Academic misconduct We define academic misconduct as ‘an attempt to gain an advantage over other students by the use of unfair and/or unacceptable methods’.
Academic misconduct is a serious academic offence that we may record and detail on your final transcript. At worst it could result in your withdrawal from the University.
You are responsible for understanding the different types of academic misconduct and the consequences of offending. The University provides support throughout the year to help you maintain academic integrity and avoid misconduct.
If your department suspects that misconduct has occurred they will follow these stages to determine whether misconduct has actually happened.
Stage 1 – allegation and initial assessment
You may be invited to an informal meeting with your tutor or lecturer. This gives you the opportunity to explain how you produced your work and demonstrate that your work is your own.
Stage 2 – investigation and establishing a case
You will be invited to discuss your work at a formal department misconduct meeting. The investigation may also include a second marking procedure and/or an oral investigation (known as a ‘viva’).
If academic misconduct is proven, or if you admit academic misconduct, your department will classify your offence as one of the following:
poor academic practice
first or subsequent Minor
first or subsequent Major
grave.
All classifications carry an appropriate sanction that reflects the gravity of the offence. More serious offences may result in the case being considered by an academic misconduct panel.
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the departmental meeting, you may request to present your case to an academic misconduct panel. Please email the Student Casework Team with your request.
A grave offence will always be considered at an academic misconduct panel. A panel may also be held for repeated major offences.
A panel of academic staff will investigate the allegation of misconduct. They will consider the evidence from your department and any evidence you wish to submit in support of your case. If you are invited to a panel meeting it is in your best interests to attend, but you do not have to. However please be aware that if you do not attend, the meeting panel may go ahead without you.
An academic misconduct panel follows the same agenda whether it is requested by you or your department.
When the University’s internal procedures are complete, we will send you a completion of procedures letter. This explains that if you are dissatisfied with the final outcome, you can refer your matter to the OIA for review.
The OIA is an independent body whose role is to review individual complaints from students. You must complete the University’s internal academic misconduct process before contacting the OIA.
There are further details about the OIA Scheme on the OIA website.
