Academic Integrity Policy - Otago Polytechnic

Academic Integrity Policy (NZIST) and OP Procedure

Section

Academic

To be read in conjunction with

The relevant Otago Polytechnic policies, procedures and guidelines and the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) policies, procedures and guidelines as per the Otago Polytechnic Transitioning (Grandparenting) From NZIST Policy.

Approval Date

17 March 2026

Approved By

Deputy Executive Director: Academic Delivery

Next Review

1 July 2028

Responsibility

Deputy Chief Executive: Academic Delivery

Pastoral Care Code Outcomes

Outcome 1: A learner wellbeing and safety system

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide operational procedures that uphold ākonga academic integrity at the Otago Polytechnic.

Compliance

Education and Training Act 2020 and

Education and Training Amendment Act 2021

NZQF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2025 

The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice

Policy

1. Learners (ākonga) are expected to follow the principles of academic integrity in all learning and assessment activities.

1.1. Otago Polytechnic requires ākonga to be honest and act with integrity in their learning and assessments.

1.2. Ākonga are required to:

a. Present their own original work for assessment

b. Acknowledge contributions from other sources by using the referencing format required for the programme (failure to do this correctly may be regarded as plagiarism); this includes use of generative AI software, direct copying, paraphrasing, summarising, and the rearranging of, another person’s words or idea/s, images, diagrams etc

c. Not cheat in tests or examinations

d. Ensure they follow all instructions and the correct procedures (e.g., no use of mobile phones or personal electronic devices)

e. Not collude on assessments with other ākonga

f. Collaborate, only as permitted

g. Not over or misrepresent the individual contributions of members of any group assessment

h. Not knowingly help others to cheat

i. Not present another person’s assessment as their own (this includes purchased and AI generated assessments)

j. Not act or behave in a way that prevents others from completing their assessments

k. Keep written and electronic work secure to prevent others from accessing and copying work.

1.3. Any exceptions to Clause 1.2 are clearly stated in the information and requirements for the course/programme of study.

1.4. By enrolling at Otago Polytechnic ākonga agree to their work being reviewed by various means to confirm an assessment is their own work. This includes the use of similarity detection software.

1.5. Any breaches of academic integrity follow the Academic Integrity Flowchart process (Refer to Appendix 1.) set out in this policy.

2. Kaiako are expected to:

a) Adhere to this policy, communicate expectations clearly and support ākonga to minimise plagiarism. This includes but not limited to:

Supporting ākonga to reference sources appropriately, providing formative learning opportunities and materials that develop an understanding of all aspects of correct referencing.

Following the process detailed in the Academic Integrity Flowchart (refer to Appendix 1.) when they have doubts about the authorship of ākonga work, based on observed copying or illicit exchange of information, absence of referencing, differences in the level of language, recognition of previously published text, or any other indicator.