程序代写代做代考 database Managing Plagiarism for Students Enrolled in Coursework Programs - Procedure

Managing Plagiarism for Students Enrolled in Coursework Programs – Procedure

Managing Plagiarism for Students Enrolled in Coursework Programs – Procedure Page 1 of 21
Version: 1.4 Effective 15 August 2017

Managing Plagiarism for Students Enrolled in Coursework
Programs – Procedure

Version Approved by Approval date Effective date Next full review

1.4 Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic 25 July 2017 15 August 2017 December 2016

Procedure Statement

Purpose
This Procedure describes the steps for managing plagiarism for students
enrolled in coursework programs in UNSW. It must be read in conjunction with
the Plagiarism Policy, which applies to all students and staff, and the Student
Misconduct Procedure.

Scope
This Procedure only applies to students enrolled in coursework programs on
all UNSW campuses including domestic and international students. This
Procedure does not apply to research students or staff; for research students
or staff please refer to the Research Code of Conduct.

Are Local Documents on this
subject permitted?

☐ Yes, however Local Documents must not breach mandatory
requirements in University-wide Codes of Conduct, Policies,
Standards and Procedures.

☐ No

Procedure Processes and Actions

Contents
1. Prevention ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1

2. Managing Plagiarism ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2

2.1. Levels of Plagiarism …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2

2.2. Action following Plagiarism Determination ……………………………………………………………………………. 2

2.3. Procedural fairness and natural justice ………………………………………………………………………………… 3

2.4. Confidentiality and Bias/Perception of Bias …………………………………………………………………………… 3

2.5. Table 1 – Plagiarism: Types and Examples of Educative Action and Penalties ………………………….. 4

2.6. Roles in handling plagiarism at UNSW …………………………………………………………………………………. 6

2.7. The Process ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6

2.7.1. Level 1 Plagiarism …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6

2.7.2. Levels 2 and 3 Plagiarism ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7

2.8. Administrative Actions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9

3. Acknowledgements ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9

Appendix A: Types of Plagiarism ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11

Appendix B: Roles at UNSW …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12

Appendix C – Email Templates. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14

1. Prevention
UNSW’s preventative and educative approach to plagiarism underpins the way in which we design
assessment, the way we teach and the way we support students to develop academic skills to avoid
plagiarism as follows:

Academic staff: in their assessment design and course outlines in order to assist students to avoid
plagiarism. Staff are supported in this by the Learning and Teaching Unit.

Students: by understanding the appropriate academic skills required to avoid plagiarism. Students are
supported by the Learning Centre.

http://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentmisconductprocedures.pdf
http://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentmisconductprocedures.pdf

Managing Plagiarism for Students Enrolled in Coursework Programs – Procedure Page 2 of 21
Version: 1.4 Effective 15 August 2017

2. Managing Plagiarism

2.1. Levels of Plagiarism
When plagiarism is identified, the Level of Plagiarism (Level 1, 2 or 3) should firstly be determined, with
reference to the criteria and illustrative examples in Table 1.

Level 1 Plagiarism

Level 1 constitutes minor plagiarism where inexperience is a mitigating factor. In this Level, plagiarism
involves new and inexperienced students who are not sufficiently trained with appropriate academic
skills, for example:

• First year undergraduate students in first semester

• Postgraduate students in first semester who are international students or who have not studied
for some time.

Level 1 Plagiarism, while considered to be breach of the Student Code of Conduct (Student Code), is not
managed under the Student Misconduct Procedure but at the School level. Level 1 Plagiarism occurs,
for example, when there is a lack of appropriate academic skill, such as inappropriate citation.

Level 2 Plagiarism

Level 2 Plagiarism constitutes significant plagiarism. Level 2 Plagiarism is managed at the School level,
under the Student Misconduct Procedure as per Section 2.7.2 of this Procedure. Level 2 Plagiarism is
student misconduct and is also a breach of the Student Code.

Examples include: more than one Level 1 instance of a lack of appropriate academic skill, for example,
inappropriate citation, as well as presenting work in part in collusion with others. See Table 1 for
illustrative examples.

Level 3 Plagiarism

Level 3 Plagiarism also constitutes significant plagiarism and serious student misconduct. Level 3
Plagiarism is managed under the Student Misconduct Procedure as per Section 2.7.2 of this Procedure.
Level 3 is serious student misconduct where there is a breach of the Student Code and this breach is
considered to be deliberate, reckless and/or involves gross and persistent negligence.

Examples include: presenting work in whole or significant part in collusion with others, the copying or
theft of another student’s assignment or paying for work to be done. See Table 1 for illustrative
examples.

Typically the management of plagiarism begins at the School level. If upon investigation, the level of
plagiarism is significant and serious misconduct, such as Level 3 Plagiarism, this must be referred to the
Director, UNSW Integrity.

2.2. Action following Plagiarism Determination
When a student has been determined as having plagiarised, the actions should include one or more,
from each of the following (See also Table 1):

Educative Action

All students should undertake some form of educative action either managed by the School or the
Learning Centre except where exclusion is the penalty for plagiarism.

Penalties

All students should have a penalty imposed. The degree of penalty, however, shall be appropriate to the
degree of plagiarism. For students who have committed Level 1 Plagiarism it may be that their mark
reflects the lack of scholarly achievement. For Level 2 it might be a 0% for the work or the course. For
Level 3 Plagiarism, it may be 0% for the course or even suspension from UNSW.

Managing Plagiarism for Students Enrolled in Coursework Programs – Procedure Page 3 of 21
Version: 1.4 Effective 15 August 2017

Registers

All student details are placed on a Register whether it is the Level 1 Plagiarism Register or the Student
Misconduct Register for Levels 2 or 3 Plagiarism. Both Registers are managed by the Student Integrity
Unit.

2.3. Procedural fairness and natural justice
Plagiarism allegations have the potential to impact directly on the interests of students. The principles of
procedural fairness should therefore apply to the handling of all cases of plagiarism. Key requirements
of procedural fairness include:

• Ensuring students are accorded a fair hearing, meaning that their views about the allegation are
heard before a decision is made (including as to any mitigating circumstances)

• That staff involved in decision making do not have any bias

• That a decision is based on only relevant evidence.

Matters should also be progressed promptly, and students should be updated about any delays on the
part of the University.

2.4. Confidentiality and Bias/Perception of Bias
All allegations and investigations of plagiarism are to be dealt with confidentially to protect the privacy
and interests of the student. Staff dealing with a suspected case of plagiarism must ensure that there is
no reasonable perception of bias towards the student concerned. In all cases, information should be
treated in confidence and not released to any external agency unless required by law or the student has
expressly consented to its release.

Analysis and internal reporting of plagiarism trends shall not identify students in any way. The records
held in the Level 1 Plagiarism Register and Student Misconduct Register are only accessible by the
Student Integrity Unit and nominated Faculty and School officers.

Managing Plagiarism for Students Enrolled in Coursework Programs – Procedure Page 4 of 21
Version: 1.4 Effective 15 August 2017

2.5. Table 1 – Plagiarism: Types and Examples of Educative Action and Penalties

Plagiarism Levels Types & Illustrative Examples Educative Action Possible Penalties Registers

Level 1
Minor plagiarism is where
inexperience is a mitigating factor.

Managed within School as per
pages 6-7 of this Procedure.

Only one instance of Level 1
Plagiarism allowed.

Insufficient or inadequate citation
Minor plagiarism as judged by the
responsible academic and/or
having been reviewed by Turnitin.

For example:
A first year student used material
from the internet without
referencing the material. The
lecturer realised that the student
didn’t understand that internet
material had to be referenced in
the same ways as books and
journals.

Minor collusion involving very
inexperienced students, e.g. first
year students.

All instances should be
considered the same Level matter
if no intervention has been
completed before the subsequent
ones are identified (e.g. the
student has not been spoken to
about plagiarism in the first
assessment before second was
submitted or a similar offence
occurs across concurrent
courses).

Generally, the mark awarded for work
may be reduced for the lack of
scholarly achievement (e.g. you can
deduct marks in line with the marking
criteria for a failure to reference
appropriately OR you can exclude the
plagiarised material and mark what
remains).

The relevant academic is responsible
for providing educational intervention
and education strategies, including
referral to the Learning Centre. Each
School/Faculty should have a
procedure that draws on this
document and provides guidance to
staff on how to deal with these cases.

Educative intervention as student is
allowed to repeat and resubmit the
work for no penalty to mark.

Marker does not penalise for the plagiarism
or breach(es) per se, but awards a mark that
reflects the lack of scholarly achievement
(i.e. mark reflects the marking criteria were
not met).

Reduction in marks by stated amount as a
consequence of plagiarism.

Student repeats and resubmits work for a
maximum result of 50% (because work
would otherwise fail if plagiarised material
excerpted).

Plagiarism Register.

This record remains only for
the duration of a student’s
career at UNSW. The
Register holds details of the
type of plagiarism and
educative action
recommended.

A student’s record is wiped
from this Register following
conferral of their degree.

Managing Plagiarism for Students Enrolled in Coursework Programs – Procedure Page 5 of 21
Version: 1.4 Effective 15 August 2017

Plagiarism Levels Types & Illustrative Examples Educative Action Possible Penalties Registers

Level 2

Significant plagiarism involving
student misconduct and a breach of
the Student Code.

Level 2 Plagiarism must be formally
investigated by a Designated Officer
as per the Student Misconduct
Procedure, pages 7 and 8 of this
Procedure.

Where there is more than 1
instance of Level 1 plagiarism;

Usually applies where there is
substantial plagiarism in a single
piece of work.

Minor collusion.

For example:
A group of students worked
together on an assignment after
they had been told it was not
allowed and some parts of the
answers were identical.

Educative intervention by School on
appropriate writing skills and academic
integrity.

Educative Intervention through
Learning Centre workshops.

Reduction in marks by stated amount as a
consequence of plagiarism.

Student repeats and resubmits work for a
maximum result of 50%.

Resubmission of corrected work for a
capped mark or capped pass for entire
course.

0% for the work.

0%for the course.

Student Misconduct
Register.

A record is held in the
Student Misconduct
Register. This record can
be reported to external
agencies if requested
following a student’s
graduation. The Register
holds details of the type of
plagiarism and actions
including penalties
recommended.

Level 3

Significant plagiarism and serious
student misconduct where there is a
breach of the Student Code and this
breach is considered to be
deliberate, reckless and/or involves
gross and persistent negligence.

Refer to Director, UNSW Integrity.

The Director, UNSW Integrity
appoints an Investigating Officer or
instructs the Student Integrity Unit to
investigate in accordance with the
Student Misconduct Procedure as
per pages 7 and 8 of this
Procedure.

Repeated instances of academic
misconduct at Level 2.

Significant collusion.

Submission of the complete work
of another person.

Purchase of the work to be
assessed.

For example:
A student bought an entire essay
worth 50% off the internet which
was detected through Turnitin.

Educative intervention by School on
appropriate writing skills and academic
integrity.

Educative Intervention through
Learning Centre workshops.

Mandatory referral of Serious Misconduct
matters to the Director, UNSW Integrity;

0% for the work.

0%for the course.

Suspension from the University.

Permanent exclusion from the University.

Annul previous grades awarded for relevant
courses and listed on an academic
transcript.

Revocation of an award (degree, diploma,
certificate, prize or scholarship).

Student Misconduct
Register.

A record is held in the
Student Misconduct
Register. The Register
holds details of the type of
plagiarism and actions
including penalties
recommended. This record
can be reported to external
agencies if requested
following a student’s
conferral.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Managing Plagiarism for Students Enrolled in Coursework Programs Page 6 of 21
Version: 1.4 Effective 15 August 2017

2.6. Roles in handling plagiarism at UNSW
Academic staff are responsible for identifying plagiarism. Level 1 and Level 2 Plagiarism matters are
managed at School and Faculty level while Level 3 Plagiarism matters are referred to the Director,
UNSW Integrity.

The Student Integrity Unit advises University staff on misconduct matters and manages the Level 1
Plagiarism Register and the Student Misconduct Register. The Student Integrity Unit can provide
training to Schools on the misconduct framework, procedural fairness and how to use the Plagiarism and
Student Misconduct Registers.

Refer to Appendix B for the full description of the various roles at UNSW.

2.7. The Process

2.7.1. Level 1 Plagiarism
Level 1 Plagiarism is not managed under the Student Misconduct Procedure but rather, as an
educative process with penalties still applying. Matters will be recorded on the Level 1 Plagiarism
Register.

Managing Level 1 Plagiarism

When Level 1 Plagiarism is identified through the usual processes of assessment, Turnitin etc,
check the Level 1 Plagiarism Register and Student Misconduct Register for any entries of
plagiarism. Check the career of the student.

If Level 1 Plagiarism is determined then an Educative Plan for the Student should be created. Other
action may also be an option. Refer to Table 1.

The student’s details must be placed on the Level 1 Plagiarism Register.

• The student must be advised of an entry on the Level 1 Plagiarism Register but that this
does not constitute Academic Misconduct. The student must also be advised that this
Register is only for use at the University and therefore will not in itself prevent their
academic progression.

• Students should be informed that they may have one entry on the Level 1 Plagiarism
Register but any more will be considered as student misconduct. See Appendix C for
templates.

• They should be further advised that their details held on the Level 1 Plagiarism Register will
be removed following conferral of their degree.

• Students should be provided with an opportunity to appeal the decision to place an entry on
the Level 1 Plagiarism Register.

• Appeals must be made within 10 working days of the decision and all appeals must be made
to the Head of School.

• The student should be notified of the outcome of an appeal within 10 working days.

2.7.2. Levels 2 and 3 Plagiarism

Investigating allegations of Level 2 and Level 3 Plagiarism using the Student Misconduct Procedure.

After Level 2 or 3 Plagiarism are Determined
If Level 2 or 3 Plagiarism is determined, then an investigation is carried out in accordance
with Section 5 of the Student Misconduct Procedure (SMP).

DO/Investigating Officer (IO) advises student that an allegation of plagiarism has been
made. Student is offered the opportunity to respond in writing and/or at interview – use
Template 3 – See Appendix C for templates.

Notification to student is emailed to their student email address.

Student has 5 working days to respond. If there is no response from student, contact
Student Integrity Unit. When student responds, arrange and conduct interview.

Misconduct
S3 SMP Template 1

Allegation, in writing and supported by
evidence, is referred to the Designated
Officer (DO) for your School/Faculty, e.g.
SEO, HOS or Dean for further
investigation.

Student to be notified within 10 working
days.

Serious Misconduct
S4 SMP Template 1

Allegation, in writing and supported by
evidence, is referred to the Director,
UNSW Integrity (via Student Integrity
Unit. studentconduct@unsw.edu.au.
Director, UNSW Integrity will instruct the
Student Integrity Unit to investigate or
appoint an Investigating Officer (IO) or
refer matter to an external body.

Student to be notified within 10 working
days.

Please note: Check the Level 1 Plagiarism and Student Misconduct Registers first for any
entries of plagiarism. Check the career of the student.

Making a determination S5.2 – SMP.
• Previous findings of plagiarism or misconduct should not be taken into account at this

stage, look only at the evidence of this matter.
• After evaluation of the evidence provided, decide whether on the balance of probability

the allegation/s against the student is proven.
• Refer to Penalties on Table 1 of this Procedure regarding appropriate and consistent

penalties.
• Compile an investigation report – Template 2

Implementation of outcome
• If no appeal, the penalty/ies are implemented at the expiration of the appeal period;
• If matter proceeds to an appeal, the student is notified of outcome with reasons.

No further avenues of appeal exist within the University and penalty/ies may now be
implemented.

Penalties – Misconduct

If the allegation/s is proven, before
imposing or recommending any penalty,
the DO will:

• Refer to Penalties on Table 1 of this

Procedure and consult the Student
Integrity Unit to ensure consistency;

• Where penalty is appropriate the
following may be taken into account
– any previous findings of
misconduct, penalties imposed,
year/level of student, extenuating
circumstances;

• Send a written report to Student
Integrity Unit at conclusion of
investigation.

Penalties – Serious Misconduct

If the allegation/s is proven, before
imposing or recommending any penalty the
Student Integrity Unit/IO will:

• Refer to Penalties on Table 1 of this

Procedure;
• Where penalty is appropriate the

following may be taken into account –
any previous findings of misconduct,
penalties imposed, year/level of
student, extenuating circumstances;

• Prepare recommendations for approval
of Director, UNSW Integrity.

Appeals S6 – Misconduct

• A student may appeal a finding of

misconduct to the Director, UNSW
Integrity only on the grounds of lack of
procedural fairness;

• Appeal must be in writing (email) and
lodged within 10 working days of
notification of outcome;

• The Director, UNSW Integrity may
determine the appeal should not
proceed on grounds that it is frivolous,
vexatious, or lack of procedural fairness
is not applicable;

• If the appeal does not proceed, the
appellant will be notified and all
avenues of appeal within the University
will be exhausted;

• If the appeal does proceed, the
Director, UNSW Integrity may act in
accordance with the procedure for
Serious Misconduct – see S6.1.3 and
S6.2 of the Student Misconduct
Procedure.

Appeals S6 – Serious Misconduct

• A student may appeal a finding of

misconduct to the PVCA only on the
grounds of lack of procedural fairness;

• Appeal must be in writing (email) and
lodged within 10 working days of
notification of outcome;

• The DVCA may determine that the
appeal should not proceed on grounds
that it is frivolous, vexatious, or lack of
procedural fairness is not applicable;

• If the appeal does not proceed, the
appellant will be notified and all avenues
of appeal within the University will be
exhausted;

• If the appeal does proceed, the DVCA
may act in accordance the provisions of
the procedure for Serious Misconduct –
see S6.2 of the Student Misconduct
Procedure.

Inform student of the outcome including any penalties – Template 3 – attach the Report

http://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentmisconductprocedures.pdf
http://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentmisconductprocedures.pdf
http://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentmisconductprocedures.pdf
http://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentmisconductprocedures.pdf
http://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentmisconductprocedures.pdf
http://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentmisconductprocedures.pdf
http://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentmisconductprocedures.pdf
http://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentmisconductprocedures.pdf

2.8. Administrative Actions
Record keeping
Notes and documentation must be kept at all stages of an investigation and stored on an appropriate
confidential University file, e.g. E-TRIM. The Student Integrity Unit can advise.

Registers
At the conclusion of the matter the DO or delegated staff member must enter details that Plagiarism has
been committed on the relevant Registers, Level 1 Register or the Student Misconduct Register
regardless of whether or not a penalty was imposed.

3. Acknowledgements
Contributions including templates and other documents from Schools (Social Sciences and Law) were
particularly useful in compiling this Procedure.

Accountabilities

Responsible Officer Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic

Contact Officer
Director, UNSW Integrity

studentconduct@unsw.edu.au

Supporting Information

Legislative Compliance
This Procedure supports the University’s compliance with the following legislation:

Nil

Parent Document (Policy) Plagiarism Policy

Supporting Documents

Related Documents

UNSW Code of Conduct

Student Code of Conduct

Student Misconduct Procedure

Plagiarism Policy

Assessment Policy

Assessment Design Procedure

Assessment Implementation Procedure

Superseded Documents Managing Plagiarism for Students Enrolled in Coursework Programs – Procedure, v1.3

File Number 2015/38065

Definitions and Acronyms

Plagiarism
Plagiarism at UNSW is defined in the Plagiarism Policy as using the words or ideas of
others and passing them off as your own.

See Appendix A for types of Plagiarism.

Revision History
Version Approved by Approval date Effective date Sections modified

1.0 Vice-President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) 10 December 2013
10 December
2013

New document

1.1 Acting Head of Governance 2 December 2015 2 December 2015 All references to Contact Officer amended.

1.2 Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor 29 February 2016 29 February 2016 Responsible and contact officers

1.3 Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor 3 August 2016 3 August 2016
Section 4.1, 4.5-7, 4.7.2 to
reflect change in responsibility
for Level 3 Plagiarism

1.4
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Academic

25 July 2017 15 August 2017 Administrative update to reflect
changes in senior
management.

Appendix A: Types of Plagiarism

Copying: Using the same or very similar text or idea to the original text or idea without acknowledging the
source or using quotation marks. This includes copying materials, ideas or concepts from a book, article,
report or other written document, presentation, composition, artwork, design, drawing, circuitry, computer
program or software, website, internet, other electronic resource, or another person’s assignment, without
appropriate acknowledgement.

Inappropriate paraphrasing: Changing a few words and phrases while mostly retaining the original
structure and/or progression of ideas of the original, and information without acknowledgement. This also
applies in presentations where someone paraphrases another’s ideas or words without credit and to piecing
together quotes and paraphrases into a new whole, without appropriate referencing.

Collusion: Presenting work as independent work when it has been produced in whole or part in collusion
with other people. Collusion includes students providing their work to another student before the due date,
or for the purpose of them plagiarising at any time, paying another person to perform an academic task and
passing it off as your own, stealing or acquiring another person’s academic work and copying it, offering to
complete another person’s work or seeking payment for completing academic work. This should not be
confused with academic collaboration where there has been general group discussion about a project or
question but where each student writes his/her own answer.

Inappropriate citation: Citing sources which have not been read, without acknowledging the ‘secondary’
source from which knowledge of them has been obtained.

Self-plagiarism: ‘Self-plagiarism’ occurs where an author republishes their own previously written work and
presents it as new findings without referencing the earlier work, either in its entirety or partially. Self-
plagiarism is also referred to as ‘recycling’, ‘duplication’, or ‘multiple submissions of research findings’
without disclosure. In the student context, self-plagiarism includes re-using parts of, or all of, a body of work
that has already been submitted for assessment without proper citation.

Appendix B: Roles at UNSW

Central Roles

The President and Vice-Chancellor has overall responsibility for supervision of the University and has
the power to impose penalties for breach of discipline or for misconduct of any kind. This power may be
delegated.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic (DVCA) has overall responsibility for the operation of the
Student Misconduct Procedure. The DVCA has overall responsibility for the operation of the Research
Code of Conduct.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) determines appeals of decisions made by the Director,
UNSW Integrity.

The Director, UNSW Integrity manages allegations of plagiarism under the Student Misconduct
Procedure. The Director, UNSW Integrity has day-to-day operational responsibility for student
misconduct through the Student Integrity Unit. The Director, UNSW Integrity determines Level 3
Plagiarism matters referred to them, as well as hears and determines appeals of decisions made by
Schools.

The Student Integrity Unit works out of the Conduct and Integrity Unit, within the Office of the Deputy
Vice Chancellor Academic. The Student Integrity Unit advises University staff on misconduct matters
and manages the Level 1 Plagiarism Register and the Student Misconduct Register. The Student
Integrity Unit can provide training to Schools on the misconduct framework, procedural fairness and how
to use the Plagiarism and Student Misconduct Registers. The Student Integrity Unit conducts
investigations as directed by the Director, UNSW Integrity, including Level 3 Serious Misconduct
plagiarism matters referred by Schools as well as reviews of appeals against school decisions.
Recommendations are made to the Director, UNSW Integrity who determines each case.

Faculty Roles

Associate Dean (Education)/Academic (ADE/ADA)

The Associate Dean (Education)/Academic or equivalent has overall responsibility for ensuring this
Procedure is implemented across their faculty or research unit. This includes ensuring compliance with
the procedure, and working to achieve change in managing plagiarism at UNSW.

Designated Officer (DO) or Head of School/Discipline (HOS)
In terms of ensuring this Procedure is implemented at the local level, the Head of School/Discipline has
responsibility for this working with Faculty and School Ethics Officers.

In terms of investigating allegations of plagiarism, the Head of School/Discipline determines matters after
their investigation. In the Student Misconduct Procedure this role is called the ‘Designated Officer’. The
Head of School/Discipline decides who investigates all Level 2 Plagiarism matters and can decide to
undertake the investigation themselves, delegate the investigation to a School or Faculty Ethics Officer
or another member of Academic Staff, or refer the Level 3 Plagiarism to the Director, UNSW Integrity as
appropriate.

If the Head of School/Discipline is absent or has a conflict of interest, or decides to delegate this
responsibility, they can do so to another staff member. Potential Designated Officers are approved by
the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic in accordance with the UNSW Delegations of Authority and are
limited to:

• Deans and Associate Deans

• Heads of School and Heads of Discipline

• Deputy Heads of School and Deputy Heads of Discipline

• Faculty Ethics Officers and School Ethics Officers

• Directors or CEOs of Research Centres.

School Student Ethics Officer (SSEO)
Each School is required to appoint a School Student Ethics Officer (SSEO) who is responsible for
assisting with the management of plagiarism, both in terms of individual instances and the wider issues
around academic standards. This staff member is often also responsible for other issues around student
misconduct, such as cheating in tests or other attempts to improperly gain academic advantage.

Along with the Head of School/Discipline, the SSEO is responsible for:

1. Facilitating knowledge and awareness of academic integrity issues within the School or faculty

2. Coordination, in conjunction with Associate Deans and Heads of School, relevant activities and
initiatives in relation to plagiarism and academic integrity

3. Providing advice to staff when plagiarism is detected

4. Providing advice to staff on this Procedure and the Student Misconduct Procedure

5. Receiving formal notifications of an allegation of plagiarism and conducting investigations

6. Making requests to the Student Integrity Unit about whether a student is already on the Level 1
Plagiarism Register and/or Student Misconduct Register

7. Ensuring students who are determined to have plagiarised at Level 1 are placed on the Level 1
Plagiarism Register

8. Ensuring students who are determined to have plagiarised at Levels 2 or 3 are placed on the
Student Misconduct Register

9. Liaising with Deans, Associate Deans, Heads of School and the Student Integrity Unit on all
related matters.

The SSEO role can vary between Schools and Faculties, and sometimes the role is part of the position
requirements of the Deputy or Associate Head of School. Some Faculties have program areas and
research centres that report directly to an Associate Dean, and operate outside or across established
Schools. Such program areas and research centres can appoint their own ethics officer, with the same
obligations as the SSEO in this Procedure, or with the consent of a School utilise the SSEO of one of the
Schools.

Faculty Student Ethics Officer (SSEO)

Some Faculties may also appoint a Faculty Student Ethics officer, to assist the ADE/ADA with Faculty
wide management of plagiarism matters.

Learning Centre

The Learning Centre is responsible for assisting staff and students with education and resources about
plagiarism and academic integrity.

Learning and Teaching @ UNSW

Learning and Teaching @ UNSW is responsible for providing advice on designing assessment tasks that
minimise or discourage plagiarism.

Appendix C – Email Templates.

SUSPECTED PLAGIARISM REPORT FORM

PART A – Reporting Plagiarism
Student details
NAME:

ID: Year: Program:

Contact details (email)

Assessment details

Semester and year:

Course code and title:

Assessment task:

Weight of the assessment in course (%):

Suspected Plagiarism identified by the Course Coordinator
Description (nature, specific sections/pages in the submitted assignment:

Additional comments

Suspected Plagiarism reported by
Name of Course Coordinator:
Email:
Signature:

Date:

PART B – Response
School Student Ethics Officer’s Response to the Report
Year of study:
� Year 1, Semester 1, � Year 1, Semester 2
� Exchange or transfer student, Semester 1
� Year 2 and above
� Postgrad, Semester 1
� Postgrad, Semester 2 and above

Plagiarism level:
� Level 1 Plagiarism
� Level 2 Plagiarism (Misconduct)
� Level 3 Plagiarism
(Serious Misconduct)

Outcome:
� No meeting required with SSEO; refer to Course Coordinator
� Meeting required with SSEO

Date of meeting: Venue:

Meeting with:
School Office Administrator
� Check School database for previous reports, Level of previous (if any) ……………..
� Date student/s notified of suspected plagiarism …………………
� Enter report on School database
� Add to Meeting Schedule (note previous reports if any)

Determination by School Student Ethics Officer
Summary of Incident (please write a short summary of the case)

Penalty applied and/or Outcome/Action:
� Educative action by course coordinator
� Resubmit for maximum grade of 50 by ………………….date.
� Deduction of ……..% applied to grade
� Mark adjusted to zero
� Refer Learning Centre
� No penalty
� Other (please specify)
� Refer Director, UNSW Integrity (Level 3 mandatory)

� Placement on Level 1Plagiarism Register
� Placement on Student Misconduct Register
School Office Administrator
� Date student/s informed of decision ……………………..
� Enter on School database

1. Penalty applied and/or Outcome/Action
2. Summary of Incident

Certified correct
Name: Signature: Date:
School Student Ethics Officer
Email:

Appendix C – Email Templates.

FACULTY REFERRALTO LEARNING CENTRE
Gwyn Jones email: learningcentre@unsw.edu.au

PART A – Referral of Instance of Plagiarism
Student details
NAME:

ID: Year: Program:

Contact details (email)

Assessment details
Semester and year:

Course code and title:

Assessment task:

Weight of the assessment in course (%):

Suspected Plagiarism identified by the Course Coordinator
Description (nature, specific sections/pages in the submitted assignment:

Previous Plagiarism Incidents
� Check School database for previous reports of plagiarism
� Level 1 � Level 2 � Level 3
�

Additional comments

Suspected Plagiarism reported by
Name of Course Coordinator:
Email:
Signature:

Date:

PART B – Learning Centre – Report to Faculty
Student details
STUDENT NAME:

ID: Year: Program:

Contact details (email)

The Learning Centre Response to the Report

Year of study:
� Year 1, Semester 1
� Year 1, Semester 2
� Exchange or transfer student, Semester 1
� Year 2 and above
� Postgrad, Semester 1
� Postgrad, Semester 2 and above

Plagiarism level:
� Level 1 Plagiarism
� Level 2 Plagiarism (Misconduct)
� Level 3 Plagiarism
(Serious Misconduct)

Date (s) of Consultation:

Meeting with:

Summary of Learning Centre Action taken:

Referral Completed by:
Name: Signature: Date:
The Learning Centre

Student Signature: Date:
Student ID:

Email Templates for Faculties or Schools

1.00 Templates for notification of allegations of Plagiarism to students

Level 1 Plagiarism
DATE
NAME
Student No.

Dear [Student]

An allegation of plagiarism has been referred to me by in regards to an assessment
task you have submitted to .

This allegation has been investigated by the School Student Ethics Officers and we have determined that
this is a Level 1 Plagiarism instance under the UNSW Managing Plagiarism for Students Enrolled in
Coursework Programs.

Your assessment task has been returned to the course convenor for appropriate educative action and your
name has been placed on the Level 1 Plagiarism Register. You should expect your course convenor to
contact you in the near future to arrange a meeting to discuss this issue.

For information on the range of student support services available at UNSW click here:
https://student.unsw.edu.au/support

Please be advised that if you do not follow UNSW guidelines on correct referencing and intellectual
attribution in the future, this will likely result in more serious consequences. A student is permitted only one
Level 1 plagiarism instance.

If you have any questions about these allegations or the educative processes relating to plagiarism please
contact me.

Yours sincerely
Name
Position

https://student.unsw.edu.au/support

Levels 2 and 3 Plagiarism

DATE
NAME
Student No.

Dear [Student]

An allegation of academic misconduct, Level < > Plagiarism, has been referred to me by in regards to an assessment task you have submitted to . I attach a copy of the
work in which plagiarism is suspected, with the relevant sections identified.

In accordance with the University’s Student Misconduct Procedure, I have been appointed as the Designated
Officer responsible for enquiries into the allegation against you:

http://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentmisconductprocedures.pdf

You should read these procedures carefully, in particular Section 7 as it outlines how this matter will be
investigated. I also draw your attention to the UNSW Student Code of Conduct:

https://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentcodepolicy.pdf

In order to investigate a matter I interview a student, and you need to contact me by (insert date not less
than seven days away). You may bring a support person or friend to the interview if you wish.

Alternatively, you can provide a written statement by (insert date not less than seven days away) and I will
finalise the investigation on the basis of the information I have before me and the statement you send me.

For information on the range of student support services available at UNSW click here:
https://student.unsw.edu.au/support.

The student association on campus, Arc@UNSW, has student advocates available to provide independent
advice about the University’s Student Misconduct Procedure. You may contact a Student Support Officer on
(02) 9385 7700 or email advice@arc.unsw.edu.au for help. All students can access this service and it is
free.

If you have any questions about these allegations or the misconduct processes please contact me.

Yours sincerely
Name
Position

http://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentmisconductprocedures.pdf
https://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentcodepolicy.pdf
https://student.unsw.edu.au/support
http://www.arc.unsw.edu.au/advice–representation/student-support-services
mailto:advice@arc.unsw.edu.au

2.00 Misconduct Report (if required)

REPORT OF AN INVESTIGATION OF AN ALLEGATION OF PLAGIARISM

SURNAME, First name Stu ID

STUDENT BACKGROUND:
(Include program details and academic standing)

ALLEGATION:
(State allegations)

DISCUSSION:

(Details of discussion with student)

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. That

2. That

3. That

Name
Title
Date:
Approved:

Name
Faculty/School/Department Designated Officer
Date:

3.00 Plagiarism determination email (signed by investigator and sent with report)

Ref: 2017/

Contact:

Phone: +61 2 9385 XXXX

Email:

Date:

Name
[mailto:EMAIL]

Dear ….

I enclose a copy of the report sent to the Designated Officer (School/Faculty), setting out the details in regard
to the allegation that you have committed plagiarism and indicating the factors that were considered in
mitigation.

The report recommends:
• That

• That

The Designated Officer has accepted these recommendations.

Appeals
Under the Student Misconduct Procedure,
https://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentmisconductprocedures.pdf, you may appeal this
decision. Section 8 Appeals indicates that you have 10 working days to lodge an appeal in writing. No
response from you will be taken as an acceptance of the above decision. Section 8.1.1 of the procedures
indicates that appeals can only be based on the following grounds of lack of procedural fairness in the
investigation process conducted by the Investigation Officer.

I note that you can seek advice from the student association on campus, Arc@UNSW, about lodging an
appeal. You may contact a Student Support Officer on (02) 9385 7700 or email advice@arc.unsw.edu.au for
help. All students can access this service and it is free.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Yours sincerely

Name
Title

mailto:advice@arc.unsw.edu.au

1. Prevention
2. Managing Plagiarism
2.1. Levels of Plagiarism
2.2. Action following Plagiarism Determination
2.3. Procedural fairness and natural justice
2.4. Confidentiality and Bias/Perception of Bias
2.5. Table 1 – Plagiarism: Types and Examples of Educative Action and Penalties
2.6. Roles in handling plagiarism at UNSW
2.7. The Process
2.7.1. Level 1 Plagiarism
2.7.2. Levels 2 and 3 Plagiarism
2.8. Administrative Actions

3. Acknowledgements
Appendix A: Types of Plagiarism
Appendix B: Roles at UNSW
Appendix C – Email Templates.

Related Posts