Student Integrity and Misconduct

1. Student Integrity and Misconduct Training for Administrative Staff supporting the Misconduct Process

2. Student Integrity and Misconduct • Overview • Policy and Guidelines • Process • Checklist steps • Evidence and Record Keeping • The importance of good record keeping • Support and Resources • The role of the Student Complaints and Grievance Resolution Unit (SCGRU)

3. Overview • Student Integrity and Misconduct – Policy & Guidelines • PPL 3.60.04 • Staff involved in the administration of the Student Integrity and Misconduct process are required to familiarise themselves with the content of both the policy and guidelines. • Since the implementation of PPL 3.60.04 on 1 September 2011 a number of issues in the practical application of the policy have been identified. • Through the application of the policy further areas for improvement may emerge.

4. Process • Checklist Steps • Preliminary Investigation (Steps 1-10) • Advise an Integrity Officer or the Academic Registrar of the matter and conduct investigation in consultation • Schedule a meeting with the student (if required) • Collect relevant information/evidence • Conduct a TRIM check • Contact SCGRU for a recidivist & online tutorial check • Provide the completed preliminary investigation to the Integrity Officer or Academic Registrar: = Template/s provided for use

5. Process • Checklist Steps • Preliminary Investigation (Steps 1-10) • Integrity Officer/Academic Registrar decides on an action • No further action (no record on student file) • Counselling/Warning (letter recorded on TRIM only) • * Referral to a Decision-maker: • The Integrity Officer or Academic Registrar must determine the level of misconduct and refer to an appropriate decision-maker for consideration (decision matrix). • This begins the formal misconduct process. * From receipt of the preliminary investigation to referral to a decision maker = within 5 working days.

6. Process • Checklist Steps • Decision-maker decides on an action (Step 11) • Refer-on to another decision maker; or • * Issue Allegation Notice • Allegation Notice (Step 12) • * The allegation notice should contain clear details of the alleged misconduct and a hearing date and time • Consideration should be given to applying an RW to thestudent’s studies report • If requested provide the student with a copy of the evidence before the hearing (Step 13) From receipt of a referral to the issue of an allegation notice = within 14 working days From the issue of an allegation notice to the scheduled hearing = within 20 working days

7. Process • Checklist Steps • Hold a hearing (Step 14) • Document the proceedings • Issue a decision letter to the student (Step 15) • The decision letter should clearly communicate the decision and how it was reached. Any penalty should also be clearly communicated along with the student’s right to appeal. • From issue of the decision letter to student lodging an appeal = within 20 working days • Send all paperwork to SCGRU for recording and • forwarding to RAMS to create a misconduct file (Steps 16 & 17). • * Penalties must not be implemented until after the appeal period lapses. The SCGRU will issue a finalisation letter activating the application of penalties.

8. Evidence and Record Keeping • It is important to document all procedural steps and associated evidence including relevant emails, written statements, assignments, memos, telephone contact, etc. • Good record keeping enhances accountability • The appeal body and/or ombudsman will scrutinise all information to confirm there has been procedural fairness.

9. Communications and Confidentiality • Be mindful of language and tone • Ensure all internal communications are professional and impartial • Keep the issues between those who need to know • Respect the right to privacy and confidentiality • Failure to observe these important points can compromise the appeal process

10. The Role of the Student Complaints and Grievance Resolution Unit (SCGRU) • The Student Complaints & Grievance Resolution Unit is a central unit to support and administer the student misconduct process across the University. • Webpage: http://www.uq.edu.au/sasd/?page=164352&pid=0 • Contacts: • Manager: Ms Sandy Williams • Administrative Support Officer: Ms Kerryn Biles • SCGRU mailbox: studentconduct@uq.edu.au

11. QUESTIONS?