Student academic misconduct – the investigation process

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)