Academic misconduct process

The University is committed to ensuring academic misconduct proceedings are transparent, fair and follow the principles of natural justice.

If an allegation is made against you, you will always be informed. You'll be given the chance to review the evidence, respond in writing or in person, and submit your own evidence before any decision is made.

This page outlines the academic misconduct process, from identifying and reporting a suspected breach through to the final outcome.

Identifying and reporting suspected breaches

  • The University is proactive in detecting breaches of student academic integrity standards. This includes:

    • Supporting students to confidentially report suspected breaches or the activities of cheating companies
    • Manual review and monitoring by staff for indicators of suspected breaches
    • The use of technology to monitor and detect breaches.

    Reporting a potential breach of academic integrity does not automatically result in an allegation of misconduct.

    Every report is carefully reviewed in line with the process outlined on this page. This ensures a fair and thorough assessment before any allegation is made.

  • Students may report suspected breaches by contacting their subject coordinator or by contacting the Office of Student Academic Integrity .

    Members of the public may also report suspected breaches by contacting Office of Student Academic Integrity . University staff must use the reporting webform.

Discussing your work

There may be times where you are asked to discuss the work you have submitted for assessment. This might involve explaining what your work means, why you included specific concepts or ideas, or being asked to share drafts or other documents related to the development of your work.

Being asked to discuss your work is not an allegation of academic misconduct. However, it can be part of the process used to identify or rule out any potential breaches of academic integrity.

Process

The steps below outline what happens after a suspected breach is reported. They describe the complete process for reviewing, investigating, and hearing to reports.

Each suspected breach report is assigned to a case manager. The case manager will conduct a review of the case details to decide if there is merit to refer the suspected breach to proceed as a formal allegation of academic misconduct.

As part of the review, the case manager may contact students to gather additional information. This could include asking students to discuss their work with an academic or to provide other documents.

You are not obliged to participate in this part of the process if you don’t want to.

If a case manager decides there is sufficient merit to proceed, the allegation must be approved by a senior academic or senior professional staff member. If approved, you will receive a written allegation notice sent to your official University email address or the most recent email address on file.

The allegation notice will include details of the allegation, possible outcomes, support services available, and instructions on how to respond.

You will always be given the opportunity to respond by:

  • Providing a written explanation or submission of evidence, and/or
  • Being heard, in person or via videoconference, by the case decision-maker(s).

Responding to an allegation

If you have received an allegation notice, it’s strongly recommended that you seek advice and support from the Student Union Advocacy Service (SUAS) before responding.

SUAS is a free, confidential service, independent of the University, and funded by your Services and Amenities Fee. They can provide you with advice to assist you in navigating the academic misconduct process.

Hearings are the process where the outcome of an academic misconduct allegation is determined. During the hearing, the decision-maker will consider the allegation(s), the supporting evidence provided, and your response; and decide on the balance of probabilities whether the allegation is upheld or dismissed.

You may attend the hearing if you wish, provide a written submission, or a combination of both. You may also bring a support person to the hearing.

After an academic misconduct allegation has been heard and a decision has been made, you will receive a written outcome within five University business days. The written outcome will include:

  • The decision to uphold or dismiss the allegation(s)
  • Any penalties imposed
  • The reasons for both the decision and the penalty
  • Information about your right to appeal
  • Guidance on accessing support and advice from the Student Union Advocacy Service (SUAS).

If the allegation is upheld, the decision-maker may impose one or more penalties. These penalties are determined based on the standard penalty range outlined in Schedule 1: Academic Misconduct. Penalty determination will include the extent of the breach and other mitigating or exacerbating circumstances.

Record keeping

Academic misconduct is managed using the University case management system. Records are retained in the case management system and the University's official records management system. Records may be made available to persons internal or external to the University as per the Privacy Policy (MPF1104).

Appeals

You may lodge an appeal with the Academic Secretary within 20 working days of the receiving the outcome.

Detailed information about appeals.