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Academic Misconduct

Academic Misconduct is any action or attempted action that unfairly academically advantages oneself, or academically disadvantages others. It can be committed intentionally or accidentally.

Examples of academic misconduct are using your mobile phone during an exam, but also copying other people’s work without giving them credit as well as submitting work that is not your own, such as work that was purchased - find out more below about the types of academic misconduct you may face.

Plagiarism & Self-Plagiarism

Plagiarism is using extensive unacknowledged quotations from, or direct copying of, another person’s work and presenting it for assessment as if it were your own efforts. Self-Plagiarism is including any material which is identical or substantially similar to material which has already been submitted for any other assessment within the University or elsewhere.

Collusion

Collusion is working with other students (without the tutor’s permission), and presenting similar or identical work for assessment.

Infringement of Examination Room Rules

Communicating with another candidate, passing notes to another candidate, taking notes to your table in the examination room and/or referring to notes during the examination is an infringement of examination rules.

Academic Integrity at Middlesex University

To find out more about Academic Misconduct, including Middlesex University policies and regulations, please search 'Academic Integrity' in MyMDX App.

 

Responding to an Academic Misconduct Allegation

If you have received a letter with an allegation of academic misconduct against you, you will have 10 working days to respond to it in writing. If there is a good reason why you feel that you may not be able to meet that deadline, inform the Academic Misconduct Team as soon as possible, explaining why, providing them with supporting evidence and requesting an extension to the deadline if possible.

How can the MDXSU Student Advice team help?

We can help with:

- Explaining the academic misconduct regulations and process
- Advising you on responding to the allegation
- Advising on how to put together a statement to respond to the allegations
- Providing feedback on your statement
- Accompanying you to meetings with the University
- Providing ongoing advice throughout the process
- Advising on appealing the academic misconduct outcome

You contact us at studentadvice@mdx.ac.uk, please ensure you complete the consent form before seeking our advice.

Writing your response

Your response to the University should be made in writing and answer the following questions:

- Do you accept or disagree with the allegation, and why?
- Can you explain any discrepancies and referencing errors in your Turnitin report/the circumstances surrounding your infringement of the examination rules?
- Are there any extenuating circumstances that the University should be aware of when making a decision?
- Have you got any evidence to support you?

Your statement along with any relevant evidence and the response form should be sent to the following email address: acmisconduct@mdx.ac.uk

What happens if I accept the allegation?

There may be a penalty imposed for proven academic misconduct which will depend on the module level, whether this is your first offense or a repeated one, and on the nature of the academic misconduct. For further information about penalties, please seach 'Academic Intergrity' in MyMDX. You can find information under the heading "What if I did not know I was cheating/did not intend to cheat?" under Frequently Asked Questions.

What happens if I deny the allegation?

If you deny the allegation and your response is accepted, the case will be dropped and your work marked the way submitted. However, if your explanation is not accepted, it is likely that you will be invited to a Panel of Investigation hearing. This will give you the opportunity to explain why the alleged misconduct happened or why you think you have not done anything wrong. The Panel will then normally tell you their decision before you leave, either choosing to drop the case or apply a penalty.

 

Avoiding Academic Misconduct

Navigating the academic world is not always easy, but are resources available to help you!

The Learning Enhancement Team (LET)

This team of specialists provides tools and support to help you excel in areas related to Academic Writing, Language, Maths, Stats and Numeracy. To learn more please search 'Learning Enhancement Team' in MyMDX App or find more information on this under 'Academic Integrity' under the 'Support' Section at the bottom of the page.

Academic Integrity Awareness Course

You can find this under 'My Courses' under the 'My learning' section in MyMDX App orsearch 'Academic Integrity' and this course is under the section 'Student Success Essentials' -> 'Complete the course'. The course is designed to:

  • Identify your strengths and areas of development
  • Be aware of positive behaviours and academic expectations
  • Recognise the challenges when you study and the consequences of not following University rules and regulations
  • Find the support you need for your own development