Cheating and Plagiarism Policy

FHLM is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity within all courses and training programmes offered through FHLM Equip. This policy establishes a zero-tolerance approach to cheating, plagiarism, and academic dishonesty, including misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Our goal is to ensure that all certifications and learning outcomes reflect genuine individual effort and original work.

1. Definitions

  • Cheating: Engaging in dishonest behaviour during assessments, exams, assignments, or other coursework, including but not limited to:
    • Using unauthorised materials, devices, or assistance.
    • Copying from other students or sources without proper acknowledgment.
    • Collaborating inappropriately with others when individual work is required.
  • Plagiarism: Presenting another’s work, ideas, expressions, or materials as one’s own without proper attribution. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Copying text, media, or ideas from any source without accurate citation.
    • Submitting previously published or submitted work as new or original.
    • Paraphrasing extensively without original input or adequate citation.
  • Misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools: Using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Jasper, or other generative AI platforms to complete assignments or assessments without instructor permission, or failing to disclose AI usage where permitted. Misuse includes:
    • Submitting AI-generated content as personal work without acknowledging the tool used.
    • Relying on AI to produce substantial parts of an assignment, exam response, or assessment where original personal input is required.
  • Improper Citation: Failure to provide adequate attribution for direct quotes, paraphrased ideas, or information derived from sources, including AI-generated insights where permitted. Proper citation must include acknowledgment of all sources, following established citation guidelines as specified in the course materials or by FHLM Equip standards.
  • Other Academic Dishonesty: Any action intended to misrepresent a learner’s abilities, efforts, or achievements. This includes falsifying records, misusing resources, fabricating data, or other deceptive practices.

2. Consequences of Violations

Violations of this Cheating and Plagiarism Policy will result in the following actions:

  • Immediate Suspension: Users found engaging in cheating, plagiarism, improper AI use, or other forms of academic dishonesty will have their access to FHLM Equip suspended immediately pending further review.
  • Certificate Cancellation: Any certification earned through dishonest means will be cancelled, and FHLM will not verify or validate certifications for users found in violation of this policy.
  • Forfeiture of Fees: No refunds will be issued for courses from which the user is removed due to academic dishonesty, including violations involving AI misuse or improper citation.

3. AI Usage Guidelines

  • Permissible Use: AI tools may only be used in coursework or assessments with explicit permission from instructors or course guidelines. Where AI use is permitted, students must:
    • Clearly indicate all AI-generated content in their submissions.
    • Specify the AI tool used and the extent of its contributions.
  • Prohibited Use: Using AI tools to produce substantial or core content for assignments, exams, or assessments without permission is strictly prohibited. This includes relying on AI for ideas, phrasing, or structure when personal work is required.

4. Proper Citation Practices

  • Responsibility to Cite: Students must cite all direct quotes, paraphrased ideas, and any material not originated by the student. This applies to information derived from books, articles, websites, and AI tools where permitted.
  • Citation Standards: Proper citation must follow the guidelines provided by FHLM Equip or in the course syllabus. When AI-generated content is allowed, it must be cited as per FHLM Equip’s standards for AI usage, including details on the tool used and context of its application.

5. Appeals Process

  • Submitting an Appeal: Users may submit a formal appeal if they believe a violation decision was made in error or if they wish to provide additional context. Appeals must be submitted within 14 days of notification of the violation.
  • Review Process: Appeals will be reviewed by FHLM’s board of directors, who will consider the evidence and context. The board’s decision is final and binding, with no further appeals allowed.
  • Final Decision: Appeals decisions are non-precedential, meaning that they will not affect FHLM’s discretion to handle future cases independently.

6. Responsibility of Users

FHLM encourages all learners to uphold high standards of honesty and integrity. Users are responsible for understanding and adhering to this policy, including guidelines for AI usage and citation practices. FHLM support is available for any questions regarding this policy or related expectations.

7. Contact Information

For any questions regarding the Cheating and Plagiarism Policy, please contact us at:

Faith, Hope & Love Ministries (FHLM)
Legal & Compliance Email: legal@fhlm.org
Support Email: support@fhlm.org
General Email: info@fhlm.org
Address: 15 Rhodes Avenue, Komga, 4950, South Africa
Contact Number (South Africa): +27 11 568 0988
Contact Number (UK): +44 2038074499
Contact Number (US): +1 2342310010

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