1. Academic ImproprietyUMF Regulations The Regulatory Framework Marie Ward Head of Student Policy & Regulation

2. Why do students cheat? • Pressure of [paid] work • Lack of clarity [in what they are being asked to do] • Cultural misunderstandings • Poor referencing skills • No understanding of academic requirements • Low risk of detection

3. What can we do about it? • Just saying ‘don’t do it ‘ doesn’t work! • Holistic, co-ordinated, institution wide approach • Emphasis on deterrence not just detection • Placing value on learning • Designing out opportunities for plagiarism in assessment

4. University Modular Framework Regulations Academic Impropriety Appendix C Definitions of cheating, plagiarism & collusion. Procedures for School Investigatory Panels –SIPs. Role of MABs & PABs

5. SIP procedure based upon principles of natural justice Notify student of: • Nature of the allegation • Date of SIP – reasonable notice • Students right to attend the meeting if they choose to • Students right be accompanied by a ‘friend’ • Students right to send and / or table written statement • Advisability of seeking advice – Student Union

6. Composition of Panel • Chair – not a member of programme team • Panel member 1 – not a member of programme team • Panel member 2 – may be a member of programme team, but NOT the member of staff making the allegation. SIP must meet & report prior to the MAB

7. SIP report Report must indicate; • Whether the allegation is proven or not • Whether the decision was unanimous • If there are any mitigating circumstances where appropriate • advise on the seriousness of the incident • Copy of the report to student and to MAB. • Student has right to make a written statement to MAB

8. Role of the MAB • Must accept SIPs decision but it is the responsibility of the MAB to determine penalty. • Decision must be fully minuted • Report all cases to PAB • Case may be escalated to PAB if deemed very serious.

9. Role of PAB • Suspension of students registration for a defined period of time • Exclusion of student from target award • Recommend to the Vice Chancellor that the student is expelled from the University

10. Penalties • Proportionate to the offence • Consistency note: • importance of following due process • Appropriate minutes • students right to challenge on the basis of material irregularity

11. Questions ? Contact Marie Ward m.ward@ljmu.ac.uk Tel: 0151 231 3258