The University has strict rules around both the academic and general conduct of students. Breach of the misconduct rules is treated very seriously by the University and complaints are frequently referred to the Vice Chancellor. Serious penalties, including exclusion or expulsion from the University, can be imposed if a student is found guilty of misconduct.
Given that a breach of the misconduct rules has potentially severe consequences, we suggest that you contact Arc Student Support immediately if you are facing a misconduct allegation, or if you believe another student’s behaviour toward you amounts to a breach of the University’s rules. We can advise and represent you in any misconduct matter.
You can contact us on (02) 9385 7700 or email:
advice@arc.unsw.edu.au.
Academic Misconduct:
Academic misconduct includes plagiarism, impersonating other students in exams, cheating or taking unauthorised materials into exams, and any other conduct which involves attempting to gain an unfair advantage over other students. It may also involve improper or unethical behaviour.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work as your own – either by failing to acknowledge a source, or inadequately acknowledging the source of the information words/opinions/figures. It is probably the most common form of academic misconduct at the University.
Arc’s advice on plagiarism is: do not attempt it, and take all necessary steps to avoid it. The University uses a computer program called “Turnitin”, which scans assessment papers and can identify similarities between assessed work and material on websites. It can also identify similarities to work previously submitted by you or other students.
If you have any concerns about potential plagiarism, it is advisable to approach your lecturer or tutor to ask about appropriate referencing, or the appropriateness of the use of a source. If you are open about your concerns, you should have no trouble. If you are facing any difficulties with your work which might prompt you to copy another person’s work as a way out, seek help or let your lecturer or school know. If you are caught plagiarising, you may find yourself accused of misconduct, and face a reduction in marks, failure in a course, or in serious cases exclusion from the University. Remember that although the University now takes an “educative” rather than “punitive” to incidents of plagiarism where appropriate, it will take action if serious plagiarism is alleged and proven.
The University expects students to be aware of the rules regarding plagiarism, to ensure they avoid plagiarism and to comply with standards of academic integrity.
For advice about avoiding plagiarism, the Learning Centre has an excellent website which you can consult.
See www.lc.unsw.edu.au/plagiarism/index.html
General misconduct:
General misconduct involves inappropriate behaviour on campus or in connection with University activities. There is no exhaustive list of what can constitute general misconduct, but some of the common grounds are: misuse of University property, including unauthorised access, damage, improper, harassing or illegal communication, interference with the university computer system, and harassment or abuse of staff or other students. General misconduct can lead to the police being involved if the misconduct involves a potential breach of criminal laws.
Misconduct Process:
The University deals with misconduct in different ways depending on the seriousness of the allegation. Many issues of misconduct are dealt with at a School level. The highest penalty a School can impose is failure in a course. If a matter is considered sufficiently serious, it will be referred to Chancellery, which can impose more serious penalties.
If a matter is referred to Chancellery, there is a preliminary investigation by a University staff member with no previous involvement with the matter. A report is made for the Vice-Chancellor, who can (a) dismiss the charges, (b) accept and impose any penalty recommended in the report, or (c) refer the matter to a committee on student discipline.
A student disciplinary committee is made up of two academic staff and one student, drawn from members of the Academic Board. The committee hears evidence presented by the University, and can question witnesses and the student appearing before it. If you are called before a disciplinary committee, you can explain your side of the story, and submit a written explanation. You can bring a support person or advisor to the hearing, and be represented by them. You have the right to legal representation if you wish, and Arc can provide this.
Misconduct allegations are presented to the committee by a senior officer of the University or a legally qualified advocate.
Possible consequences of a misconduct finding include:
- Immediate suspension in “urgent circumstances” such as where the safety of University members is threatened
- A fine, not exceeding $1000
- Suspension, exclusion or expulsion from the University
- Lesser penalties including a caution or reprimand.
You are notified of the outcome after the hearing, and you can request a copy of the committee’s reasons. You can appeal any decision of the committee to a Disciplinary Appeals Committee. You need to lodge an appeal within 14 days of receiving notice of the outcome of the hearing.
The full details of the University’s approach to misconduct are found in the Student Misconduct Rules:
https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/academiclife/assessment/StudentMisconductRules.html.
Also relevant is the University’s policy on discrimination and harassment:
http://www.policy.unsw.edu.au/policy/studegrv.htm.
You are entitled to be notified of any allegation of misconduct against you, and to be granted procedural fairness throughout the process.