King's plagiarism, cheating or AI accusation: next steps

Read your letter and check the meeting

King's looks at possible plagiarism, cheating or unauthorised AI use through its academic misconduct process. Stage One is an Academic Integrity Meeting (AIM) with staff. The pages we read do not state a deadline for replying to the first letter about the concern. Check your own letter for any date or instruction, and ask KCLSU Advice if it is unclear. Keep copies of the letter, the meeting notes and anything you send.

The AIM is not a hearing. The pages we read say the meeting is informal and exploratory. It is normally with two staff members from a list that includes the module leader, programme leader or deputy, ASB Chair or nominee, Programme Manager or personal tutor. You may be accompanied by another King's community member, including a KCLSU representative, or by a friend or family member. Your accompanying person may advise and assist you, but you are expected to communicate with the department representatives directly. The Chair will invite your KCLSU Representative to make representation on your behalf at the end of the meeting.

What happens at Stage One

At the AIM, staff may ask you to explain your answers, ideas, concepts or references. The pages we read say this is appropriate where the concern involves third-party involvement or doubts about authorship. Prepare to explain your own work and the points raised in your letter. Do not invent or exaggerate a reason. If you rely on evidence, it must be true.

After the AIM, you will receive notes of the discussion and a copy of the materials discussed. If you forgot to mention something in the AIM, or have other information you want the department to consider before it makes a decision, you may submit that within 5 working days from the date you were sent the meeting notes. The clock starts from the date the notes were sent, not from the meeting date. Keep a copy of anything you submit.

Sending information after the meeting

The 5-working-day window is for further information after the AIM. It does not replace the meeting. If you are not sure what to send, read the meeting notes first. Check that your information is relevant to the concern and that it is true. The official pages we read do not state what form the further information must take. Check your meeting notes or ask KCLSU Advice.

You can send information if you forgot to mention something in the AIM or have other information the department should consider before it decides. Do not send new records of past events that you have created for the case. If evidence comes up, it must be true evidence. Keep copies of emails, submissions and receipts.

Outcomes and Stage Two

After the AIM, staff make a recommendation to, or consult with, the ASB Chair or their nominee. The ASB Chair or nominee decides the Stage One outcome. The possible Stage One decisions are: no case, poor academic practice, a Stage One penalty, or referral to Stage Two. If there are concerns of a serious nature, the ASB Chair or nominee may also consult SCA for advice.

Outcomes can include cancelling the assessment results with a mark of zero, a capped pass mark, a formal warning, and suspension or expulsion. The pages we read do not state a single outcome for every case. Some cases are referred to a Misconduct Committee at Stage Two. The pages we read say the ASB Chair will determine the Stage One outcome within five working days after receiving any further relevant information from you.

If a Misconduct Committee decides your case

If a Misconduct Committee at Stage Two decides your case, you can appeal by submitting a Misconduct Appeal Form within 10 working days of the date of the Committee outcome. The appeal is on set grounds. The pages we read do not list the grounds, so check the form and the university's page. Forms received after the deadline will only be accepted at the discretion of the Vice-Chancellor & President.

The Vice-Chancellor & President will normally advise you of the decision on the appeal within 30 working days of receipt. If the appeal is to be heard, an Appeal Committee will be appointed. If the appeal is rejected, reasons will be given. The decision and outcome of an Appeal Committee will normally be sent to you within five working days of the date of the decision of the Appeal Committee.