Lindsay Samakow (sophomore-psychology) once knew someone who wrote notes on the bottom of his shoes.

Rich White (junior-journalism) said he's seen people insert their notes into clear pens or write notes on gum wrappers.

But they weren't trying to conserve paper -- they were trying to cheat.

While students are scrambling at their last chance to earn good grades to pass their classes, many have reported seeing different methods students use to try to cheat on their finals.

However, professors and the Office of Judicial Affairs say they've seen it all, and it's not worth it.

Karen Feldbaum, interim co-director for Judicial Affairs, said there are about 300 cases of academic integrity per year across Penn State's multi-campus system. About half of these cases come from students at University Park.

Although Feldbaum said Judicial Affairs doesn't keep specific numbers on cheating during finals week, she said she imagines there would be more cases at that time.

The first time a student is caught cheating can result in a grade reduction, but more serious cases or repeated offenses can lead to an XF -- failed for academic dishonesty -- on a student's transcript. The most serious cases can end in expulsion, Feldbaum said, though the more extreme measures are not common.

Only five to six of the 300 cases receive an XF and another 15 to 20 receive disciplinary sanctions, she said.

Students had different views on reasons why others would cheat on exams.

"Some see cheating as the only way to get the grade they need," Ashley Brinton (sophomore-health policy and administration) said. "Especially with classes that are required for their major."

Other students also said cheating may give more assurance to their peers in difficult classes.

"Students feel the pressure to do well," Samakow said. "And even while they study, people may be unsure if they did well."

But others said difficult coursework is not the reason why students cheat.

"Its because they're lazy," White said. "They don't want to put in the effort and the hard work it takes to get a good grade."

Students said they have seen classmates doing everything from writing notes on their clothing to hiding small sheets of notes under their watches, but professors said students aren't being as sly as they think.

"It's so obvious that a student is cheating," said communications professor Matt McAllister. "You always know; you can see it by the way they move their eyes."

Sociology professor Sam Richards said he tries to persuade his students not to cheat by convincing them of the "moral implications."

But, Richards added, "it only goes so far."

Professors said they are familiar with how students try to cheat and have come up with a variety of ways to deter it. Several professors mentioned using multiple forms of an exam or reminding entire classes to not cheat.

Feldbaum suggested students should get help before they feel the need to cheat.

She urged students to see their professors, many of whom said they are available for students and are willing to make special arrangements if necessary.

Many students said they feel comfortable talking to their professors, but others had mixed feelings.

"I have felt comfortable going to professors who are outgoing and make you feel like they're interested," Ashley Krizauskas (sophomore-psychology) said. "But then there are some who, when you go to their office hours, they don't make you feel welcome, and they weren't interested in trying to help you."

Feldbaum said there are also several learning centers on campus to help students study and the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides sessions for handling stress.

"Students who decide to cheat need to know that the decision you're making is taking a risk," Feldbaum said. "You don't want that information to go to potential graduate schools like medical school

and law schools, or even future employers."

While studying may not be fun, professors said it's better than the alternative of cheating.

"I don't want to spend a lot of my time in the negative land of cheating, so I don't think about it that much," theatre professor Annie McGregor said. "It's not worth it -- it'll come back and bite you in the ass."