Student Academic Misconduct (including Examination Misconduct)

Academic honesty means always giving full credit for any other people's contributions to our own achievements (i.e. by full and correct referencing) and never falsifying the results of any research.

Academic honesty is fundamental to the values promoted by the University and no student should be allowed to obtain for themselves, or for someone else, an unfair advantage as a result of academic dishonesty, whether this is by plagiarism, collusion with another, cheating, or other means.

The University takes any instances of academic misconduct very seriously and expects all of its students to behave in a manner which upholds the principles of academic honesty.

Information about the principles and procedures which will be observed by the University when dealing with an allegation of academic misconduct by both currently registered students and alumni of the University can be found by clicking on the following links:

Student Academic Misconduct

The University uses plagiarism detection tools and will submit students' assessments for originality checking against an archive of previously submitted work, web pages and journal articles. All students' work submitted in this way is then anonymously stored in their archive for use in future checks. By submitting coursework you confirm that all material in the assignment which is not your own work has been properly identified and referenced and that it has not, in whole or part, been presented elsewhere for assessment. You also confirm your consent to the University copying and distributing any or all of your work in any form and using third parties (who may be based outside the EU/EEA) to monitor breaches of regulations, to verify whether your work contains plagiarised material, and for quality assurance purposes.

Advice from the Students' Guild/SU:

With plagarism and collusion cases you may be called to a meeting. Please note that providing a written statement in defence of allegations is always helpful to all concerned. It will help clarify what happened and why, and put events into a timeline. It will help anyone considering your case to see what may have happened and prepare any questions ahead of a meeting being called. If you are submitting a written statement please bear in mind the date that any written material needs to be provided to the University. You have the right to take a "member of the University" with you for support - this can be a fellow student, staff from the Students' Guild/FXU, or a member of staff.

For further information please visit: http://www.exeterguild.org/advice/academicsupport/ or for Cornwall based students please visit: https://www.thesu.org.uk/advice/

Exam Misconduct

There are important rules concerning exam conduct that all students, regardless of Faculty or level of study, are expected to follow. These are available online her: Guidance to Candidates.

Students who are caught breaking this guidance will be treated in accordance with the University's Assessment, Progression and Awarding Handbook, Chapter 12 - academic conduct and practice, which lists the following offences specifically relevant to exams:

The use or possession of unauthorised books, notes, software, electronic devices or other materials in an examination (unless specifically permitted).
Obtaining an examination paper ahead of its authorised release.
Attempting to impersonate or impersonation of another individual, due to be sitting a specific assessment.

Specific offences that the University has a zero tolerance approach to are:

The possession of any form of electronic device, which includes mobile phones, iPods or MP3 players and any form of smart watch on or near your person during an exam whether it be switched on or off and;
Being in possession of unauthorised material. This may be notes about the topic, or formula written on a hand or arm or other materials found on or near your person.

Please remember electronic devices and/or unauthorised material and exams don't mix!

Advice from the Students' Guild/SU:

If you have been accused of any form of cheating then you firstly need to read through both the procedures and the documents supporting the allegation very carefully. If the matter relates to exam misconduct you will need to complete the allegation form. Please note that if you have anything with you in an exam that is not allowed then this the actual offence, regardless of any intent you had or not. The way you complete the allegation form will have an impact on the penalty applied, so we advise you consider how you want to admit (or not) the offence.

For further information please visit: https://www.exeterguild.org/advice/

and for information regarding exam support please visit: http://www.exeterguild.org/advice/academicsupport/exams/

Students based in Cornwall should visit: https://www.thesu.org.uk/advice/

Information and contact details for the Students' Guild Advice Unit:

The students' Guild Advice Unit offers a range of support whether you need someone to listen or are looking for support. Friendly, trained advisors can be contacted in person, by phone or by email to discuss any problems you might be experiencing in your University or personal life. The team can provide confidential support and signpost you to expert advice if needed.

You can find the Students' Guild Advice Unit on Level +1 in the Forum, phone: 01392 723520 and email: advice@exeterguild.com

Information and contact details for the Falmouth and Exeter Student's Union Advice Service:

The SU has a team of fully trained and experienced advisers to help and support you. The Service covers the full range of issues including student funding, benefits advice, financial problems, housing queries, consumer advice, employment, institutional/academic related problems and more.

The Advice Service offers free independent, confidential, and impartial information, advice and support to all students of the University of Exeter Penryn and of Falmouth University Campus.

You can make an appointment with an adviser here or by email on: advice@thesu.org.uk