I've been invited to a formal discussion about academic misconduct, what should I expect?

If you have been invited to a Formal Discussion, you are required to attend. The invitation letter will contain details on how to request a postponement if you cannot attend. You will be required to provide evidence of a need for the postponement.

At the Formal Discussion will be one or two Academic Integrity Officers (AIOs) who are the decision makers. Also present will be a representative from the module team, usually the Module Leader, who will present the case and the evidence for the suspected academic misconduct and answer any questions about the assessment.

During the Formal Discussion, you will have the opportunity to explain how you approached the assessment task and the Academic Integrity Officer(s) may ask you questions about your submission in order to gain a better understanding of your knowledge of the subject. You will also have the opportunity to raise any previously undisclosed Special Circumstances that may have impacted on your ability to make a rational choice at the time that the work was produced.

Please note, if you do not turn up to a Formal Discussion the case could be considered in your absence.

For more information on the academic misconduct process, visit our academic misconduct page.