Cases of suspected academic misconduct should be investigated with care and concern for both the student and the member of staff raising the case. The University has produced guidance to assist staff in investigating concerns and, where appropriate, taking forward disciplinary action.
This guidance takes effect from 1 October 2019 and replaces any previous guidance issued. Staff with queries about the process should contact the Office of Student Conduct, Complaints and Appeals (OSCCA) in the first instance.
Whilst all academic misconduct is in breach of the University’s disciplinary regulations, it is accepted that misconduct can encompass both minor breaches and serious disciplinary offences. Where a Chair of Examiners or Degree Committee determine that a minor breach has taken place, they have powers to act within the marking process, as outlined in the procedure below. However it should be noted that there must remain a clear distinction between the academic and disciplinary aspects of the case; academic judgement of the work is the responsibility of the Examiners, whereas discipline is the domain of the central University discipline procedures. Examiners and Examination Boards may not impose any disciplinary sanctions when acting on academic misconduct.
- Staff Guidance Document – suspected academic misconduct Note that this procedure applies to all students, whether primarily taught or research, and should be used for all cases of suspected academic misconduct on or after 1 October 2019.
- Notes for supervisors, Directors of Studies and Tutors
- Forms of academic misconduct