Skip to Main Content
Accessibility Information

Academic Integrity

Frequently Asked Questions


What do internet cheating sites look like?

Cheat sites present themselves as if they are legitimate sources of information or homework help. This includes asking for payment to download your syllabi or course resources, masquerading as tutoring services, or entreating you to help your classmates by uploading materials - often by offering downloads in exchange.

Cheat sites will market themselves on social media by paying influencers to endorse their products and with slick video marketing. They will also send unsolicited emails that may imply they are a university resource.

What does “contract cheating” mean? 

Contract cheating means a third party has been asked to supply coursework in exchange for something of value. Examples include paying someone to write a paper or take an exam in your place. It could also mean exchanging a paper you have written for a paper by someone else, either directly or through an online document repository.

Contract cheating is not a healthy exchange of ideas like study groups, discussing your thoughts with your classmates or proofreading a friend’s paper. It’s a system designed to circumvent your learning experience.

How do I know if a resource is legitimate?

You will never be asked to pay for course documents like your syllabus or rubric. Unless you have a special arrangement, course materials are purchased exclusively through the SNHU bookstore.

SNHU offers professional tutoring and coaching services that are free and specialized to your SNHU experience. For more information, please see Student Information.

What is "self-plagiarism"?

Self plagiarism is the act of submitting coursework previously completed for another class. While this is different from submitting someone else’s writing, it is still an act of academic dishonesty. For additional information regarding different types of plagiarism, we recommend you take a look at this resource: What is plagiarism?

What happens if I cheat?

For information regarding consequences at SNHU, please see your Student Handbook This link opens in a new window.

In addition to consequences with the university, there are wider social implications to cheating. Foremost, cheating means missing out on important education experiences. Further, a reputation for academic dishonesty can hurt your academic career and employment opportunities. Cheat sites know this and are known to extort students with threats of exposure. Finally, cheating devalues your diploma if your institution has a reputation for academic dishonesty. If employers or other institutions believe students from your school did not earn their degrees honestly, they will hesitate to hire or admit graduates from that institution.

What should I do if I know another student is cheating?

Cheating isn’t a victimless crime. When other students cheat, it devalues your work and your diploma. It can be difficult to see a classmate who is not completing their own academic work. Campus students are encouraged to speak directly to their faculty member about their concerns. Online Students are encouraged to submit a Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Concern Form This link opens in a new window.

Where do I find SNHU’s official policies on academic integrity?

For SNHU’s full student conduct expectations, please see the Campus Academic Catalog This link opens in a new window and the Online Academic Catalog This link opens in a new window.