Academic Misconduct

Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct or academic dishonesty is conduct by which a student seeks to gain an academic advantage for themselves of for another student, for which they are not entitled to; and/or a conduct by which a student improperly disadvantages another student.

Below are just some examples of academic misconduct:

• Plagiarism: This is the act of copying another's original work or ideas and representing it as your own, without the acknowledgement of the relevant author or source by way of reference. These include print and/or electronic media. For example, a student plagiarises if he or she submits the same or substantially the same assignment for two different tasks – this is called self-plagiarism.

• Collusion: This occurs when two or more students work together to in a deceitful way to submit an assignment (which is supposed to be an individual task) as his or her own. For example, a student collaborates with his or her friend on the same assignment (i.e. they work on the assignment at the same time and as a result share their ideas, discuss their answers to the question, provides the same arguments and conclusions, etc.) and both submit a similar assignment.

• Fabrication: altering information or data; or creating fictitious data, citations, etc., and presenting them as legitimate.

• Sabotage: This includes theft of another student's assignment, book, notes, etc., or the removal or destruction of library materials to keep other students from having access.

• Disturbances in the classroom: This includes disrupting classes; failing to comply with the instructions of a lecturer/tutor, causing false bomb threats or fire alarm.

Academic misconduct carries with it serious consequences and penalties, which can range from temporary or permanent exclusion, to suspension from the university. It can also include payment to the university or a third party by way of damages or fines.

Therefore, it is important to seek legal advice if an allegation of academic misconduct has been made against you. The university must ensure that the proper protocol is adhered to when investigating academic misconduct allegations, and to provide each student with procedural fairness.

Angelita Manlangit has successfully defended a number of students alleged of academic misconduct, such as plagiarism and collusion. Contact Sydney Lawyers and Associates Pty Ltd today for immediate legal advice.