CQUniversity Unit Profile
EDED12448 Service Learning - Contexts and Communities
Service Learning - Contexts and Communities
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The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

Service Learning challenges you to reflect on and understand the principles of equity and social justice that underpin contemporary social policy through active participation in a sustained period of service to communities characterised by diversity and disadvantage. The unit uses inquiry-based instruction methods and experiential learning to promote your understanding of the concept of "hidden curriculum" and the social, economic and environmental injustices and personal biases that affect your own teaching practice and implementation of the curriculum in diverse classroom settings. You will engage in action research to investigate, identify and collaborate in partnership with community organisations that have the potential for promoting understanding of the social realities of communities, families and students in primary school settings. You will actively participate in service appropriate to your level of skill development. and reflect on your experiences; your own previous understandings of teaching and learning; and your preconceived notions about students from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Through personal critique and evaluation of the service learning experience, pre-service teachers are equipped with strategies for involving parents and communities in the educative process and are positioned to acknowledge, appreciate and respond to the "funds of knowledge" and diverse characteristics that students bring to educational settings.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 7
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 3 - 2019

Mixed Mode

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%
2. Professional Practice Placement
Weighting: Pass/Fail
3. Practical and Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student evaluation data

Feedback

Include one list of all readings for the unit, with live links, in one easily accessible spot on the Moodle site.

Recommendation

Include a readings list for the unit in one place on the Moodle site.

Feedback from Marker, unit coordinator discussions

Feedback

Make slight modifications to the criteria sheet for task 2 to include references to the APST in particular.

Recommendation

Modify the criteria sheet to better reflect the need to source such documents as the APST.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Use relevant standards, codes of conduct and/or codes of ethics to reflect on professional roles and responsibilities in relation to principles of equity and social justice
  2. Conduct self-assessment to identify professional attributes, dispositions, skills and strategies for responding to communities and taking informed social action
  3. Propose a viable plan for community engagement with the aim of developing knowledge and understanding of the strengths and needs of social contexts experienced by diverse groups and families
  4. Critically reflect on a sustained period of organised service to draw implications for professional practice
  5. Evaluate the impact of service on personal and professional learning and the development of skills for successful participation in communities and contexts characterised by diversity and disadvantage.

Successful completion of this unit provides opportunities for students to engage with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Career Stage) focus areas of:

1.1 Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students

1.3 Students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds

6.1 Identify and plan professional learning needs

6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice

6.4 Apply professional learning and improve student learning

7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilities

7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Written Assessment - 50%
2 - Professional Practice Placement - 0%
3 - Practical and Written Assessment - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Written Assessment - 50%
2 - Professional Practice Placement - 0%
3 - Practical and Written Assessment - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Susan Richardson Unit Coordinator
s.richardson@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1: Topic 1A (Service Learning) and Topic 1B (How can Service Learning contribute to your professional development?) Begin Date: 11 Nov 2019

Module/Topic

Topic 1A:

Service Learning: What is it?

  • Defining service learning
  • Elements of service learning
  • Value of service learning: "reciprocity"
  • "Good quality" service learning

Topic 1B:

How can Service Learning contribute to your professional development?

  • Concepts underpinning professional service and service learning
  • Linking service learning to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers
  • Knowing your community

Chapter

Set Text:

Whitton, D., & Walbank, C. (2011). Service Learning Handbook.Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education Australia.

Read set text: Introduction and Chapter 1

Other readings:

Service Learning Australia (2009). Designing good quality service learning. Accessed at www.servicelearning.org.au

Wilson, K. (2010). Implementing a national service-learning program. Melbourne: Learn and serve Australia.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Start researching your local community and community organisations to determine possible places/opportunities where you might undertake your Service Learning placement (20hrs of community service). It is important to make an EARLY start on securing your placement. Start today!  Make initial contact with organisations of interest to determine the likelihood of them hosting your Service Learning placement.
Week 2: Topic 2A (Understanding community organisations) and Topic 2B (Developing a Service Learning Plan) Begin Date: 18 Nov 2019

Module/Topic

Topic 2A:

Understanding community organisations

  • Community strengths and needs: planning for your engagement with community organisations
  • Making contact with community organisations

Topic 2B:

Developing a Service Learning plan

  • Putting together a Service Learning plan

Events and Submissions/Topic

Continue to research your local community and community organisations to determine possible places/opportunities where you might undertake your Service Learning placement.

Make initial contact with organisations of interest to determine the likelihood of them hosting your 20 hrs of placement.  If possible, try to finalise and confirm the placement with your organisation of choice. 

Week 3: Topic 3A (Self assessment of personal and professional skills) and Topic 3B (Legislative and organisational responsibilities in planning for Service Learning) Begin Date: 25 Nov 2019

Module/Topic

Topic 3A:

Self assessment of personal and professional skills

  • Self audit
  • Personal and communication skills for working with external professional bodies and community organisations
  • Barriers to communication

Topic 3B:

Legislative and organisational responsibilities in planning for Service Learning

  • Ethical roles/responsibilities
  • Equity and social justice
  • Professional protocols and ethical practice
  • Planning for your Service Learning experience

Chapter

Read set text: Chapter 2, pg 66 - 68 and Chapter 3, pg 74 - 77

Access the following website:

Safe Work Australia's Volunteers Guide

Other readings:

Coffey, A., & Lavery, S. (2015). Service learning: A valuable means of preparing pre-service teachers for a teaching practicum. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 40(7), 85-101.

Baldwin, S. A., Buchanan, A.M., & Rudisill, M.E. (2007). Why teacher candidates learn about diversity, social justice and themselves from service-learning experiences. Journal of Teacher Education, 58(4), 314-327.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Try to finalise and confirm the organisation with which you will undertake your Service Learning placement.

As well, your aim should be to finalise the Confirmation of Service Learning document with the organisation with which you will complete the Service Learning placement.

Please include this Confirmation of Service Learning document in with your Asessment Task 1 submission (Service Learning Plan).

Start work on your Service Learning plan.

Week 4: Topic 4A (Learning through the Service Learning experience) and Topic 4B (Meeting your goals through the Service Learning experience) Begin Date: 02 Dec 2019

Module/Topic

Topic 4A:

Learning through the Service Learning experience

  • Identifying personal and professional skills that might be developed through the Service Learning experience
  • "Reciprocity" through Service Learning
  • Making the links to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers

Topic 4B:

Meeting your goals through the Service Learning experience

  • Setting individual learning goals for the Service Learning experience
  • Making the links between your "learnings" and your professional practice in the classroom
  • Active listening
  • Conflict management

Chapter

Read set text: Chapter 3, pg 91 - 99 and pg 120 - 122

Events and Submissions/Topic

If you are organised and have the Confirmation of Service Learning document signed off, then you could be in a position to start your Service Learning placement this week.

Continue to work on the documentation required for your Service Learning plan which is Assessment Task 1.

Vacation Week Begin Date: 09 Dec 2019

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Continue to work on your Service Learning plan which is Assessment Task 1. This is due on FRIDAY DECEMBER 27, 2019, submitted through the Moodle site by 11:45pm (AEST).

Week 5: Topic 5A (Reflection) and Topic 5B (Reflection on, for and in Service Learning) Begin Date: 16 Dec 2019

Module/Topic

Topic 5 A:

Reflection

  • What is reflection?
  • Benefits of reflection
  • Barriers to reflection
  • Reflection models: how to reflect

Topic 5 B:

Reflection on, for and in Service Learning

  • Skills developed through Service Learning
  • Documenting your ongoing reflections for discussion posts
  • Writing a critical reflection

Chapter

Read set text: Chapter 3, pg 78 - 90 and pg 123

Other readings:

Chambers, D.J., & Lavery, S. (2012). Service learning: A valuable component of pre-service teacher education. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 37(4), 127-137.

Refer to the documentation provided to support the Service Learning placement.

Events and Submissions/Topic

If you are organised and have the Confirmation of Service Learning document signed off, then you should be in a position to start your Service Learning placement, or continue with it this week. Please ensure that you share the Checklist for Completion of Service Learning with your supervisor and ensure that he/she understands what is required of them in terms of signing off by the end of the 20 hrs of Service Learning placement.

As you undertake the placement, think about the challenges faced, the new learnings and the ways in which your learning can support your future work in your chosen career. What have you learned personally? What have you learned professionally?

Week 6 Begin Date: 23 Dec 2019

Module/Topic

Continue on with your 20 hrs of Service Learning placement.

Chapter

Refer to the documentation provided to support the Service Learning placement.

The critical content in this unit has now been covered. Please ensure that you have worked your way through the materials so that you are very aware of the requirements for both the placement and for the two written assessment tasks.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Please ensure that you share the Checklist for Completion of Service Learning with your supervisor and ensure that he/she understands what is required of them in terms of signing off by the end of the 20 hrs of Service Learning placement.

Assessment Task 1 is due: FRIDAY 27 December, 2019 


Service Learning Plan Due: Week 6 Friday (27 Dec 2019) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 7 Begin Date: 06 Jan 2020

Module/Topic

Continue on with your 20 hrs of Service Learning placement.

Chapter

Refer to the documentation provided to support the Service Learning placement.

The critical content in this unit has now been covered. Please ensure that you have worked your way through the materials so that you are very aware of the requirements for both the placement and for the two written assessment tasks.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Please ensure that you share the Checklist for Completion of Service Learning with your supervisor and ensure that he/she understands what is required of them in terms of signing off by the end of the 20 hrs of Service Learning placement.


Week 8 Begin Date: 13 Jan 2020

Module/Topic

Continue on with your 20 hrs of Service Learning placement.

Chapter

Refer to the documentation provided to support the Service Learning placement.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Please ensure that you share the Checklist for Completion of Service Learning with your supervisor and ensure that he/she understands what is required of them in terms of signing off by the end of the 20 hrs of Service Learning placement.


Week 9 Begin Date: 20 Jan 2020

Module/Topic

Continue on with your 20 hrs of Service Learning placement.


Chapter

Refer to the documentation provided to support the Service Learning placement.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Finalise the completion of the Checklist for Completion of Service Learning. Ask your Service Learning supervisor to sign off on the documentation.

Remember that this document, Checklist for Completion of Service Learning, confirms that you have undertaken 20hrs of service learning placement which constitutes Assessment Task 2. However the Checklist for Completion of Service Learning is submitted WITH and as PART OF  the documentation required for Assessment Task 3. 

Week 10 Begin Date: 27 Jan 2020

Module/Topic

Continue on with your 20 hrs of Service Learning placement.

Assessment Task 3: Reflection on the placement

Chapter

Refer to the documentation provided to support the Service Learning placement.

Refer to the Guide for Writing a Reflection which is found in the Assessment Block, Assessment Task 3.

Once the 20hrs of placement is completed, you can start writing your reflection on the experience. 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Ensure that the Checklist for Completion of Service Learning is signed off and included with your Assessment Task 3 submission.


Week 11 Begin Date: 03 Feb 2020

Module/Topic

Topic:  Review of Service Learning placement

Assessment Task 3: Reflection on the placement

Chapter

Refer to the documentation provided to support the Service Learning placement.

Refer to the Guide for Writing a Reflection which is found in the Assessment Block, Assessment Task 3.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Ensure that the Checklist for Completion of Service Learning is signed off and included with your Assessment Task 3 submission.

You should have completed your 20 hours of Service Learning placement by the end of this week. This gives you time to prepare your Task 3 submission.

Week 12 Begin Date: 10 Feb 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Task 3 is due on MONDAY, 10 February, 2020. The task must be submitted through the Moodle site by 11:45pm (AEST).


Critical reflection on, for and in Service Learning Due: Week 12 Monday (10 Feb 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 17 Feb 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Term Specific Information

Set textbook for this unit:

Whitton, D., & Walbank, C. (2011). Service Learning Handbook. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson.


Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Service Learning Plan

Task Description

Assessment Task 1: Service Learning Plan (approx 2000 - 2500 words)

This assessment task builds deep understanding of the strengths and needs of the local communities in which your professional work might be enacted. The task provides opportunities for you to:

  • identify sources of professional knowledge that support your future work;
  • engage with external professional bodies and local community groups; and
  • support the needs of diverse groups/individuals within your community.

After investigating the needs of your local community, choose a community based organisation/context through which you can complete 20 hours of service learning. Remember that the idea is that you move beyond the normal scope of your professional understandings. If you are a Bachelor of Education student for example, you should look beyond the educational setting for your placement. Source your own placement with the organisation of your choice. Once this is done, you can start documenting a Service Learning Plan that shows evidence of your:

  • developing knowledge about service learning and its reciprocity value to community and to you as a participant;
  • reflection on ethical practices and professional responsibilities for enacting a service learning plan;
  • investigation through documented research into the goals and activities of the community organisation/context and the needs of the local community;
  • self-assessment of your current personal and professional skills, attributes and dispositions that might support you to meet your goals for the service learning placement; and
  • personal competence and accuracy in communicating a clear action plan for service learning.

Use the question guide provided on the Moodle site (See Moodle site Assessment Block, AT1 ) to guide you through the development and documentation of your Service Learning Plan. Remember that these questions provide a comprehensive overview of the requirements of a Service Learning Plan, and you should take the time to ensure that you respond to all components. However, please do not see these questions as items that must be responded to in sequence. Rather, they present a guide as to the type of issues that you might consider in drawing together your response.

Your completed Service Learning Planmust also include a signed copy of your Confirmation of Service Learning document. Please refer again to the Assessment Block for further information.

The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations. 

Please note that you may undertake your 20 hrs of service learning placement AFTER you have submitted Assessment Task 1 (Service Learning Plan). The completion of the Service Learning Plan however relies on you having confirmation of the placement with your chosen organisation.

For those undertaking the Bachelor Education course, this assessment task can be used as evidence for demonstrating aspects of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers; focus areas 6.1, 6.2, 7.1 and 7.4.


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Friday (27 Dec 2019) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Monday (20 Jan 2020)

Assessment task 1 will be returned to students in a timely way that facilitates feedback for the completion of Assessment Task 3.


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

  • demonstrated knowledge and understanding about service learning and its reciprocity value to community and to the participant;
  • documented research into the strengths and needs of the local community and of the chosen community organisation;
  • identification of ethical practices and professional responsibilities for enacting a service learning plan, working with a community organisation;
  • critical reflection on, and evaluation of, personal skills relevant to goal setting for the service learning placement;
  • critical reflection on, and evaluation of,  professional skills relevant to goal setting for the service learning placement;
  • use of unit readings and materials, policy documents and other authoritative literature sources; and
  • personal competence in communicating a clear written action plan for service learning that observes academic conventions and engagement with critical unit content.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online submission is required. Upload the task through the link on the Moodle site for Assessment Task 1 (See Assessment Block).

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Use relevant standards, codes of conduct and/or codes of ethics to reflect on professional roles and responsibilities in relation to principles of equity and social justice
  • Conduct self-assessment to identify professional attributes, dispositions, skills and strategies for responding to communities and taking informed social action
  • Propose a viable plan for community engagement with the aim of developing knowledge and understanding of the strengths and needs of social contexts experienced by diverse groups and families


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

2 Professional Practice Placement

Assessment Title
Service Learning: 20 hrs engaged service in community

Task Description

Assessment Task 2: Service Learning: 20 hrs engaged service

This is a non-graded but compulsory participation component of this unit. You must complete 20 hrs of service learning in a community organisation/context of your choice, but must be undertaken out of the education/schooling context if you are enrolled in the Bachelor of Education course. 

This is an opportunity for you to move beyond and away from your usual work and study context and to engage with a specific organisation within your local community. The purpose of the service learning is to assist you to develop an understanding about the diverse community members that the organisation serves and supports. This heightens your awareness about the diverse backgrounds and circumstances of community; socio-economic, cultural, religious, physical, social and intellectual. 

A signed Checklist for Completion of Service Learning must be submitted as evidence of successful completion of the service learning. This must be submitted with the documentation that supports the final assessment item, Assessment Task 3, to be eligible to pass this unit.

For those undertaking the Bachelor of Education course, this placement experience can be used as evidence for demonstrating aspects of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers; focus areas 6.2 and 7.4.

A failure to complete the required 20 hrs of service learning will result in a failed grade overall for the unit.


Assessment Due Date

The service learning placement must be completed within time-frames that support the completion of Assessment Task 3 requirements.


Return Date to Students

Feedback on the final assessment task will be provided following moderation and prior to the date of certification of grades for the term 3, 2018.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Assessment Criteria

This component is not formally assessed. Rather, a Checklist for Completion of Service Learning is to be submitted as part of Assessment Task 3 as evidence of successful participation in, and completion of, the service learning.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online submission of the Checklist for Completion of Service Learning is required. Upload this item along with the documentation required for Assessment Task 3 through the link on the Moodle site. Please see the Assessment Block.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critically reflect on a sustained period of organised service to draw implications for professional practice


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Team Work
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

3 Practical and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Critical reflection on, for and in Service Learning

Task Description

Assessment Task 3: Critical reflection on, for and in Service Learning

This individual written assessment task provides an opportunity for critical reflection on, for and in the service learning placement experience; a critical reflection on your service learning experience (approx 2500 words). The focus for your reflection is on the diverse backgrounds and circumstances of those in the community and the ways in which your experience and your learning through that experience, can contribute to your professional future work.

This reflection reviews, evaluates and discusses:

  • the achievement of your own set personal and professional learning goals met through the service learning placement; and
  • the influences of your service learning experiences on your personal and professional views/values with respect to engaging with and responding to, a range of diverse stakeholders within your professional context.

The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations. 

If you are undertaking the Bachelor Education course, this assessment task can be used as evidence for demonstrating aspects of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers; focus areas 1.1, 1.3, 6.2, 6.4 and 7.4.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Monday (10 Feb 2020) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Feedback on the final assessment task will be provided following moderation after certification of grades for the term.


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

  • reflection that identifies and discusses the diverse nature of community, stakeholder needs and meaningful community service;
  • reflection that evaluates and discusses the ways in which personal and professional views/values have been influenced by engaging with a range of diverse stakeholders;
  • reflection that reviews, evaluates and discusses the ways in which personal learning goals have been met through the service learning placement;
  • reflection that reviews, evaluates and discusses the ways in which  professional learning goals have been met, with particular reference to the application of learning to a professional context; 
  • use of contemporary research, literature and unit readings and materials to support the reflection; and
  • personal literacy competency in communicating ideas accurately, using academic conventions accurately and highlighting the value of the reflective process. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online submission is required. Upload three items through the link on the Moodle site for Assessment Task 3 (See the Assessment Block):

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Use relevant standards, codes of conduct and/or codes of ethics to reflect on professional roles and responsibilities in relation to principles of equity and social justice
  • Critically reflect on a sustained period of organised service to draw implications for professional practice
  • Evaluate the impact of service on personal and professional learning and the development of skills for successful participation in communities and contexts characterised by diversity and disadvantage.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?