Responding to academic misconduct
Consider these steps and suggestions when preparing a response:
- Reflect on your position
- How do you wish to respond to the allegation?
- What details would help explain your perspective?
- Document your process
- Describe how you completed the assessment.
- Outline your research and writing approach.
- Address the evidence
- Can you explain any errors or discrepancies identified?
- Were there extenuating circumstances that affected your work?
- Are there alternative explanations for the concerns raised?
- Gather supporting materials
- What evidence demonstrates your original work process?
- Can you provide drafts, research notes or source materials?
- Consider your response method
- If you have detailed questions about the specific issues, an interview allows for discussion and exploration of how concerns may have occurred.
- A written response works well when you have clear documentation to provide.
Both approaches give you the opportunity to fully explain your academic process and address the concerns raised.
As honesty is one of the pillars of Academic Integrity at 淘片资源网, your willingness to engage with this process is taken into consideration when assessing this allegation.
The type of evidence that strengthens your response depends on the specific allegation.
The key is demonstrating your authentic engagement with the learning process through comprehensive documentation of your work.
Unauthorised use of Artificial Intelligence (Plagiarism):
- Assessment preparation process and examples.
- Original drafts (download original, unmodified versions created and last modified prior to assessment submission - don’t ‘save as’). Refer to your version history if required.
- Examples of how you researched your assessment task/topic.
- Research notes and reference materials used during the development of your assessment.
- Detailed explanations showing your understanding of the content, course connections and the assessment task, your thought processes, and learning experience.
- Any additional context to supporting authenticity of the work produced.
Plagiarism
- Original drafts (download original, unmodified versions created and last modified prior to assessment submission - don’t ‘save as’). Refer to your version history if required.
- Research notes and reference materials used during the development of your assessment.
- Examples of how you researched your task/topic.
Cheating
- Original drafts (download original, unmodified versions created and last modified prior to assessment submission - don’t ‘save as’). Refer to your version history if required.
- Examples of how you researched your assessment task/topic.
- Research notes and reference materials used during the development of your assessment.
- Detailed explanations showing your understanding of the content, course connections and the assessment task, your thought processes, and learning experience.
- File management and archiving processes.
- Proof of location, ISP/VPN, and authorship verification.
- Any additional context to supporting authenticity of the work produced
Collusion
- Drafts and research notes used in your preparation.
- Examples of how you researched your assessment task/topic.
- Proof of location, ISP/VPN, and authorship verification.
- File management and archiving processes
Contract Cheating
- Examples of how you researched your assessment task/topic.
- Research notes and reference materials used during the development of your assessment.
- Original drafts (download original, unmodified versions created and last modified prior to assessment submission - don’t ‘save as’). Refer to your version history if required.
- File management and archiving processes.
- Proof of location.
- Proof of ISP or VPN provider.
- Proof of document authorship/Microsoft Account information etc.
- Detailed explanations showing your understanding of the content, course connections and the assessment task, your thought processes, and learning experience.
- Any additional context to supporting authenticity of the work produced.
Misrepresentation and Falsification
- Original drafts (download original, unmodified versions created and last modified prior to assessment submission - don’t ‘save as’). Refer to your version history if required.
- Examples of how you researched your assessment task/topic.
- Referencing software used when preparing your assignment.
- Detailed explanations of your research and selected sources demonstrating your understanding of the content and how it relates to your assessment task.
Contact the for assistance preparing your response. They can provide feedback on your response draft to ensure clarity and appropriate tone.
Structure your response
- Write a brief statement to introduce your response. This might include:
- Allegation reference number
- Acknowledgment of the opportunity to respond
- Statement of your approach (addressing some/all points of allegation)
- Your position: either acknowledging the allegation with explanation, or disputing it with supporting evidence
- Reference to attached evidence.
- The main body of your response provides a chance to:
- Analyse and list each statement in the allegation.
- Address each point systematically with clear explanations.
- Reference relevant supporting evidence.
- Include any extenuating circumstances that provide context, reason or insight into the alleged academic misconduct
- Finalise your letter by:
- Acknowledging the opportunity to respond.
- Reminding the decision-maker of evidence provided.
Tips and best practices
- Provide comprehensive detail in your response
- Maintain a calm, factual, and non-emotional tone
- Collect strong supporting evidence for all explanations
- Submit by replying directly to the allegation email within the required timeframe.
Important note: Honesty and transparency are core academic integrity values. If acknowledging fault, your openness and engagement in the process will be considered, though penalties may still apply.
Next steps
You may receive follow-up questions for clarification. The School Academic Integrity Lead will review all evidence and send your outcome via student email.
What to expect
You'll receive an email with interview details (date, time, Zoom link) from the Academic Integrity Unit.
The School Academic Integrity Lead will conduct the interview, possibly with a subject matter expert like your Course Coordinator. You may be asked to demonstrate your understanding of course content through verbal questions where relevant.
The interview allows the School Academic Integrity Lead to discuss the allegation with you, review available evidence, and give you the opportunity to respond. It’s also a chance for you to learn about academic misconduct and ask questions about your review.
Preparing for the interview
Interviews provide a safe, supportive environments to respond to your allegation. Good preparation will help you remain stay calm and respond thoughtfully.
- Follow the written response preparation tips above to organise your response and contact the for interview support.
- Be familiar with the content of your written response.
- Consider bringing a support person – this could be a Student Guild Advocacy Officer or other support person but cannot be legal representation. Your support person cannot present on your behalf but they may be important for helping you feel at ease and recalling details afterwards.
- Think about potential questions you may be asked and how you might respond, such as, 'Can you explain the minimal editing time for your assignment?'.
- Prepare your own questions about the allegation, process, or academic integrity.
During the interview
- Listen carefully and take time to respond honestly and thoughtfully
- Don’t rush your answers.
- After the interview
- Check with your support person that you understood any instructions or comments from the interviewer (if you bring one).
- Review the interview notes sent to your student email – you have 5 university business days to indicate any disagreements.
- Submit any supporting evidence requested during the interview by replying to the email that provided you with your interview details.
- Consider seeing a 淘片资源网 Counsellor if you feel stressed - it’s normal to find this process challenging.
You can also provide a written response in addition to your interview – just communicate this intention and meet the written response deadline.
Decision process
The School Academic Integrity Lead will review all evidence and your response to determine an outcome. You’ll be receive the decision via your student email as soon as possible.
We recognise that situations like this can feel overwhelming, and you don't have to navigate it alone. 淘片资源网 offers a range of free and confidential support services that you’re welcome to access at any time.
Student Guild Advocacy Support
The offers free and confidential support to assist you throughout the investigation process. They can help you understand your allegation details and prepare your response.
Book an appointment with an Advocacy Officer who can assist with preparation and can accompany you as a support person if you choose the interview option.
To book an appointment, complete the as soon as possible or contact the Student Guild directly via email at advocacy@studentguild.com.au or free call 1800 076 301.
Student Success Advisors
with a Student Success Advisor for help with:
- Understanding the and potential
- Learning about your rights and responsibilities
- Planning your next steps and identifying additional resources
- Accessing personal support and assistance if needed
A Student Success Advisor will be in touch with you regarding your allegation letter. If you prefer, you can for assistance at your convenience.
Wellbeing Services
For personal support, 淘片资源网 offers free, confidential, and professional Wellbeing Services.
You can book an appointment online, email supportforlearning@unisq.edu.au, or call +61 7 4631 2372.
If you’d prefer to explore community counselling services, your General Practitioner (GP) can provide referrals, or you can call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), available 24/7.