Warwick academic misconduct: what to do and deadlines

Read the university's letter first. It should tell you what academic misconduct is suspected, which panel or stage the case has reached, and what date or meeting it mentions. The pages we read say an Academic Conduct Panel Chair first assesses whether the allegation is likely to be upheld. If it is unlikely, the case is referred back to the module leader under the earlier provision. If it is likely, the Chair writes to you to say the assessment is being considered by an Academic Conduct Panel, sets out what misconduct is suspected, and invites you to submit a written statement, attend the panel meeting, or both. Choosing not to attend the Academic Conduct Panel meeting alone should not be taken as an indication of guilt. The Academic Conduct Panel will consider the assessed work and your written statement, if relevant, including any admission of guilt and any implications for other students in cases of suspected collusion.

What the panel will ask you to do

The case can go to an Academic Conduct Panel or, in serious cases, an institution-level Academic Integrity Panel. The Academic Integrity Panel decides allegations under section B4.4 and must not include any member of your department. It is drawn from teaching staff from all faculties. Departmental Academic Conduct Panels make recommendations to the Head of Department, who applies the sanction. For an Academic Integrity Panel meeting, the university aims to provide the statement of allegations and copies of supporting evidence at least five University Working Days before the meeting. The pages we read do not state a fixed time limit for your written response. Check your own letter for any response date, or ask the university contact named there.

Evidence, proof and your response

The university must prove suspected academic misconduct to the balance of probabilities: more likely than not. If you claim mitigation or another defence, you bear the burden of proving that. Your response should deal with the allegation itself and any mitigation you actually rely on. Use true evidence. Keep copies of what you submit and any correspondence. Do not alter documents. If evidence comes up, it must be genuine. Read the statement of allegations closely and answer the points the university has raised. You can contact the Students Union – Advice Centre for free help understanding the process and preparing your response.

If a sanction is applied

An Academic Conduct Panel can reduce the mark for the assessed work, down to zero. It can require resubmission of the original work with revised referencing for a capped mark, or require a new piece of work for a reduced or capped mark. If the Head of Department informs you of the sanction, you may request within ten University Working Days that the case is considered by an Academic Integrity Panel. You must provide evidence to the Head of Department of why you feel the sanction applied is unreasonable; the Head of Department will then make a report to the Academic Registrar. The Academic Registrar determines whether referral to an Academic Integrity Panel is appropriate or whether there is no case to answer. The pages we read call this a request. They do not call it an appeal, and the appeal section gives no separate time limit. If you are thinking about this step, contact the Students Union – Advice Centre.