Have you heard of academic misconduct?

Academic misconduct sometimes can be a new term for many international students to come by. But it is not something completely new to their experience as students from their various backgrounds. It simply means any form of malpractice students could be involved in, whether intentionally or unintentionally, to get higher grades in schoolwork.

All UK universities including University of Dundee frown at Academic misconduct. And any form of it calls for corrections or even penalty from the academic misconduct panel.

Some Examples of Academic Misconduct

1) Plagiarism: This is when one has used a statement or paragraph from another scholar without properly citing the person. Or copying an academic document word for word.

2) Contact writers: paying people to write or do your academic works for you is unacceptable.

3) Collusion: This is forming a group and copying each other for an academic work without appropriate permission from the programme lead or coordinator.

4) False data: Academic misconduct also happens when one submits false or unverified information especially with dissertation and research.

The Consequences of Academic Misconduct 

When students are supposedly caught in any form of academic misconduct, they are invited to a panel hearing. This is a very kind opportunity for the students to explain or defend themselves with maximum support from their schools and students’ union. A decision is then made after the panel. This could be:

1) Reduction in grade

2) Repeating the academic work

3) Failing the course

4) Not being awarded a degree (on grievous cases)

5) Reflection on professional practice (when it involves professional courses)

6) Withdrawal of visa sponsorship (on very grievous cases

What students can do if called for an academic misconduct panel:

> Ask for support from your academic advisor or supervisor.

> The Advice team at DUSA supports all students with any academic misconduct situation, please reach out to them via advice@dusa.co.uk

> Prepare for your panel hearing.

> Attend your panel hearing with a student support officer.

Some useful links:

Academic misconduct by students code of practice

Why we need to talk about academic misconduct for International students in the UK

Guidance to Schools Regarding Academic Misconduct

Book an appointment with an academic skills tutor

DUSA Advice & Support