please note that this information is aimed at providing general guidance for students, it should not be seen as an authoritative statement of policy and procedures. please also refer to the Academic Misconduct Regulation: 6 (Taught Courses) or 7 (Research Courses) here

the University defines Academic Misconduct (cheating) in assessment as any attempt by a student to gain an unfair advantage in assessment or to aid another to gain such an advantage.

this can take many forms including;

  • *plagiarism
  • *self plagiarism
  • *collusion
  • *cheating in exams
  • *contract cheating 
  • *fabrication of laboratory results

 

it is important to familiarise yourself what the university sees as good academic practices and if needed, seek guidance from Academic Skills Centres, Course Directors and Module leaders for support.

if you are accused of academic misconduct you will be sent a letter (either to your home address or KU email) and a copy of the academic misconduct regulations requesting that you attend a panel hearing to discuss the allegation.

 if you have been requested to attend a hearing it is important that you do the following;

  • *keep notes, working drafts, revision notes etc as hearings can happen weeks, sometimes months after the submission/exam date.
  • *request evidence from the faculty that support their allegation
  • *contact Union of Kingston Student Support for guidance
  • *contact the faculty to confirm whether you can attend or not and inform them whether you are bringing an observer (you can bring with you a family member, friend or a Union of Kingston Student Support Advisor)

 

the panel is normally made up of at least two academic staff members not directly associated with the teaching of the module. at the hearing you will have an opportunity to explain to the panel how you went about undertaking your work, providing evidence to show that the work is your own and why you feel that academic misconduct has not taken place. the panel may also hear from a member of academic staff who is involved in the teaching of the module.

following the hearing, the panel will make a recommendation to the Programme Assessment Board who will make the final decision whether academic misconduct has taken place and if necessary issue a penalty.

the penalties for academic misconduct vary depending on the level of your study and whether this is your first, second or third offence of academic misconduct .

if you are on a professional, regulatory and statuary board courses (for example Nursing, Social Work etc) academic misconduct allegations may also have an impact on your Fitness to Practice.

although we are not working on campus, our advice team are still working remotely if you want to speak to an advisor. you can contact them by completing our online form. we can then either advice by email or arrange a virtual meeting using Zoom or MS Teams.