What is Academic Misconduct?
Academic misconduct involves doing anything that gives you or another student an unfair advantage in an assessment. It can relate to all methods of assessment (coursework, exams), as well as both summative and formative assessment. This applies to all current students, including FE and HE, as well as undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research students. Below are some of the more common forms of academic misconduct –
- Plagiarism: Plagiarism is using someone else's ideas or words without giving them proper credit. It can affect a significant portion of a project or just a few poorly referenced lines. According to the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), intentional or unintentional plagiarism falls under academic misconduct. This includes using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools that exceed what is permitted in your assessment brief. If you are unsure whether you can use GenAI, make sure you carefully read your assessment brief.
- Self-plagiarism: Using parts of an assignment previously submitted in the course for a later assignment.
- Collusion: Collusion is when two or more students work together to complete an assessment in a manner that is not allowed by the regulations for that particular assessment. This includes submitting identical pieces of work, which is prohibited. Sharing your work with another student can also be considered collusion if it gives them an unfair advantage.
- Cheating: Cheating refers to any endeavour to receive or provide aid in any exam or assessment without proper acknowledgement. This can include bringing notes into a closed-book exam or trying to communicate with other students during the exam. This also includes contract cheating.
Academic misconduct would also include falsification (inventing or distorting data, evidence, references, citations, or experimental results) and deceit (which can cover any other forms of dishonesty intended to give you an advantage).
UHI distinguishes between minor and major academic misconduct based on the severity of the offence and the circumstances. The members of the Academic Misconduct Panel determine the penalty.
If you have been accused of academic misconduct, don't hesitate to contact the Advice Service. We may be able to support you through any informal or formal procedures.
Resources:
UHI Academic Regulations 2024 - Section 19: Academic misconduct policy and procedure
❓ Academic Misconduct & Appeals – Student FAQs
Q: What is academic misconduct?
A: Academic misconduct is any action that gives you, or could be perceived to give you, an unfair academic advantage. It includes:
- Plagiarism: using someone else’s words or ideas without proper referencing.
- Collusion: working with others on individual assessments.
- Contract cheating: getting someone else to write your work or using essay mills.
- Fabrication: making up data or sources.
- Unauthorised use of AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Grammarly) when not permitted.
Always check your module guidance and ask your lecturer if you’re unsure.
Q: What happens if I’m suspected of academic misconduct?
A: If there is a concern about your work, the process usually follows these stages:
- Informal meeting: You’ll be invited to meet with academic staff to discuss the concerns.
- Formal investigation: If the concern is serious and has not been resolved informally, it is referred for formal investigation.
- Academic Misconduct Panel: For major cases, a panel will be convened to determine whether misconduct occurred and to decide on the appropriate penalty.
You have the right to bring someone with you (a "friend") or can ask for support from the HISA Advice Service at any stage.
Q: Can I use AI (like ChatGPT) in my coursework?
A: Only if your tutor has clearly said it is allowed and you follow proper referencing guidelines. Unauthorised or undeclared use of AI is considered academic misconduct. Even if you only used it for planning or grammar, it must be acknowledged if required by your module.
Always check your assessment brief, ask your lecturer, or view the latest GAI Guidance for UHI students here.
Q: What are the penalties for academic misconduct?
A: Penalties vary depending on the seriousness, whether it is a first offence and the level of study (e.g. FE, Undergraduate, Postgraduate). They may include:
- A written warning
- A mark penalty (e.g. capped resubmission)
- Failing the assessment or module
- Temporary suspension
- Permanent exclusion (in severe or repeated cases)
Panels also consider intent and cooperation when deciding outcomes. Further information on penalties can be found in Section 19 of the regulations.
Q: Can I appeal a misconduct decision?
A: Yes. You can appeal the outcome of an academic misconduct investigation or panel decision, but only on specific grounds:
- The penalty didn’t follow the academic misconduct rules
- The penalty was unreasonable
- There was a procedural error or irregularity
- There was bias or unfair treatment
- New evidence is available that couldn’t be presented earlier
Appeals must normally be submitted within 10 working days. The Advice Service can support you in drafting your appeal.
Q: What are mitigating circumstances, and when should I apply?
A: Mitigating circumstances are serious personal issues that affect your ability to complete work. This might include:
- Bereavement
- Illness or injury
- Family or caring responsibilities
- Mental health issues
Apply as soon as possible through UHI’s mitigating circumstances process. You’ll usually need supporting evidence (e.g. doctor’s note, hospital letter).
Q: What if I didn’t know I was doing something wrong?
A: Not knowing the rules doesn’t always prevent a finding of misconduct, but panels will consider your intent and level of understanding. Being honest and cooperative makes a difference, especially in first-time cases.
You are still responsible for understanding academic integrity rules, but the Advice Service can help you reflect on what went wrong and how to move forward.
Q: Can I bring someone with me to a misconduct meeting or panel?
A: Yes. You can bring a "friend" to support you at any stage. This can be:
- A HISA Advice Service advisor
- Another student
- A staff member from Student Support Services or PAT
Please note that this does not include a solicitor or legal representative acting in a professional capacity.
Q: How can the Advice Service help me if I’m facing academic misconduct allegations?
A: The service offers confidential, independent support throughout the process. We can:
- Help you understand the allegations and next steps
- Review your draft statements or responses
- Attend meetings with you for moral support or note-taking
- Support you through appeals and representation if needed
You don’t have to go through this alone – we’re here to help.
Still have questions? Contact the HISA Advice Service – we’re happy to support you.