Academic Misconduct: Accusations of Online Examination Misconduct

Finding out you’ve been accused of misconduct in an online assessment can be stressful, but take a deep breath—you’re not alone, and there’s a fair process in place to help you navigate it. The University treats academic misconduct seriously, and penalties can range from a formal warning to failing a module or, in extreme cases, expulsion. However, if you have mitigating circumstances, these may be considered.

Academic misconduct in online assessments can include plagiarism, collusion, multiple submission, using generative AI inappropriately, or submitting work that is not your own (such as purchasing model answers or using ghostwriting services). The University uses plagiarism detection software to check for possible academic offences, and staff are trained to identify irregularities in submitted work.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU’RE ACCUSED?

If a marker, plagiarism detection system, or another student raises concerns about your work, the case will be referred to the Chair of the Board of Examiners. They will review the evidence and decide on the next steps. These could include:

No further action – If there’s not enough evidence to support a misconduct claim.
A Panel of Inquiry is arranged – If further investigation is needed, a panel (made up of senior academic staff) will meet to review the case. You’ll be invited to attend.
A preliminary interview (viva) is required – If there are concerns about whether the work is your own, you may be asked to attend a viva (oral interview) to discuss your work in more detail.
Your case is referred to the Student Discipline Process – If the case is serious, it may be escalated for a formal disciplinary hearing.

PREPARING FOR A VIVA (ORAL INTERVIEW)

If you are invited to a viva, don’t panic—this is your chance to confirm that the work is your own. The interview will usually be 30-60 minutes long and conducted by at least two members of academic staff. The goal is not to catch you out but to help establish the authorship of your work.

Here’s how to prepare:

Familiarise yourself with your work – Re-read your submission and think about your research process.
Be ready to explain your ideas – You may be asked about your sources, how you structured your argument, and why you made certain choices.
If you collaborated, be honest about it – If working with peers was allowed but your work is similar to another student’s, be ready to explain how you completed the work.
Seek support – You can bring someone from your College, the ASK SU team, or an academic adviser to the interview for support.

After the viva, the Board of Examiners will decide whether the case should be dismissed or if a formal misconduct panel is needed.

Possible outcomes are:

No further action – The case is dropped if there’s no clear evidence of misconduct.

A formal warning – Given for minor or unintentional issues.

A mark of 0 for the work – If plagiarism, collusion, or inappropriate use of AI is found, you may receive a zero for the assessment, but you may be allowed to resubmit.

A mark of 0 for the module – In more serious cases, you could fail the entire module without a resit opportunity.

Referral to the Student Discipline Process – If the misconduct is deliberate or severe, it may be escalated for disciplinary action, which could include suspension or expulsion.

THE FORMAL MISCONDUCT PANEL

If your case is escalated to a formal misconduct panel, you will receive at least five working days’ notice of the meeting. You will also receive a copy of the evidence and be invited to respond. The panel will include senior academic staff, and you will be asked about your work and any mitigating circumstances.

Make sure to:

Carefully review the evidence before the meeting and note anything you disagree with.
Be prepared to explain your work and how you completed it.
Provide supporting evidence if personal circumstances affected your assessment.
Bring someone for support – You can be accompanied by a College staff member, an academic adviser, or a member of the ASK SU team.

After the panel, you will be informed of the outcome in writing.

WRITING A STATEMENT

If your case goes to a formal hearing, you may want to submit a written statement. Keep it clear, factual, and professional. Explain what happened before and during your assessment, acknowledge any mistakes (if applicable), and provide context if personal circumstances played a role. If you believe there has been a misunderstanding, address it calmly. You can seek help from an academic adviser, College staff, or the ASK SU team when drafting your statement.

APPEALS

If you don’t agree with the outcome, you may be able to appeal:

Academic decisions (e.g., penalties affecting marks) can be appealed through the academic appeals process. You have 14 days to submit an appeal.
Disciplinary decisions can be appealed through the Student Discipline Process. You have 21 days to submit an appeal to the Council Student Appeals Committee. The penalty could be reduced, increased, or remain the same.

If you have exhausted the University’s appeals process, you may also be able to take your case to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator, where you have 12 months to submit a complaint.

GETTING SUPPORT

You don’t have to go through this alone. There are people and resources available to help:

Your Department – Can clarify assessment rules and expectations.
ASK SU team – Provides independent advice and support.
College Support Staff – Available for academic and personal guidance.
Academic Advisers – Can help you prepare for meetings and understand University policies.
Advice and Help Services – Can assist with reviewing case documents, writing statements, and attending hearings with you.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Being accused of academic misconduct in an online assessment can be unsettling, but this process is in place to ensure fairness and allow you to explain your side. Stay calm, be honest, and reach out for support if you need it.

No matter the outcome, this can be a learning experience. Understanding assessment rules, managing deadlines, and making sure your work is fully your own can help prevent future issues. If you’re ever unsure about what’s allowed, ask your department—they want to see you succeed. You’ve got this!