“Academic misconduct is deemed to cover all deliberate attempt(s) to gain an unfair advantage in assessments. This includes cheating, plagiarism, unauthorised collusion or any other deliberate attempt to gain an unfair advantage in summatively assessed work” (Academic Misconduct Policy 2018)

Cheating – Unauthorised materials during an exam, falsification of data, unauthorised use of mobile phones or submitting materials from third-party services such as ‘Essay-mills’.

Plagiarism – copying another person’s work and representing it as your own.

Collusion – A conscious collaboration without official approval between 2 or more students.

The Academic Misconduct Panel (AMP) consists of three academic staff members, at least 2 of which will not significantly be known to you. There will also be a note taker, the academic staff member who has brought the allegation forward, yourself and a friend or JMSU representative.

The allegation will be stated, questions will be asked is regards to this. You will then state your case – you may also be asked questions. You and your presenting officers will be asked to leave. You will then be given the outcome within 5 working days by letter.

It is advised to Submit a written statement to the panel. Highlight how you researched and structured your work, your understating of the allegation and if you have been taught about misconduct during your time at university. If applicable, the intent behind using another’s work if you did and what you will do to ensure that academic misconduct doesn’t happen in future. Be honest and clear about your actions.

The University uses a points-based tariff when an allegation of academic misconduct is proven. The penalty recommendation is sent to the Board of Examiners and the penalty is applied. If the penalty allows for a referral, and you still have a referral opportunity left, you will be able to redo the assessment – though it will be capped at the module pass mark.

If the allegation is proven against you, you have the right to appeal the outcome. Depending on the outcome, you will have to follow one of the two appeal routes:

1. Appealing the decision of the AMP where the recommendation is not expulsion.
   1. You have 10 working days from the formal notification of the outcome from the AMP to submit the Academic and Academic Misconduct Appeals form.
2. Appealing the decision of the AMP where the recommendation is expulsion.
   1. Appeal against expulsion route. You have 10 working days from the formal decision letter following the approval of the vice-chancellor. The appeal is a statement from yourself stating which grounds the appeal is based on. For example, if the process wasn’t followed correctly or you believe the outcome was unreasonable. You can read the University’s Appeal against Expulsion procedure and determine if you have grounds for the appeal.

If your appeal is deemed eligible, you will attend an Expulsion Appeal Panel (EAP). It will consist of the chair of the panel – member of the Board of Governors, member of university staff representing the Academic Board and the President of JMSU or a nominee from their sabbatical officers.