- What is academic misconduct?
- What happens if an allegation is made?
- Student Academic Misconduct Panels
- Support and advice
What is academic misconduct?
Academic misconduct is any action that gives, attempts to give, or helps another person gain an unfair academic advantage.
Examples of academic misconduct include:
- Plagiarism
- Collusion
- Contract cheating
- Fabrication of data
- Possession of unauthorised materials during an examination
These and other examples are defined in UPR AS14, Appendix III. You should familiarise yourself with these definitions.
What happens if an allegation is made?
If it is reported that you may have committed an assessment offence or academic misconduct, an independent person within your School will investigate the allegation.
Following a preliminary investigation, it will be decided whether:
- No further action is required, or
- The case should be considered under Stage 1, Stage 2 or Stage 3, depending on the seriousness of the allegation.
All allegations are investigated and considered in accordance with UPR AS14, Appendix III.
Student Academic Misconduct Panels
In the most serious cases, you may be required to attend a Student Academic Misconduct Panel.
The Panel has the authority to impose disciplinary sanctions where appropriate.
If your case is referred to a Student Academic Misconduct Panel:
- The Board of Examiners will not grade the affected work until the Panel has reached a decision.
- The Board of Examiners will take the Panel's decision into account when considering the assessment outcome.
Your rights during the process
You have the right to be accompanied at any investigatory meeting or panel that you are required to attend.
If a sanction is imposed, there is an appeals process available.
Support and advice
If you have questions about the process, contact the Student Cases Team:
You can also get independent advice and support from Herts SU, including guidance on academic misconduct.
If you are experiencing difficult personal circumstances and need wellbeing support, contact the Student Wellbeing Service.