Student Advice - Discipline
When the Faculty staff believe that a student has acted improperly they can report the matter to the Faculty administrator. If the faculty believe the matter should be investigated a Faculty Discipline Committee can be organised to look at the evidence and interview the student. If the committee finds the student has acted improperly, the student will be given a penalty
What's cheating?
"Cheating" is defined as "seeking to obtain an unfair advantage in any examination, or in any other word for assessment". This includes plagiarism, collusion, taking previously prepared notes into an exam where it is not allowed, and copying. The penalties that may be imposed range from a failing the subject that has involved cheating, to a fine, up to suspension for a semester or permanent exclusion. A lecturer initially deals with cheating in an assignment, but if it is considered serious it may be referred immediately to the Discipline Committee. The exams staff also report students to their Faculty for consideration of their case.
What's Plagiarism?
The Business Faculty Secretariat Website states under Collusion, collaboration, plagiarism and cheating: "Plagiarism is regarded as a form of theft and the Pocket Oxford Dictionary defines "plagiarise" as " publish borrowed thoughts &c as original; steal (thoughts), steal from (work, author)". Plagiarism is therefore "theft" and is a serious offence".
Under the Plagiarism and Cheating Procedures in the University Secretariat Website there is a specific mention of students accused of plagiarism: " A staff member is not asked to decide that the student has definitely cheated, only that there are reasonable grounds to believe that he/she has".
There are a number of factors that might be taken into consideration when deciding whether plagiarism was unintentional, including:
- the student is in the first year of the course
- the student might have been taught to copy from authorities
- the amount that has been plagiarised
- the student has made an inadequate attempt at referencing.
General discipline
The University Regulations provide for a range of Discipline charges that can result in penalties ranging from fines to exclusion. Some General discipline concerns include damaging University property, threatening the others such as misuse of dangerous equipment, not following reasonable directions, physical or verbal assault, unauthorised copying of computer software, and interfering with the orderly conduct of classes.
How you can prepare for a discipline hearing
Before you attend a hearing you should consider preparing a statement to either present to the committee or to guide your own answers during the hearing. Remember the committee are likely to ask you questions about your actions so you should think about possible questions that someone might ask and what you would say in reply.
Write out what happened during the incident:
- Before the exam/assignment
- During the exam/assignment
- After the exam/assignment
- Explain why you did or did not cheat/plagiarise
Then write out what various penalties and explain your background to the committee:
- Explain your background and give examples to show you are trustworthy
- Explain why cheating/plagiarism is unlike you
- Explain what exclusion/suspension would mean to you
- Explain what failing the subject would mean to you
- Explain what a fine (up to $500) would mean to you
- Ask for the committee to either understand or forgive your actions
On the day of the committee:
- Dress smart with neat appearance
- Be there before or on time
- Consider how long will it take you to get to the interview?
- Find out where the room is located
- Remember all documents or letters such as assignments, references, statements from fellow students.
When you are inside the hearing try to make eye contact and speak to all members. Try to talk as long as you need, speak in sentences and don't rush words. Don't just give yes and no answers, explain the whole situation to the hearing. Remember to be polite and be strong.
It is highly recommended that you contact student rights to assist you with your preparation and to attend the hearing with you. |
