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)
   

Common potential outcomes in an academic misconduct case can range from minor penalties to more severe academic consequences, depending on the seriousness of the violation and the evidence presented. Typical outcomes include:

• No finding of academic misconduct: The investigation process revealed no academic misconduct occurred, so your grade will no longer be withheld and no official finding will be recorded on your student record.
• Formal warning: This is often the least severe penalty and serves as a caution against future misconduct.
• Reduced grades: Marks for the assessment item might be lowered by a percentage.
• Resubmission: You may be asked to redo the assessment or take a supplementary assessment.
• Failing grade: You could receive a failing grade for the assessment or the entire course.
• Suspension: Temporary removal from the institution for a specific period.
• Expulsion or exclusion: Permanent removal from the institution.

Understanding potential outcomes, including academic penalties

In academic misconduct cases, the potential outcomes can vary widely based on the severity of the academic misconduct and the evidence available. For example, inadvertent plagiarism in your first year could result in a warning, whereas repeated contract cheating can lead to expulsion.

It is essential to understand that institutions base their decisions on the balance of probabilities, rather than beyond a reasonable doubt. This means your institution does not need to prove with 100% certainty that you have engaged in academic misconduct. They simply need to demonstrate based on the available evidence that it's likely that misconduct occurred and as such the institution can proceed to impose penalties.

In cases where the misconduct is deemed particularly severe, you might face suspension or expulsion. Suspension involves being temporarily barred from attending classes, while expulsion means permanent removal from the institution.  If you are an international student on a Student Visa, this may lead to further migration-related consequences that affect your ability to remain in Australia.

Remember It's crucial for you to engage with the process, present any mitigating evidence, and understand the potential consequences fully. Always check with your institution, as they will typically provide resources and support to help you navigate the process and understand your rights and responsibilities.

During the academic misconduct process there are people and resources dedicated to helping you through it. It’s important to acknowledge your emotions as you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many students have faced similar situations and reaching out for support can make a big difference.

Your institution may offer wellbeing and mental health services, like counselling, that are specifically designed to support students during challenging times. These professionals are there to listen, guide and help you navigate things without judgment. You can also turn to friends, mentors or even other students who might understand your perspective. Don't hesitate to ask for help. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

Your institution won’t share details of academic misconduct with your family, so you’re the only one who gets to decide if and how you want to share this with them. If you do choose to communicate with your loved ones, being open and honest can help. Explain what happened, share the steps you’re taking to fix things and highlight what you’re learning from the experience. If it feels too difficult, seeking guidance from a mental health professional (either privately or via your institution if they offer this service) can help you prepare for these conversations.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and you’re never truly alone in this process.

Academic cheating services, or contract cheating companies, (sometimes called professional ghostwriters), offer students what may seem like a quick solution to academic challenges. They charge fees to complete assignments, projects or even entire courses on behalf of students, often pretending to be legitimate tutoring or academic help services.

Academic cheating services use clever marketing techniques to appeal to students under pressure such, as social media ads, direct messages, polished websites and testimonials, and even approaching students directly on campus. They promise stress-free solutions, high-quality work and confidentiality, making their services tempting for anyone juggling deadlines or personal issues.

These companies take advantage of students’ vulnerabilities, offering discounts, loyalty programs and other incentives to lure you into using their services. For example, they might offer a deal on your first order or a free assignment review, which makes it easy to fall into their trap. Once you start using their services, they often push for continued use through further promotions or even pyramid schemes, like asking you to refer friends in exchange for free assignments.

Remember Providing academic cheating services is illegal in Australia. Offering or even advertising academic cheating services, even if the companies are based overseas, can result in fines of up to $110,000 or up to 2 years in prison. You do not want to be dealing with criminal entities and should report them to TEQSA.

Unfortunately, the enticing promises of academic cheating services can quickly turn into something much darker. After you’ve used their services, these companies may try to blackmail you, demanding more money or threatening to tell your institution about the cheating. Some even ask students for their login details, gaining access to institutional systems and compromising your sensitive information like financial records or emails. This creates a ripple effect, putting others at risk of scams or identity theft. Sharing your login credentials isn’t just risky for you, it can harm the entire academic community.

On top of everything, these companies may misuse personal information you’ve shared during transactions, using it to intimidate or extort you further. This can trap you in a cycle of fear and worry, where paying the blackmailer doesn’t necessarily end the behaviour and threatens your future career.

Engaging with such services comes with serious consequences. If cheating is discovered, you face academic penalties, damage to your reputation and stress from the constant fear of blackmail. This can take a toll on your mental wellbeing.

If you ever find yourself in a situation like this, it’s essential to act quickly. Notify your institution, even though you might face academic consequences, because they can provide you with support and guidance. Once your institution is aware, the cheating company loses much of its power and ability to intimidate you. Remember, seeking help and addressing the issue head-on is always the best way forward.

Contract cheating flow chart

More information

• Understanding academic integrity
• Contract cheating

Large-scale academic misconduct cases

When a whole class or group of students is involved in academic misconduct, it can lead to serious consequences for everyone. Institutions typically conduct thorough investigations to understand the situation and identify those involved. If you are found to have participated in the academic misconduct, you may face penalties ranging from a failing grade on the affected assignment or exam to suspension or even expulsion. These actions are guided by institutional policies and are taken to uphold fairness and academic integrity.

Beyond the immediate consequences, these situations can have longer-term effects. Academic misconduct may leave a mark on your student record, potentially influencing future opportunities for education or career advancement. It can also damage trust within the academic community, making it harder to seek support or request recommendations. Relationships with peers may also be affected, as trust and respect might be compromised.

Should you ever find yourself in this situation, it’s crucial to work cooperatively with the investigation process, reflect on your actions and seek advice on how to rebuild your academic integrity. Institutions often have resources and support systems in place to help students recover and move forward. While it may take time for the matter to be fully resolved, taking proactive steps can make a big difference in rebuilding trust and continuing your academic journey.

Artificial Intelligence

Generative AI (gen AI) tools are becoming popular in education and can totally change how assessments are done. These tools can be beneficial as they can give you personalised feedback, help you figure out tricky concepts and even make quizzes that match your learning level.

As gen AI keeps growing, institutions are starting to create rules for how students can use it. Many are open to using gen AI in assessments, as it can make studying easier and more efficient. But, there’s often a line between what’s okay and what’s not, so it is important to check your institution’s policy. That way, you’ll know what kind of AI help is allowed and what might be considered crossing the line.

Still, it’s possible to run into trouble if the way you use GenAI isn’t quite right or it goes against what your institution allows. If you're ever stuck in this situation, don’t panic. It’s important to know your institution’s rules and stick to them. This makes it less likely you’ll face issues. And if you ever do, you can use the tips and guidance on this website to manage it.

Additional resources

• Gen AI knowledge hub
• Gen AI – student resources and support

The consequences of academic misconduct can be particularly severe for international students. Beyond academic penalties, such as suspension or expulsion, there are additional ramifications related to visa status. The Australian Department of Home Affairs stipulates that student visa holders must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Failure to comply with these conditions can lead to visa cancellation, which may necessitate immediate departure from the country.

Involvement in academic misconduct can diminish the likelihood of obtaining post-study work rights or permanent residency, due to requirements relating to character and conduct. Your record of academic misconduct may be considered by immigration authorities when assessing applications for further visas or residency status.

Remember Higher education providers in Australia are required to report changes to a student’s enrolment if the student is suspended, excluded or fails to maintain satisfactory academic progress, which can all be a result of academic misconduct. If you are an international student these may trigger a review of your student visa.

Failing courses due to academic misconduct may also impact any sponsorship agreements you have in place. As a result, the risk is notably higher for international students.

It is essential for international students to be fully aware of the academic policies and regulations of their institution. Seeking guidance from academic advisors or support services can help clarify any uncertainties regarding acceptable academic conduct and collaboration norms. By proactively engaging with available resources, international students can avoid unintentional breaches of academic integrity and safeguard their academic and professional futures.

It is important to seek advice from the Department of Home Affairs or a legal professional if you require further information.

Facing academic misconduct doesn’t have to define your educational journey. What matters most is how you learn from the experience and move forward. Start by understanding your institution’s rules and taking proactive steps to improve your skills in areas like citing sources, paraphrasing, and ethical research practices. Many institutions offer workshops, online modules, and tools such as plagiarism checkers to support you. If personal or time management issues contributed to the situation, seeking help from counsellors or academic advisors can make a big difference in staying on track. Building positive habits like managing deadlines and clarifying expectations with academic staff is essential for avoiding future missteps.

To rebuild trust and confidence, take advantage of resources such as libraries, study groups, and legitimate tutoring services while maintaining academic integrity. Engage actively with your lecturers and peers to show your commitment to learning and collaboration. Setting new academic goals, whether excelling in assignments or exploring extracurricular activities, can help reignite your passion for education. Celebrate every small win along the way, as these milestones will strengthen your resilience and highlight your growth. By being proactive and focusing on improvement, you can transform challenges into opportunities for success and personal development.

Self-reflection template

• What have you learnt from experiencing an academic misconduct process? Self-reflection template (PDF, 115 KB)

1. What is academic misconduct?

Academic misconduct can sound intimidating, but understanding it is an important first step. It includes things like cheating, copying someone else’s work without properly referencing it, working with others when you’re not supposed to, or even paying someone to do your assignments for you. Sometimes it happens accidentally, like forgetting to cite a source or misunderstanding the rules. But here’s the thing: even if it wasn’t intentional, it’s still considered misconduct.

The good news is, you’re not expected to be perfect from day one. Institutions know that students are learning and growing, and they offer plenty of resources to help you understand what’s okay and what’s not. Saying you weren’t aware of the rules won’t excuse misconduct, but taking the time now to learn about the rules will help you avoid any trouble in the future. If you ever feel unsure, ask for help—it’s always better to clarify than to guess.

2. How is an academic misconduct case initiated?

If someone at your institution thinks something might not be quite right with your academic work, they’ll start a process to look into it. Don’t panic. This happens more often than you might think, and it doesn’t mean you’re automatically in trouble. Usually, it starts when a staff member notices something unusual in your assignments, exams or other academic tasks. They’ll then report it following the rules set by your institution. Remember, you’ll have the chance to explain your side of things and there are people and resources to help you through this process.

3. What are my rights during the academic misconduct process?

You have several important rights to help you through this process and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed—this happens to many students and you’re not alone. You have the right to bring a support person to help you feel more confident, the right to know exactly what the allegations are and the right to share your side of the story. Plus, there are resources available to guide you, including tools to help you prepare your case and even appeal a decision if you think it was unfair. Take a breath; there are people and steps in place to make sure you’re treated fairly.

4. How do I respond to an allegation of academic misconduct?

If you’ve been faced with an allegation, take a deep breath—it’s okay to feel nervous or even angry. The first thing to do is understand the details and think about whether the allegation is accurate. If you believe it’s true, it’s better to be honest and let the staff know. On the other hand, if you think the allegation isn’t correct, take your time to carefully review what’s being alleged. Gather anything that might help explain your side, like notes, emails or documents. You can then write a clear response or attend a meeting where you’ll get a chance to share your perspective. Remember, being truthful and expressing yourself clearly will go a long way. There are people who want to help you through this—you’re not alone in facing this challenge.

5. What happens if I am found responsible for academic misconduct?

If it turns out that you’ve engaged in academic misconduct, there will be consequences based on the seriousness of the situation. These might include a warning, failing an assignment or course or, in more severe cases, suspension or expulsion. Whatever the outcome, you’ll be informed of the decision and what steps you need to take next.

If you’re studying law and planning to become a solicitor in Australia, it’s especially important to note that academic misconduct can have long-term implications. To be admitted, you’ll need to prove that you’re a ‘fit and proper person’ and it’s required to disclose any academic misconduct to the relevant admissions authority. The board may decide to prevent admission as a solicitor if they believe the academic misconduct reflects poorly on your character or candour.

6. Can I appeal an academic misconduct decision?

If you believe the decision wasn’t fair, you have the right to appeal it. Think of it as a chance to share your side of the story again. Appeals can focus on things like mistakes in the process, new evidence you’ve found or anything that makes you feel you were treated unfairly. Keep in mind that you can’t appeal just because you’re unhappy with the outcome as it needs to be based on solid reasons. Write your appeal clearly, explaining your points and including anything that supports your case. It might feel daunting but remember, this is your opportunity to make sure everything is looked at properly and there are people who can guide you through it.

7. How do I prepare for an appeal?

Preparing for an appeal might seem overwhelming, but if you have grounds, take it one step at a time. Start by gathering all the important documents, like any evidence or notes that can support your case. If there's new information that wasn’t included before, make sure to highlight it. Then, write your appeal letter as clearly as you can, explaining what went wrong or why the decision might have missed something important. When presenting your case, focus on being truthful and confident. This is your chance to make sure everything is reviewed properly and you’ve got the opportunity to say what’s on your mind. Step by step, you’ll get through this.

8. Can I use an external service to prepare my response for me?

It might seem like a good idea to use an external service to help with your response or appeal but it’s important to be cautious. These services may not fully understand your unique situation and their responses could end up feeling generic or not quite right. By preparing your response on your own, you can make sure your points are personal, specific to your case and truly reflect what you want to say. Institutions really value authenticity and a sincere effort, so taking the time to write your response or appeal thoughtfully can make all the difference. Focus on the specifics of your case, your reasoning and anything that supports your perspective. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to the academic support staff or use the resources provided by your institution.

9. What resources are available to help me through this process?

There’s plenty of resources out there to help you through this, so start by checking your institution’s website. You’ll likely find the policies you need to understand the process and feel more prepared. Plus, don’t hesitate to reach out to the student support staff. They’re there to help and can make a big difference when you’re figuring things out.

10. What are my responsibilities during the academic misconduct process?

Your role is simply to be honest, stay engaged and follow the steps laid out for you. Respond to any emails or requests on time, share information clearly and cooperate with whatever decisions are made. It’s also important to stay respectful and keep things confidential. This helps keep the process smooth for everyone involved.

11. How is my academic record affected by an academic misconduct case?

Your institution must keep a record of the process, regardless of the outcome. If you’re unsure about whether anything will appear on your transcript or need more details about how your record is managed, your institution can explain all of that clearly.

12. Should I drop my course/unit of study if I receive an academic misconduct allegation?

You might feel tempted to drop a course after receiving an academic misconduct allegation. However, it’s important to know that even if you withdraw, the investigation will likely continue. The good news is that many students with a finding of academic misconduct in just one assessment still go on to successfully complete their courses. Don’t lose hope, stay engaged in the process and don’t let it distract you from your other studies.

13. Is this process confidential?

Institutions take great care to handle student records with confidentiality, ensuring that only authorised staff have access to sensitive information, and they follow strict guidelines, like those outlined in the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021, to keep your information secure and accurate. This means you can feel confident that your academic history, including any cases of academic misconduct, is managed responsibly and with respect. When an allegation arises, it is documented in the student's file along with relevant evidence, communications and outcomes of the investigation, with access strictly limited to those directly involved in the process. You shouldn’t worry that outcomes will be used against you or that future academic staff will hold biases—unless there’s repeated academic misconduct, which might influence how your institution decides a penalty for repeated cases or offers support to you.

Academic misconduct

Actions or behaviours undertaken by a student that violate academic integrity standards, such as plagiarism, collusion or falsifying data.

Academic support staff

Dedicated staff within an institution in a teaching role who assist students with academic concerns.

Allegation

A claim or accusation that a student has committed academic misconduct, prompting the initiation of an investigation. This may also be called a suspicion.

Appeals

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

Confidentiality

The protection of sensitive information by ensuring only authorised individuals have access, particularly in cases of academic misconduct.

Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021

The Threshold Standards are a set of guidelines and regulations governing the management, security and confidentiality of student records and institutional practices in higher education.

Investigation

The formal process undertaken by an institution to review, assess and resolve allegations of academic misconduct. This includes the collection of evidence, communication with relevant parties and determination of outcomes.

National Student Ombudsman

The National Student Ombudsman is a free and independent service which works to resolve student complaints about higher education providers.

Penalty

A consequence or sanction imposed by an institution in response to substantiated findings of academic misconduct. Penalties may vary depending on severity and whether misconduct is repeated.

Student guild

Often an independent body, separate from your institution who can help you with your response. Sometimes referred to as student ambassadors, advocates or representatives.

Student support team

The staff members involved in supporting you through your studies. Sometimes referred to as student experience team, student advisors or academic success centre.

Transcript

The official record of a student's academic performance and achievements, which may include documentation of academic misconduct cases if applicable.

Unit

The body of curriculum for a specific topic. Also referred to as module, course or subject depending on your institution.

Withdrawal

The act of discontinuing enrolment in a course or unit of study. In the context of academic misconduct, investigations typically continue regardless of withdrawal.