Academic Misconduct: Escalation to Senate Discipline Committee

Finding out that your case has been escalated to the Senate Discipline Committee (SDC) can feel overwhelming, but don’t panic. This process is designed to be fair, and you’ll have the opportunity to explain your side of the story. What happens next depends on factors like the severity of the case, whether it’s your first offence, and how it affects your overall grades.

PREPARING FOR THE HEARING

If your case goes to the SDC, you’ll get at least two weeks’ notice before the hearing. This gives you time to prepare, and you’ll also receive documents outlining the case against you. These might include reports, statements, and evidence such as Turnitin similarity reports or exam records. Make sure you go through these carefully—if you spot any inaccuracies, raise them during the meeting.

At the hearing, you’ll be asked about what happened, whether you admit to the allegations, and how well you understand the University’s academic integrity rules. You’ll also have the chance to explain any personal circumstances that might have contributed to the situation. If stress, illness, or other personal challenges played a role, bring along supporting evidence like a doctor’s note or a statement from College support services.

THE HEARING PROCESS

The SDC meeting might sound intimidating, but it’s really a structured discussion about what happened. The panel will ask about:

The details of the alleged misconduct
Your understanding of academic integrity rules
Any personal circumstances that may have influenced the situation
What steps you’ve taken to prevent it from happening again

You don’t have to face this alone! You can bring a support person, such as a College representative, an academic adviser, or a member of the ASK SU team, to help you feel more confident.

WRITING A STATEMENT

You might want to submit a written statement before the hearing to clearly present your side of the story. Here’s what to include:

A factual and honest explanation of what happened
Acknowledgement of any mistakes, if applicable
Context around personal circumstances that may have influenced your actions
Any misunderstandings, such as issues with group work rules or referencing
Reflection on what you’ve learned and how you’ll avoid issues in the future

If you’re unsure how to write your statement, reach out for support—an adviser, tutor, or the ASK SU team can help you structure it effectively.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The SDC will review your case and let you know their decision in writing within seven days. The possible outcomes include:

No further action – If they find no misconduct took place.
A warning and guidance – If it was a minor issue or a misunderstanding.
Partial marking – If only some parts of your work are original.
A mark of 0 for the work – A common penalty for more serious cases.
A mark of 0 for the whole module – Usually given for severe or repeat offences.
Referral for further disciplinary action – In extreme cases, the committee may escalate the matter, which could lead to suspension or expulsion.

APPEALS PROCESS

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

Academic penalties (e.g., marks reduction) can be appealed through the academic appeals process within 14 days.
Disciplinary penalties can be appealed through the Student Discipline Process within 21 days, but note that penalties can stay the same, be reduced, or even be increased.

If you’ve gone through all the University’s appeal steps and still believe the decision was unfair, you may be able to take your case to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) within 12 months.

GETTING SUPPORT

You don’t have to navigate this alone. There are plenty of places to turn for help:

Your Department – Can clarify academic integrity rules and expectations.
ASK SU – Provides independent advice and support.
College Support Staff – Can offer both academic and personal guidance.
Academic Advisers – Help you understand university regulations and prepare for hearings.
Academic Skills Centre – Provides resources to help you develop better academic practices.

Facing an academic misconduct case can be stressful, but this is a chance to present your perspective and learn from the experience. Stay calm, be honest, and reach out for support when you need it. Mistakes happen, and the University’s process is designed to be fair and take personal circumstances into account. By understanding the rules and making improvements—whether it’s better referencing, clearer collaboration boundaries, or better time management—you can move forward with confidence. If you need help, just ask—there are people ready to support you!