Category Archives: Student life

Everything student life – from halls and flatting to recipes, advice, reviews, fashion and travel.

What is academic integrity and what does it mean to me?

Academic integrity is one of the key foundations of being a good student at UC. 

At its core, academic integrity means producing honest, ethical work while acting fairly and respecting others in all areas of the University. It’s also a key element of UC’s Student Code of Conduct> 

UC have a great resource available to support you in approaching your work with academic integrity – you can read it here> 

The end of 2024 is fast approaching and with it, your final assessments and exams – a good understanding of academic integrity will go a long way in enabling you to take charge and avoid common mistakes, as you approach these important milestones in your student journey.  

Here’s the headlines:  

  1. Cheating
    Breaking the rules for assignments or exams is treated very seriously, so it’s important to know what you can bring with you to exams, how they run and whether you can use equipment (like calculators), which may need to be approved by UC in advance. 

We recommend familiarising yourself with the University’s exam instructions for all the do’s and don’ts, including:  

Do:
Immediately approach a supervisor with any revision notes or other unauthorised material, if you’ve accidentally taken them into the exam room with you 

Don’t: 

  • Look at other students’ work 
  • Talk or communicate in any way with other students while the exam is in progress  

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is copying materials from another source (whether it’s a quote or data) without a clear acknowledgement of where it originated.  

It’s important to properly reference your work, as your assignments are checked through Turnitin, UC’s anti-plagiarism software. Turnitin recognises and highlights where students have copied and not cited other authors’ work. 

Turnitin also recognises plagiarised work that has been used by content creating Generative-AI tools (Gen-AI) and software. 

Artificial Intelligence
Everyone’s talking about it – and for good reason!  

When used correctly Artificial Intelligence, including Gen-AI, can be a huge support to your study, but there are other tools, like ChatGPT and CoPilot that are strictly monitored at UC and depending on your course, may be prohibited. 

UC have created a helpful online resource outlining the accepted Gen-AI tools you can use for your study – you’ll find it here> 

We recommend checking this page before using any AI or Gen-AI tool, even (especially!) if it’s been recommended to you.  

If you have any questions or concerns about use of Gen-AI software, speak to your Course Coordinator in the first instance. 

UC’s AI Working Group for teaching and learning have also developed a detailed FAQ resource you may find valuable when considering how to approach Gen-AI. 

We get the most of our studies when we work together to act honestly and ethically while respecting each other and our work.  

For everything you need to know about Academic Integrity at UC, visit this page> 

Good luck with your exams! 

UC Social Pickleball Tournament 2024

Pickleball is ready to serve!

Join Te Ratonga Hākinakina | UC Rec&Sport for THE Social Pickleball Tournament of the year!
Thursday, October 24th.

New to the game? Played your whole life? Similar to something you’ve played before? WE WANT YOU! If you’re keen for some fun and competitive movement with a side of prize, gather your team and sign up today!

Register your team here

Team Details:

  • Up to four players per team (two on court, two subs)
  • At least two players must start the game
  • Subs must be on court within five minutes of game time

Game Rules:

  • “Self Ref” games
  • Clock: 4.5-minute halves, 1-minute halftime (10-minute turnaround)
  • Running clock: Games continue even when points are scored
  • Serve: Underhand, diagonally cross-court, clearing the kitchen area
  • Alternating serves: Server changes sides after scoring a point
  • Feet behind baseline: During serve
  • Losing the point: Other team serves
  • Score calling: Server calls the score before serving
  • Two bounces: Each side must let the ball bounce once before returning
  • Kitchen: No-volley zone within seven feet of the net
  • Line calls: Ball touching the line is in

Schedule:

  • First games begin at 11:00 AM
  • Last games end at 2:00 PM
  • Draws and other information will be posted on the UC Sport Competitions Facebook Page

Location: UC RecCentre (online maps)

Get in quick e te iwi! Karawhiua

Nominations for Blues Awards close this Thursday 10am!

Nominations for 2024 Tohu Kahurangi | University of Canterbury Blues Awards are closing this Thursday at 10am!

The Blues Awards celebrate students who excel in sports, arts, and community.

This is the last chance to submit a nomination on behalf of yourself, a fellow student, a coach or other official. Nominations close Thursday 10am. 

Receiving an award at our Tohu Kahurangi | Blues ceremony is the highest honour we can present students who have excelled in these areas.

Individual Blues awards will be given out for each discipline. Winners will then be eligible for the following major awards:

  • Sportsperson of the Year
  • Outstanding contribution to University Sport
  • Team of the Year
  • Coach of the Year
  • Official of the Year
  • Outstanding achievement in the Arts
  • Outstanding contribution to University Arts
  • Outstanding achievement in Community Engagement
  • Waewae Kai Pakiaka: Outstanding contribution to the Māori community
  • Outstanding contribution to Equity and Diversity
  • Outstanding contribution to Sustainability

We have also introduced a limited number of University of Canterbury Sport recognition and Art recognition awards. These awards recognise students those who have performed exceptionally, however are not eligible for a University Blue as an individual. For example coaches, managers, directors, producers, administrators, executives etc.

Nomination Criteria:

  • Nominations must be made via the prescribed form via the UCSA website, with all sections completed.
  • Anyone may nominate a person for a Blue. Individuals are able to nominate themselves.
  • Nominations must be made before or on the close of the nominations date.
  • Nominations made after such date will not be considered by the Blues committee.
  • Nominees must have reached the required level of achievement during the nomination period.

Nominations for the Blues Awards close 10am, Thursday 29 August.

The Blues Awards will be held at Haere-roa on Saturday 5 October.