The Academic Skills Charter

Fostering Ethical Academic Practice

The Academic Skills Charter outlines the expectations and values for both staff and students at Loughborough University relating to academic practices and integrity.

It explains how our Schools will provide students with a high-quality learning experience and support them throughout their studies.

This charter complements the Student Charter by focusing on the skills students require to uphold academic integrity and to take responsibility for managing their own learning.

The Charter undergoes an annual review, involving both student and staff representatives. To contribute to this review process, contact your School Administration team.

Purpose of the Academic Skills Charter

Loughborough University strongly promotes the importance of academic excellence, personal growth, and building a community that is honest and respectful.

Developed by staff and students, the Academic Skills Charter emphasises the significance of academic integrity and ethical conduct in all aspects of the university experience.

The charter summarises the University's commitment to:

The delivery of training on academic skills

All Schools will deliver a training package, with in-person and online elements that inform students of the main principles associated with academic integrity and introduces the skills required to uphold these principles.

The training package will be delivered through a variety of methods including a dedicated Academic Integrity Learn page and the Veritate section of Personal Best.

The package will promote academic integrity by covering the following topics:

  • Defining and upholding academic integrity  
  • Understanding different forms of misconduct  
  • Writing and note-taking skills  
  • Effective research techniques and using evidence  
  • Where to get additional help and support

Embedding plagiarism detection activities

All schools will embed in-curriculum activities to support students to understand plagiarism and associated detection systems. This initiative aims to encourage open dialogue on academic honesty, ensuring relevance and effectiveness across Loughborough’s diverse academic landscape.

An academic integrity test

A mandatory online test will be undertaken by all new students, including PGT, Part B entrants, incoming exchange, intercalated and distance learning students. The test offers an in depth understanding of Academic Integrity.

The online and in-curriculum training resources will be regularly reviewed to ensure the content is aligned and students have the requisite knowledge to complete the test.

Continual development of academic skills

Academic Skills will be scaffolded throughout programmes, through a variety of methods, to ensure students in all parts receive regular reminders on the importance of academic integrity.

These methods could include school email notifications, interactive group tutorials led by faculty or academic support staff and detailed assessment specifications outlining expectations for academic integrity.

These measures are in place to provide students with clear and practical guidance on academic skills and integrity throughout their academic journey.