Students' Ethics in Studies
Learn how the principles of academic ethics apply in lectures, seminars, group work, assessments and the evaluation of study achievements.
Key documents:
Participation in Lectures and Seminars
In the study process, it is important to respect other members of the community, participate in study activities honestly and comply with the requirements of the course unit.
In lectures, seminars and practical classes, students should:
Asking another student to mark you as present when you did not attend, or presenting an activity that was not completed as completed, is not honest conduct in the study process.
Individual and Group Assignments
Collaboration is an important part of studies, but it is important to distinguish joint learning from unauthorised assistance.
When the assignment is individual
For individual assignments, students may discuss, study together and clarify study material unless the teaching staff member has set different requirements. However, an assessed individual assignment must be completed independently.
It is not permitted to:
- ask another person to complete the assignment for you;
- submit another student’s answers as your own;
- share your answers so that another student can submit them as their own;
- complete an individual assessment together.
When the assignment is group-based
For a group assignment, responsibilities should be agreed and each student should contribute honestly to the joint work. If individual contributions are assessed, it must be clear what each student completed.
If you are unsure whether a particular form of assistance is permitted, ask the teaching staff member before completing the assignment.
Examinations and Other Assessments
During an examination, test, colloquium or other assessment, the individual student’s knowledge and abilities must be assessed.
The following may be considered a breach of academic integrity:
Before an Assessment
Before an assessment, it is important to clarify:
- which materials or tools may be used;
- whether internet access is permitted;
- whether generative AI may be used;
- whether collaboration is permitted;
- what other assessment rules apply.
Permission to use a computer does not in itself mean that internet access is permitted. Permission to use the internet does not in itself mean that generative AI or communication applications may be used.
If you do not know whether a particular tool may be used, ask before the assessment or before using it.
Helping Another Student During an Assessment
If the teaching staff member has not stated that assistance is permitted, helping another student during an assessment constitutes a breach of academic ethics.
Telling someone an answer, showing your work, forwarding answers or providing other assistance during an individual assessment may also constitute a breach of academic integrity.
Responsibility lies not only with the person receiving unauthorised assistance, but also with the person providing it.
Absence from an Assessment for an Important Reason
If, due to illness or another important reason, a student is unable to take part in an interim or final assessment, the administration of the student’s core academic unit must be informed.
The student must notify the administration of the reason for absence no later than within 3 working days from the scheduled assessment date and provide a document justifying the absence. If objective circumstances make this impossible within the set deadline, the reason for absence must be communicated at the first opportunity.
Where necessary, it is also advisable to inform the teaching staff member responsible for the course unit so that further steps can be coordinated in accordance with University procedures.
Assessment and Feedback
Study achievements must be assessed according to pre-established criteria, impartially and by applying the same criteria equally to all students.
Assessment must not be influenced by personal likes or dislikes, the student’s views, previous disagreements or other circumstances unrelated to the study achievements being assessed.
If you do not understand your grade, first contact the teaching staff member and ask them to explain:
- which assessment criteria you met;
- which criteria your answer or work did not meet;
- what could be improved in the future.
Asking for an explanation of a grade is a normal part of the study process.
If You Disagree with an Assessment
Not every disagreement about assessment constitutes a breach of academic ethics.
If a student does not understand how a grade was determined, they are first advised to contact the teaching staff member and ask for an explanation.
If a student believes that their study achievements were assessed incorrectly against the established criteria, they have the right, no later than within 7 calendar days from the publication of the final grade for the course unit (module), to submit a reasoned written appeal to the Dispute Resolution Commission of their core academic unit.
If it is believed that the procedure for an interim assessment, final assessment of a course unit (module), final examination or defence of a final thesis was breached, the Dispute Resolution Commission may be approached no later than within 3 working days from the date of the relevant assessment or defence.
If there are grounds to suspect that the assessment was influenced by personal sympathies, the student’s views or other circumstances unrelated to the study results, the situation may involve a breach of academic ethics. In such a case, it is recommended to contact the Academic Ethics Commission of the relevant unit.
If you are unsure where to turn, you may consult the study administration of your unit or the Vilnius University Students’ Representation.
Review of a Possible Breach of Academic Integrity
A possible breach of academic integrity is reviewed in accordance with the procedure established at the University.
When the situation is reviewed, the specific circumstances, collected information and the student’s explanation are considered. A decision should not be based solely on a prior assumption or an informal agreement between the teaching staff member and the student.
The student has the right to be informed about the possible breach under review and to provide their explanation.
The “Sąžiningai” Programme
“Sąžiningai” is a programme of the Vilnius University Students’ Representation aimed at fostering academic ethics and strengthening a culture of academic integrity in the Vilnius University community.
Programme volunteers organise activities promoting academic ethics and observe student assessments, helping to support a fair and transparent assessment environment.
To join the programme, contact saziningai@vusa.lt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare for an exam together with friends?
Yes. You may study together, discuss and clarify study material. However, during an individual assessment you must provide your answers independently.
Can I use my phone if the teaching staff member has not explicitly prohibited it?
Use only the tools permitted by the assessment conditions. If in doubt, ask the teaching staff member before using your phone or another tool.
Can I use ChatGPT or another generative AI tool during an exam?
Only if the rules for that specific assessment permit it.
A friend asked me to show them an answer during an exam, and I did. Is only the friend committing a breach?
No. Providing unauthorised assistance to another student may also constitute a breach of academic integrity.
Can I disagree with the teaching staff member during a lecture?
Yes. You may express and defend your opinion with reasoned arguments while respecting the right of other community members to hold a different view.
Can a teaching staff member publish my grade publicly?
Individual students’ study results must be protected and must not be disclosed to others without justification.
I believe the exam was not conducted according to the established procedure. What should I do?
Review the University’s appeal and dispute resolution procedures and contact the Dispute Resolution Commission of your core academic unit.
What should I do if I notice a breach of academic ethics?
If you notice a possible breach of academic ethics by another student, it is recommended to inform the teaching staff member or contact the relevant Academic Ethics Commission. If you notice a possible breach of academic ethics by a teaching staff member, it is recommended to contact the Academic Ethics Commission.