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.