This page contains TEQSA resources published in the last 12 months, to support institutions, staff and students in considering the potential impacts and benefits gen AI tools pose for teaching, learning, assessment and research.

This page contains all published TEQSA resources to support institutions, staff and students in considering the potential impacts and benefits generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) tools pose for teaching, learning, assessment and research.

Responsibilities checklist

• Active participation: Attend all scheduled meetings, hearings and consultations.
• Maintain honesty: Provide truthful and accurate information throughout the investigation.
• Timely responses: Adhere to deadlines for submitting documents, attending meetings and providing requested information.
• Seek clarification: Request guidance and ask questions when uncertain about procedures or responsibilities.

Handling an academic misconduct case might feel overwhelming, but your only responsibilities are staying engaged, honest and proactive during the process.

Remember to…

Show up for any meetings or consultations that are scheduled

These are important because they give you a chance to explain yourself, share your side of the story and show your commitment to sorting things out. Your input matters and being actively involved shows you care about resolving the issue in a fair way.

Be truthful

If you made a mistake, own up to it. Institutions value honesty and respect your ability to be upfront about what happened. Trying to cover up or mislead won’t help, in fact, it can make things worse. Being honest helps the process move forward smoothly and shows that you’re taking responsibility for your actions.

Respond to emails or requests on time

Deadlines are there to keep everything on track, so make sure you submit documents, attend meetings or provide information when asked. It’s a simple way to show you’re cooperating and helps avoid any unnecessary delays. Missing deadlines can lead to decisions being made without your input, which may affect the outcome and potentially the severity of the penalty that’s applied. If you are finding it hard to stick to your deadlines, contact your institution for support.

Ask questions or seek guidance

The procedures might seem complex at first, but there are people and resources available to help you out. Whether it’s academic advisors, student support staff or online guides, there’s no shame in reaching out for clarity. Understanding what’s happening and expectations can make a huge difference in how you approach the situation.

Remember This isn’t just about resolving the issue, it’s about looking after your future. Academic misconduct cases can be stressful, but staying engaged, honest and proactive shows your dedication to your studies and your personal growth.

Responding to the academic misconduct allegation is an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to resolving issues in a fair and transparent way. By engaging openly, sharing accurate evidence and communicating honestly, you can help guide the process toward a positive outcome. This approach not only shows integrity but can sometimes lead to reduced penalties. Take this chance to be proactive, make use of the resources available and approach the situation with sincerity and a willingness to learn.

Once you’ve made the decision to respond to an academic misconduct allegation, it’s essential to include evidence that supports your case. Thoughtfully gathered and clearly presented evidence can strengthen your response and highlight your commitment to resolving the matter transparently.

Evidence

When addressing an academic misconduct allegation, it’s important to carefully gather and present evidence that supports your case. Here are some types of evidence you might consider sharing:

• Original drafts: Early versions of assignments or projects that demonstrate the evolution of your work.
• Notes: Documentation of lecture notes that show your engagement and understanding of the course material.
• Time-stamped files: Files saved at different stages of your work, proving the timeline of your progress. Make sure you don’t reopen the file and resave it, as that will affect the document metadata.
• Travel documents: For cases involving travel, provide itineraries or tickets issued at the time of booking.
• Medical records: Doctor's certificates or hospital records to justify any health-related issues that may have impacted your work.
• Library records: Borrowing history or access logs that show your research activities.
• Technical logs: Logs from your internet browser, software or platforms used during your assessment creation, showing your activity, sources consulted or version history.
• Proof of originality: Plagiarism reports from Turnitin will often be provided to you. Note that in artificial intelligence cases, most institutions will not accept online ‘AI detectors’ that are not from Turnitin due to their lack of accuracy.

Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary evidence and have a clear understanding of your response, the next step is to articulate your case comprehensively. Writing everything down in a structured manner will ensure your points are effectively presented. Here’s a template you can use to get you started.

• Response template for academic misconduct allegation (PDF, 110 KB)

Meetings

Sometimes, as part of the academic misconduct process, a meeting may be offered to give you the opportunity to explain your side of the story, provide relevant evidence and address any misunderstandings. This meeting is an important chance to engage constructively and ensure that your perspective is heard. After the meeting a decision will be made regarding your outcome.

Support person

If you attend a meeting, hearing or interview to discuss your allegation, having a support person by your side during an academic misconduct issue may help ease the stress and make the whole process feel a bit less overwhelming. This person can be someone you trust—like a family member, a close friend, a mentor, or even an advisor from your institution or student guild.

Your support person is not there to speak for you or take over the meeting, they are there to support you emotionally and help you recall the details of the meeting if needed. As this is not a legal process, many institutions will request your support person is not a lawyer, however you may pursue this option later in the process if you need to go to an Ombudsman for example.

When choosing your support person, it’s important to select someone who understands the challenging situation you’re in. You’ll want someone non-judgmental and reliable. Ideally, they should also be familiar with academic life and the challenges students face. It’s often easier when they can relate to what you’re going through. Confidentiality is key, so make sure they’re the type of person who can handle sensitive information responsibly.

Your support person’s role is straightforward. They can:

• come with you to meetings or interviews related to your case
• listen carefully and maybe take notes if needed
• help you feel more relaxed and focused
• help you prepare for these meetings by giving you a chance to talk through potential questions and answers ahead of time, as well as debriefing afterward.

It’s all about building your confidence and making you feel ready to face the situation.

One thing to keep in mind is that your support person’s role has limits. They’re not there to argue your case or speak for you, they’re more like your anchor in a stressful time. Think of them as a steady presence who’s there to help you stay grounded. Having someone in your corner like this can make a difference as you work through the process and come out stronger on the other side.

How to select a good support person for an academic misconduct interview

• Trustworthiness: Choose someone you trust, who will handle your situation with confidentiality and discretion.
• Understanding: The support person should be empathetic to your circumstances and the pressures of academic life.
• Non-judgmental: Avoid choosing someone who might just judge you and instead opt for a ‘critical friend’ who can offer honest perspective and support.
• Emotional support: The individual should be capable of providing reassurance and helping you stay calm and focused during the process.
• Communication skills: A good support person can aid in preparing you for meetings by discussing potential questions and responses.
• Boundaries: Ensure they understand their role is supportive rather than active participation in the meeting.

FAQs for support persons in academic misconduct meetings

1. Can a support person speak on your behalf during the meeting?

No, a support person is not permitted to speak on your behalf. Their role is to provide emotional support and guidance, but they should not actively participate in the discussion unless explicitly allowed by the meeting's guidelines.

2. Can a support person take notes during the meeting?

Yes, a support person can take notes to help you recall details and discussions later. This can be beneficial for keeping track of important points and ensuring you understand the proceedings.

3. Is a support person allowed to provide their opinion or input during the meeting?

No, a support person should not provide their own opinions or input unless specifically asked by the meeting officials. Their primary function is to support you, not to influence the meeting's outcome.

4. Can a support person help you to prepare your responses before the meeting?

Yes, a support person can help you prepare for the meeting by discussing potential questions and appropriate responses. They can also review evidence and discuss strategies for addressing the allegations.

5. Can a support person contact institution officials on your behalf?

No, a support person should not contact institution officials or interfere with the process on your behalf. All communications should come directly from you to maintain the integrity of the process and ensure clear, direct dialogue.

Meeting etiquette tips for students

Attending a meeting, especially one related to academic misconduct, can feel a little daunting, but with the right approach, you can make a positive impression and effectively communicate your perspective. Here are some friendly and practical tips to help you prepare:

• Be punctual: Arrive on time to show respect for the process and the people involved. Being late might unintentionally signal a lack of seriousness about the matter.
• Dress smartly: While formal attire isn’t necessary, choose neat, clean and presentable clothing to convey that you take the meeting seriously – even if your meeting is being held online.
• Stay calm: It’s normal to feel nervous but try to remain calm and composed throughout the meeting. This will help you express yourself clearly and confidently.
• Listen actively: Pay close attention to what is being said. This demonstrates respect and ensures you understand the points being raised.
• Answer thoughtfully: Take a moment to think before responding to questions. Providing clear and accurate answers helps present your case effectively.
• Be honest: Always stick to the truth. Honesty is crucial in building trust and ensuring the best possible outcome.
• Show respect: Treat everyone involved politely and professionally. A respectful attitude creates a positive environment for constructive dialogue.
• Ask questions: If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. This shows engagement and helps avoid misunderstandings.
• Stay focused: Keep your comments relevant to the matter at hand. If you have other concerns about your studies or the course, you can address them separately later.

Meetings like these are designed to ensure fairness and give everyone the chance to share their perspective. Approach it as an opportunity to learn and grow, and remember that preparation and a positive attitude can make all the difference.

Important

If your meeting is online, find a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted — but don’t worry if that’s not easy; just do the best you can with what you have. Check that your internet is working well, your microphone and speakers are clear, and the light is coming from behind your camera so you can be seen properly. It’s a good idea to test everything with a friend beforehand, just to be sure.

These simple steps can help you feel more confident and come across professionally.

The academic misconduct investigation process is designed to ensure fairness, so by taking proactive steps, such as preparing a clear response, seeking guidance from support services, and participating in workshops, you can navigate the situation effectively. Institutions value honesty and a constructive approach, and following the outlined steps of the investigation shows your commitment to learning and accountability.

Here's how the process typically unfolds:

Stage 0: Preliminary communication

Sometimes, your institution might start with an informal chat about the matter. This could be through an email or a simple meeting where they’ll ask for details or share their concerns. If things move forward formally, they’ll use that information in the official documents you receive later. At this stage, rest assured that you’re not being judged or penalised– it's simply part of the process to understand what happened.

Stage 1: Receiving the allegation

You’ll get a formal notice explaining the allegations, the evidence and the next steps. Take your time reading it carefully because you want to understand exactly what’s going on. This is also the perfect moment to reach out to your institution’s support services or someone you trust for advice. A friend, family member or advisor can also be your support person if you are offered the chance to attend an interview. At this stage your grade may also be withheld for your entire course/unit/subject while the investigation proceeds.

Stage 2: Preparing your response

Once you’ve got the notice, it’s time to get organised. You’ll usually have a short deadline to respond, so don’t wait too long. Gather evidence, like drafts of your work or emails, that can help back up your case. It’s also a good idea to chat with academic advisors or student services for tips. And remember — if you made a mistake, owning up to it early can make a big difference.

Stage 3: Providing a response

Now it’s your turn to share your side of the story. This could be through an email or a meeting. You can usually bring a support person. Use this chance to explain what happened, share evidence and address any misunderstandings. Be honest and show that you’re willing to learn as this can really help.

Stage 4: Deliberation and decision

Once the interview wraps up, the institution will go through everything to decide what happens next. They’ll look at how serious the issue is, your academic journey so far, and any past academic misconduct (if applicable) to determine the penalty. Honesty and accountability can make a big difference here. The decision might range from a warning to more serious consequences, depending on the situation. This part can take a couple of weeks, so do not let it derail the rest of your studies.

Stage 5: Notification of outcome

You’ll get an official notification explaining the decision and any penalties. This is also where you will find information on appeals and how to do it, if you decide to go down that route. Usually, you’ll hear back within a few days of the decision being made.

Stage 6: Appealing the decision (optional)

If you think the outcome wasn’t fair, you’ve got the right to appeal. You’ll need to write a statement explaining why you think the decision should be reconsidered, for instance if there were procedural mistakes or new evidence. Just remember that disagreeing with the outcome isn’t enough to appeal; you need clear grounds. The decision maker (individual or committee) will review your case, and their decision might take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.

Stage 7: Final decision

After the appeal process is completed, you’ll receive the final decision. You’ll usually hear back about the final decision within a week or two. This is usually the end of the process, but sometimes you may appeal to an external source, like contacting the National Student Ombudsman.

Remember Check your institution's policy on academic integrity for the specific rules and processes to follow in your context.

Video: The academic misconduct process explained

Decision-making process in academic misconduct cases

• Student checklist: What to do at each stage of the academic misconduct process (PDF, 120 KB)

Student checklist

• Understand institutional policies: Familiarise yourself with academic integrity guidelines to avoid unintentional errors.
• Seek support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to student services or guild representatives for advice and resources.
• Respond thoughtfully: Prepare a clear and honest response to allegations, supported by evidence where applicable.
• Learn and improve: Engage with educational opportunities to strengthen academic practices and avoid future issues.

Getting notified of an academic misconduct allegation can feel like a big deal, but don't panic.  Take a deep breath and make sure you understand exactly what is being asked of you. Importantly, make sure to seek advice where necessary if you need help with understanding the process. Contact your institution if you require information about the relevant support services available.

Remember to…

Read through the details of the allegation carefully

It’s important to figure out exactly what’s being claimed, whether it’s plagiarism, collusion or something else. Make sure you take your time to check out the evidence included in the allegation letter, like reports or examples of overlap with other sources.

Get familiar with your institution’s academic misconduct policies

These are like your guidebook—they’ll explain your institution’s approach and process, the steps involved, and what’s expected of you. Don’t forget that there’s help out there too. Connect with your institution’s student support team or your student guild if you have one. They’re there to give advice and walk you through the process. Also, mark down any deadlines so you don’t miss anything important.

Prepare your response

Once you’ve got a clear understanding of what’s going on you need to collect any evidence or documents that can back up your side of the story. The goal isn’t to stress yourself out, it’s about being honest and showing you’re ready to learn and improve.

Remember Feeling worried or anxious is normal. Your institution has student supports, tools and tips to help you stay calm, navigate this process and take things step by step.

Mental health resources

In Australia, students have access to a range of wellbeing resources designed to support their mental and emotional health.

Resources which may be available from your institution:

• counselling, which offer confidential support for stress, anxiety and other personal issues
• workshops on stress management, mindfulness and resilience building
• apps like Sonder to provide on-demand support with a focus on safety and wellbeing, and Headspace which offers meditation and mindfulness resources tailored to young people.

National helplines:

• Lifeline (Tel: 13 11 14) for immediate support in times of crisis
• Beyond Blue (Tel: 1300 22 4636) for assistance with depression and anxiety.

Remember Seeking assistance for emotional support is never a sign of weakness but is instead a sign of personal strength, self-awareness and the courage to prioritise your wellbeing.

You have the right to appeal academic misconduct decisions by presenting valid reasons or new evidence to an appeals committee for a fair review.

You can…

Speak up

If you spot procedural mistakes, have new evidence or feel like you were treated unfairly you are entitled to appeal the decision of your case. Just keep in mind that simply disagreeing with the decision isn’t enough and you’ll need valid reasons to back up your appeal.

Write up your appeal and outline your reasons clearly

Make sure you include any new evidence you’ve found or point out any errors in how your case was handled. Preparing for this step is important, as you’ll present your case to the appeals committee (most institutions operate a committee, but it can also be a single staff member). Think of it like a chance to explain your side of the story to a group that’s tasked with reviewing everything fairly and making a fresh decision.

Review the appeals committee decision

Take your time to read through the appeals committee’s decision carefully so you understand what’s being said. If you still feel like things weren’t handled right, you’ve got other options, like reaching out to an external ombudsman for help. No matter what happens, it’s important to follow the decision and any penalties or requirements laid out, not only when the final decision is reached, but also throughout the appeals process.

Remember Use this whole experience as a learning opportunity. Take a moment to reflect and figure out how you can adjust your study habits to avoid a similar situation in the future.

Why lodge an appeal?

The primary reason for lodging an appeal is to seek a review of an academic decision that you believe to be unjust or incorrect. Common grounds for appeal include:

• New evidence: Emerging evidence that was not available during the initial investigation or decision-making process.
• Procedural errors: Flaws in the way the original decision was made, such as a breach of the institution’s policies or unfair treatment.
• Bias: Perceived or actual bias from the individuals involved in the original decision.
• Extenuating circumstances: Situations beyond your control, such as medical emergencies or personal crises, that impacted your academic performance.

Who is involved?

Several parties are typically involved in the appeals process, including:

• You, the student: The individual lodging the appeal.
• Administrative staff: Staff who provide guidance on the appeal process and assist with documentation.
• Responsible person or committee: A staff member, group of staff members and sometimes students who review the appeal and make a decision.
• Legal advisors or ombudsman: In some cases, you may seek assistance from legal advisors or an ombudsman to ensure fairness and transparency.

Why an appeal might get rejected

Not all appeals are successful. Common reasons for rejection include:

• Insufficient evidence: Failing to provide adequate evidence to support the claims made in the appeal.
• Non-compliance with procedures: Not adhering to procedures, such as missing deadlines or incomplete submissions.
• Lack of merit: The appeals committee determines that the original decision was fair and justified based on the available information.
• Invalid grounds: The appeal is based on reasons not recognised by the institution’s policies, such as merely disagreeing with the outcome without substantive justification.

If you have valid reasons to appeal the appeals process allow you to have a fair opportunity to seek review of decisions regarding academic misconduct, grades, or other academic issues.

Table: Examples of valid vs invalid grounds for appeal

How to file an appeal with your higher education institute

Filing an appeal with your higher education institute can be a crucial step in addressing academic disputes and seeking a fair resolution. This guide outlines the essential steps to help you navigate the appeal process effectively.

1. Understand the grounds for appeal

Before initiating an appeal, it is important to understand the valid grounds recognised by your institution. Common grounds include:

• New evidence: Availability of new and relevant evidence that was not considered in the original decision.
• Procedural errors: Mistakes or irregularities in the application of institutional procedures that may have adversely affected the outcome.
• Mitigating circumstances: Personal circumstances beyond your control that may have impacted your performance or the decision.

2. Review policies

Check your institution’s website or student handbook for detailed information on the appeal process, deadlines and required documentation. Understanding the specific policies and procedures will help ensure that your appeal is compliant and complete. There will probably be strict timelines involved, so make sure you’re aware of them.

3. Prepare your appeal

Draft a clear and concise appeal letter that includes:

• Introduction: State your intent to appeal and provide a brief overview of the situation.
• Grounds for appeal: Clearly outline the reasons for your appeal, supported by relevant evidence.
• Supporting documentation: Attach any new evidence, medical certificates or other pertinent documents.
• Conclusion: Summarise your appeal and request a specific action or reconsideration.

4. Submit your appeal

Ensure that your appeal is submitted within the specified deadline and through the appropriate channels (for example, online portal, email or in-person). Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.

5. Attend the appeal hearing

If your appeal proceeds to a hearing, be prepared to present your case and answer questions from the appeals committee. Practice providing clear and concise responses and bring copies of all submitted documents.

6. Await the decision

After the hearing, the appeals committee will review your case and make a decision. Be patient during this period and follow up if necessary.

How to lodge an appeal

The process of lodging an appeal typically involves several steps:

1. Review the institution’s policies
2. Gather evidence
3. Draft an appeal letter
4. Submit the appeal
5. Attend the hearing

Remember You can contact the National Student Ombudsman for advice and assistance if you believe your institution did not manage your appeal appropriately. The NSO can be contacted on 1300 395 775 or via their website.

• Letter template for appealing an academic misconduct outcome decision (PDF, 105 KB)