Academic Misconduct - SU Guide - Falmouth

What to Do if You’re Accused of Academic Misconduct

If the university thinks there’s a problem with your work, it can feel stressful. The SU is here to help you understand the process and make sure you get the support you need.

1. Getting Notified

   • ​The university will email you if they suspect academic misconduct.
   • Important note: Emails will come to your university email address.
   • Check your emails regularly and respond promptly— not replying won’t protect you.
      

2. Investigation/Review

   • The university will review your work to understand what happened.
     • Methods may include:
       • Text matching software (e.g., Turnitin)
       • A viva (a meeting where you explain your work and answer questions)
       • Review of other submitted work if relevant
       • Checking your writing style against your usual work
     • Supporter – you may bring someone from the SU or another supporter to listen and take notes; you answer questions yourself.
     • If the work is part of a group, each student may be interviewed individually.
     • Evidence you may be asked to provide: drafts, notes, emails, AI prompts and outputs, or any other materials showing your work is your own.
     • You can submit a written defence using the university’s Response Form: Writing an Academic Misconduct Response Statement guide.
        

3. Confidentiality

   • Only staff involved in the investigation will see the details of your case.
   • Everything is handled sensitively and confidentially.
      

4. Possible Outcomes

   • The university applies penalties based on the severity of the offence.

     • No action – the issue is cleared
     • Educational measures – extra training or workshops
     • Grade penalties – marks reduced
     • Resubmission – redo the work
     • Serious disciplinary action – for major breaches, which can affect module marks, progression, final degree award, and can even include suspension or expulsion

       💡 Graduation impact – unresolved cases may prevent attending graduation or receiving your degree until the investigation is complete.

5. Extenuating Circumstances (EC's)

• If personal issues affected your work, you must apply for EC's at the time (for example, to request an extension).
• EC's are separate from misconduct, but may be considered when deciding penalty severity.
• It does not change whether misconduct happened, only the level of penalty.

6. Appealing a Decision

   • ​If you disagree with the outcome, you can appeal in writing.
   • Appeals are considered if:
     • There was a mistake or error in how the process was handled, or
     • There were extenuating circumstances you couldn’t share earlier.