WATERLOO Cheating and other academic misconduct is on the rise at universities and colleges as students shift to online learning during the pandemic. My friends have told me a couple of stories about people they know who have cheated, said University of Waterloo student Matthew Mure. Some students said cheating is easier when they re not in a physical classroom. Take turns taking exams if there are different times or be on a call together, Mure said. UW s Office of Academic Integrity said COVID-19 has been a contributing factor when it comes to students breaking the rules. The stress of the pandemic has really exacerbated the pressure that s put on students, so it s led to the increase of academic misconduct, Amanda McKenzie with the office said.