“Unauthorized assistance” is one of the most common academic integrity charges, and one of the broadest. It generally means getting help on graded work that the course didn’t allow, whether from a classmate, a tutor, a parent, a website, or, increasingly, an AI tool. UCF’s faculty resources, for example, identify unauthorized assistance and plagiarism as the most common forms of academic dishonesty at UCF.
Every school defines the term in its own policy, and course rules vary. This article describes common patterns.
Where the Help Comes From
Unauthorized assistance cases can involve:
- Classmates: sharing answers or working together where the course required individual work, discussed in accused of sharing assignments.
- Tutors or family members who did more than the course allowed.
- Websites and study services.
- AI tools. Stanford’s guidance, for example, states that without a clear statement from the instructor, using generative AI is treated like assistance from another person.
The Course’s Rules Decide Most Cases
What counts as “unauthorized” depends almost entirely on what the course allowed. The same help can be fine in one class and a violation in another. That’s why syllabus language, assignment instructions, and anything the instructor said about collaboration usually become central evidence.
Group Work Adds Complications
In group assignments, one member’s outside help can raise questions for everyone named on the work, depending on the school’s rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unauthorized assistance in college?
Generally, help on graded work that the course didn’t allow, from classmates, tutors, websites, or AI tools.
Is using AI considered unauthorized assistance?
It can be. Stanford’s guidance, for example, treats AI use without instructor permission like assistance from another person.
Can a tutor’s help be unauthorized assistance?
Yes, if the tutor did more than the course allowed.
Getting Help With an Unauthorized Assistance Allegation
Richard Asselta, a student defense attorney, advises students in academic integrity processes nationwide. Call 855-338-5299 or learn more about Richard Asselta.
General information, not legal advice. Course and school rules vary and change.