Uni essay cheats put on notice

SOUTHEAST Queensland universities have issued renewed warnings to students about online essay-cheating services, after flyers promoting the ghostwriting websites were found posted in toilet cubicles.

Testimonials on dozens of websites promise a fast turnaround on a 1000-word custom-written essay for about $70, or slightly more if students need it within the hour.

One of the writing agencies involved claims to have more than 100,000 clients.

The company argues on its website that use of its service does not constitute cheating.

Griffith University said some of its students had been targeted recently through their university email address. Posters advertising the services had also been found in several student bathrooms.

A Griffith spokesman warned students against using the services.

University of Queensland Deputy Vice-Chancellor Joanne Wright said staff kept an eye out for bogus essays. “We have a range of methods in place to detect this particular form of cheating,” she said.

A Queensland University of Technology spokesman said students were briefed on academic integrity and faced possible expulsion if caught using essay-writing services.