefully and ask the teacher if you are unsure.

Cheating also includes bringing unauthorised information or prohibited aids into a written on-campus examination. This includes mobile phones (and smartwatches). Make sure that such digital devices, as well as bags, are left in the location designated by the examination invigilators. Read more about the rules for written examinations.

Rules for on‑campus written examinations

Disruption of academic activities

It is also not permitted to disrupt teaching, examinations or other activities at the department. This includes failure to comply with instructions from teachers, supervisors or examination invigilators.

False certification

For example, signing the attendance list on behalf of an absent fellow student at a mandatory teaching session constitutes falsification of documents and must be reported to the police.

What happens next?

All suspicions of cheating must be reported by the examination invigilator or examiner to the Head of Department or Director of Studies for an initial assessment. If there is reason to suspect misconduct, a report is submitted to the Vice‑Chancellor of Stockholm University, who refers the case to the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the student concerned is found guilty, this may result in suspension from studies for a specified period.

Regler och handläggningsordning för disciplinärenden (only available in Swedish at this time).

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