Academic misconduct
Respond to allegations involving plagiarism, collusion, AI use or other assessment conduct by examining the policy and the actual evidence.
An allegation needs a careful answer.
Academic integrity and conduct allegations can move quickly. We help students understand the case against them, examine the evidence and respond through the university’s procedure.
Academic integrityConduct allegationsHearings and appeals
Where we can help.
Every case turns on its own facts. These are some of the issues we can help you assess and address.
Disciplinary investigations
Understand the allegation, the investigation steps and what information should be addressed before a decision is made.
Hearings and meetings
Prepare a clear account, supporting documents and answers to the issues likely to arise at a panel or meeting.
Sanctions and appeals
Examine the reasons for a finding or penalty, the procedure followed and any available internal review or appeal.
Where it starts
Does this sound familiar?
These situations can become difficult quickly. An early review helps separate the immediate problem from the wider consequences.
An AI allegation arrives
An assessment has been flagged, but you are unsure what evidence the university relies upon.
You have been called to a hearing
The allegation is serious and you need to prepare a response to the stated case.
A penalty affects your course
The decision may delay progression or alter an award, and you want to understand the review route.
Our approach
Start with the allegation. Then the evidence.
We compare the notice, the evidence and the university’s rules. A response should address what is actually alleged, including any disputed facts and relevant circumstances.
Useful documents to send
- The allegation or decision letter
- The misconduct or disciplinary policy
- The work, correspondence and evidence referred to
A considered response
What happens next.
The stage of the process determines what can be done next.
Understand the case
Identify the allegation, evidence, potential outcomes and response deadline.
Prepare the account
Set out the facts and supporting material in a clear sequence.
Address the outcome
If a decision has been made, examine its reasons and any review or appeal route.
Common questions
Before you make a move.
The answer depends on the facts, the documents and the procedure that applies to you.
Should I answer before I have seen the evidence?
The response should be informed by the allegation and the material relied upon. Ask what evidence is available and check the university’s procedure and deadline.
Can I take someone to a disciplinary meeting?
The rules on support or representation vary by institution and type of proceeding. The notice and procedure should be checked in advance.
Let’s talk
it through.
Tell us what happened, share the decision and any approaching deadline. Choose a meeting, WhatsApp or email on our contact page.
Book a meeting or contact usBackground reading: OIA guidance on disciplinary procedures