Why is this change happening?
Turnitin has informed us that it intends to update its End User License Agreement (EULA), introducing new terms allowing Turnitin to use student submissions to train AI services. The EULA sets out the terms under which institutions access the service, meaning that organisations wishing to continue using Turnitin would need to accept the updated terms.
More information on our decision has been posted to Sussed, which you can read here: https://sotonac.sharepoint.com/SitePages/University-moving-away-from-Turnitin-for-2026-27-academic-year.aspx
Our public response
We have a responsibility to protect the data, intellectual property and academic work of both our students and the University.
While we understand Turnitin has postponed changes that would have allowed it to use student submissions to train AI services, it has confirmed it still intends to revisit implementing these updates next year.
As a result, we have decided not to renew our contract beyond the end of the 2026/27 academic year and will begin phasing out the use of this service immediately.
We will continue to evaluate alternate options to ensure that academic integrity standards are maintained.
Who can still use Turnitin?
Courses that are already running
You can continue to use Turnitin if your course is currently active (as of August 2026). During the year, we will be in touch to ensure that students get an opportunity to download their feedback.
Courses that start before Week 1 (14th September 2026)
You can use Turnitin as long as you can complete your submissions, marking and boards before the end of December 2026. If your course runs longer than that, please reach out to ServiceLine.
Courses starting on or after Week 1 (14th September 2026)
You should not use Turnitin for your assignments.
Where do I go for more information?
iSolutions will continue to update https://elearn.soton.ac.uk/article-categories/tii-ending with frequently asked questions, guides and training as we create it over the next few weeks.