Contract cheating

Contract cheating is when someone else does your academic work for you, often for money. This is not allowed.

Contract cheats often justify why using their services is OK. They might say things like “We guarantee a good grade!” “We’re helping you out when you’re struggling! “” We’ll keep your details confidential!”

But that’s not true, if you use them they might threaten to tell the University, ask for more money, or steal your personal information.

How to protect yourself

• Write work and take exams yourself.
• Block and report spam messages so you're not tempted to use them later.
• If you get an advert from a contract cheat or think someone is contract cheating, report it to integritythreats@coventry.ac.uk.

Proofreading

Proofreading is pointing out grammar and spelling mistakes in a document. Proofreaders don’t add or rewrite anything. You don’t have to use proofreaders, but you can unless the module information says not to.

How to protect yourself

• Check that proofreading is allowed on the module information.
• Keep drafts of your work before and after.
• Only use proofreaders on the University’s list here.

Using AI Tools

Module briefs include details about whether you can use generative  AI tools and what for. If you want to learn more about using AI sign up to the workshop “Introduction to using AI Tools in your Writing Process”  here.     

How to protect yourself

• Don’t copy and paste from AI tools without citation, just like any other source.
• Remove confidential details before uploading information to AI tools.
• Keep notes on how you used AI and save drafts of your work before and after using it.

Get help:

If you're struggling, reach out to support services like Your Registry Team: The Centre for Academic Writing, your course team or Your Student Union Advice Service