Have you ever come across websites that promise academic help in exchange for uploading your assignments or paying a fee? While they might seem like a quick fix when you’re under pressure, file sharing websites can lead to serious consequences – from having your personal details stolen to being excluded from your course or having your award revoked.
We’re proud to foster a community built on shared values of honesty, fairness and responsibility. Avoiding file sharing websites is an important way you can protect your academic integrity and your future.
Why you should never use a file sharing site
- Sharing your work gives others an unfair advantage.
- Your personal details may be used for identity theft or blackmail.
- You will be caught and can be reported by your peers, academic staff or detected via Turnitin.
- Uploading University-owned content like assignment instructions or staff-created materials may breach copyright law.
- Academic misconduct outcomes can impact your ability to continue your studies.
- The possibility of getting caught doesn’t stop after you graduate. You could even have your degree revoked, which would have a very serious impact on your career.
What are file sharing websites?
File sharing websites like CourseHero, Chegg, CliffNotes, CollegeSideKick and Brainly often promise academic help in exchange for payment or by asking you to upload your own work. Uploading or accessing assessments through these platforms is considered contract cheating under La Trobe University’s Student Academic Misconduct Policy.
What is contract cheating?
Contract cheating is when a student outsources all or part of their assessment to someone else – whether that’s a commercial provider, another student, a family member or anyone else.
According to the Student Academic Misconduct Policy, contract cheating is:
“Any instance where a student outsources all or part of their assessment to a third party, including a commercial provider, current or former student, family member or acquaintance, paid or unpaid. It includes the unauthorised use of file sharing sites, as well as organising another person to take an examination.”
What are the consequences of contract cheating?
The Academic Integrity team assesses reports of contract cheating, which can result in one or more of the following consequences:
- Zero marks for the assessment or subject
- Suspension from your course (up to one year)
- Termination of scholarships
- Permanent exclusion from your course
- Revocation of your award (after graduation)
Even if you uploaded your work to one of these sites in the past, you will also be held responsible if another student submits it.
Protect your academic integrity – and your future
File sharing websites might seem like a shortcut, but the risks far outweigh the benefits. Protect your personal information and avoid academic misconduct by making sure you never use a file sharing website. Not only will you achieve your goals the right way, but you’ll also prepare yourself for success in the long term.