Taking the Stigma out of Academic Misconduct
One of the many issues the Advice Centre supports students with is Academic Misconduct. So, what is Academic Misconduct? Some of the examples of Academic Misconduct stated in Glyndwr’s Academic Integrity Procedure include:
- Plagiarism
- Contracting with a third party to write a piece of work
- Re-use of one’s own material
- Collusion
- Fabrication of data
- Failure to obtain appropriate permission to conduct research
When students are first informed that they are suspected of Academic Misconduct my experience tells me that this is a scary place to be. Students often enter Advice Centre appointments in blind panic saying, “I feel like a criminal” and “I’ve never been in trouble like this before”. They often describe themselves as feeling ashamed and embarrassed.
I always try to put students minds at ease by telling them I have dealt with this a million times before and always reassure them that “I will get you through this” although I cannot always guarantee the outcome obviously.
I have dealt with many Academic Misconduct cases, some minor, some major. Some where it was blatantly obvious that the students intended to deceive the University but for the vast majority this is not the case at all.
In my experience Academic Misconduct most often happens by mistake, forgetting to reference, not paraphrasing properly and on a few occasions the student has submitted the draft rather than the final piece. I can pretty much guarantee that on these occasions each student has been going through a difficult time in their personal lives.
Studying and submitting assessments is stressful enough, but to then be dealing with financial worries, breakdown of relationships, physical or mental health issues and god forbid navigating studies through a global pandemic only adds to that stress. During stressful times if you are anything like me, your brain doesn’t quite operate on full throttle, your typing fingers have a mind of their own and your concentration is……………………sorry what was I saying?
Yes, Academic Misconduct is serious and if upheld by the University can lead to consequences but presenting an open and honest case to the University is the best way forward. The SU Advice Centre will support you with this every step of the way. We will help you to write a statement, advise on any evidence required to support your case and accompany you to any meetings or hearings you may need to attend, with a pack of tissues at the ready just in case.
If you are informed that you are suspected of Academic Misconduct or receive a letter from the University inviting you to go in to discuss DO NOT PANIC! You are not on your own, we are here for you, we don’t judge, we listen and advise on the best way forward to ensure that your case is heard.
To book an appointment with one of our Advisors to discuss your case, please feel free to contact us on: suadvice@glyndwr.ac.uk
Written by Kim Lloyd, SU Advisor
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