If a student is suspected of Academic Misconduct they will be invited to discuss the allegation under the Academic Integrity Procedure.
Academic integrity means being honest, trustworthy, diligent, fair and respectful, and is about ensuring the integrity of a student’s work and ultimately the award they receive from Bangor University. This Academic Integrity Procedure applies to issues in both examinations and coursework.
Academic misconduct includes issues of plagiarism, collusion, cheating, breach of examination regulations, fabrication of data, impersonation of others or the use of essay banks or mills for assessment.
We realise that some students may have not referenced adequately or over-relied on referenced material with insufficient independent academic input. This would come under the term poor academic practice. In these instances we would strongly advise the students to get in touch with the University’s Study Skills Service (link page), who can provide great advice and support on assignment structure and referencing.
Process
Students are usually asked to attend a meeting within their school, when the University suspects that some form of academic misconduct has occurred. The purpose of the meeting is to find out if academic misconduct has taken place. If it is found to have taken place, then the panel will decide on the appropriate action depending on the severity of the misconduct.
In some more serious or reoccurring cases, the student will be invited to a panel of enquiry. This will consist of a panel with several members of staff across the University. You will be read out the allegation and be given the opportunity to answer the allegation and provide any evidence. As with School level, if academic if found to have taken place, then the panel will decide on the appropriate action depending on the severity of the misconduct.
Special Circumstances
Special circumstances cannot be used to justify academic misconduct but can be taken into account when a penalty is imposed.
You can present details of your special circumstances when an allegation has been made, however, it must be directly relevant to the allegation of academic misconduct made against you. In order for your special circumstances to be taken into consideration, you will need to present the necessary details, along with supporting evidence before the hearing.
How can the Students’ Union help?
If you are accused of plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct, the Students’ Union can:
1. Explain the regulations and guide you through the process
2. Advise you on potential penalties
3. Assist you in putting a statement together
4. Advise you on what additional evidence you can submit
5. Attend the hearing with you
6. Assist you in appealing any decision
