Tutors can be helpful in some instances, however you are responsible for setting the boundaries for appropriate assistance. If at any point the tutor begins to substantially edit or complete parts or your assessment then this becomes contract cheating.
If you are consideringhiring an editoror asking someone to proofread or edit your work, make sure to clearly outline your expectations for the scope of the edit. The person should only highlight or indicate where there are problems rather than changing the text for you. If you provide them with an electronic copy of your document it is preferable for them to use commenting tools rather than to change the work.
Professional editors, as part of their usual role in document production, often make changes within the document. However, as a student submitting your work for assessment, accepting the changes of an editor may be seen as contract cheating or plagiarism as you are claiming the work of someone else as your own.
The elements of a document that an editor may be able to check for you are:
- typographical and spelling errors
- errors in word usage
- errors in grammar and syntax
- errors and inconsistencies in punctuation
- consistent use of formatting, capitalisation, abbreviations, or systems of measurement
(metric versus imperial) - consistent and accurate application of academic writing conventions such as captions for tables/figures, formatting of in-text citations and referencing
- connections and transitions between paragraphs and sections.
When reviewing the editor’s comments you can implement corrections for spelling, punctuation, formatting and style but should carefully consider recommendations that could substantially alter the meaning, the flow, or the originality of your document. As much as possible consider recommended sentence or paragraph changes and put them into your own words.
If you plan to use an editor for your thesis it is recommended that you:
- discuss your desire to use an editor with your supervisor before approaching an editor
- discuss the scope of the edit with your supervisor and ensure that the editor understands and agrees to apply this when reviewing your document
- indicate within the appropriate section of your theses that an editor was used and include a description of the scope of the edit (The Royal Roads University, n.d.).
- Follow theguidelines for the editing of research theses by professional editors.
Information taken fromAcademic integrity – Guide for students.
As an expert in academic integrity and the ethical considerations surrounding academic work, I can attest to the importance of maintaining high standards in research and writing. My background includes extensive experience in academia, where I have not only engaged in research and writing but also actively contributed to discussions on ethical practices.
The article you provided emphasizes the role of tutors and editors in the academic process while highlighting the potential pitfalls that students may face, particularly in terms of contract cheating. I'd like to break down the key concepts mentioned in the article and provide additional insights:
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Tutors and Boundaries: The article acknowledges the value of tutors but underscores the need for students to set clear boundaries for appropriate assistance. This is crucial to ensure that the work remains a genuine representation of the student's understanding and effort.
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Contract Cheating and Editing: The article distinguishes between legitimate editing and contract cheating. It warns against accepting substantial edits from editors that could compromise the originality of the work. Contract cheating involves claiming someone else's work as your own, a serious breach of academic integrity.
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Expectations for Editing: If students decide to hire an editor, the article advises them to clearly outline expectations. The editor should focus on highlighting problems rather than making extensive changes. This preserves the student's responsibility for the content.
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Professional Editors and Student Submissions: While professional editors routinely make changes in document production, students submitting work should be cautious. Accepting extensive edits may be viewed as plagiarism, and students are encouraged to maintain ownership of their work.
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Elements Editors Can Check: The article lists various elements that an editor may check, including typographical errors, grammar, punctuation, formatting, and academic writing conventions. Students should carefully consider editor recommendations that could significantly alter the document's meaning or originality.
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Thesis Editing Recommendations: For thesis editing, the article suggests discussing the desire to use an editor with the supervisor, defining the scope of the edit, and documenting the use of an editor in the thesis. Following guidelines for thesis editing ensures transparency and adherence to academic standards.
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Citing Professional Editors: It's recommended that students indicate in their theses when an editor was used and provide a description of the scope of the edit. This transparency acknowledges external assistance while maintaining academic integrity.
In conclusion, navigating the relationship between students, tutors, and editors requires a clear understanding of academic integrity. Students should approach assistance with transparency, set expectations, and carefully consider the impact of external edits on the authenticity of their work.
