Student academic misconduct

Academic integrity is essential because it guarantees fair assessment of all students based on their individual work and research. By maintaining it, you build pride and confidence in your achievements and prepare to thrive beyond university with integrity and professionalism. 

Academic misconduct refers to any action that gives a student, or another person, an unauthorised advantage, whether done individually or with others.

It may occur in any assessment completed toward a qualification at Southampton Solent University.

As misconduct can be intentional or unintentional, students should familiarise themselves with what the University considers an offence. The following is a list of offences and their definitions.

Plagiarism 

Plagiarism is when a student uses someone else’s work without giving proper credit through correct referencing - by quoting, paraphrasing, copying, or imitating it - and submits it as if it were their own.

Artificial intelligence (AI) misconduct

AI misconduct is when a student submits work created by generative artificial intelligence, ChatGPT for example, without permission. You can only use AI tools if your assessment brief allows it, and any AI use must be clearly referenced.

You should refer to the assessment brief or ask your tutor if you’re unsure how AI is allowed to be used in your assessment.

Collusion 

Collusion is when students let other students in their cohort see or use their work, and it is then submitted as another student’s own. It also includes working together on an assignment that’s meant to be done alone without permission.

Falsification 

Falsification is when a student fraudulently creates, alters or misrepresents data, references or any other information submitted for assessment.

Replication (self-plagiarism) 

Replication happens when a student submits the same or very similar work that has already been used for an assessment. If you are repeating a module, you need to create new work, unless the resit assessment brief says it’s okay to revise a failed assignment. If you have any concerns about this, you should ask your module tutor.

Contract cheating 

Contract cheating is when a student pays or arranges for someone else to complete an assessment, or when a student knowingly submits work that has been completed by someone else.

Exams breach 

An exam breach is when a student breaks the rules during an exam. This includes using notes or devices you’re not allowed to, getting a copy of the exam beforehand, talking to or copying another student, or taking the exam for someone else.

Ethics breach 

An ethics breach happens when a student doesn’t get the required ethical approval for an assessment or fails to follow the ethical rules they were given.

False extenuating circumstances claim 

This happens when a student gives false information in a request for extenuating circumstances, like faking medical documents or lying about their situation.

A minor is any first offence, unless it meets the criteria for a major offence, see the Procedure for these exceptions.

A major is any second, multiple or further offence. As above, some first offences are automatically considered as major, see procedure for details.

Major offence cases will be investigated by an academic misconduct inquiry panel. The panel will review the case and make a decision regarding the penalty.

Minor offences do not usually require a panel and instead an automatic penalty letter is issued.

For a minor offence, you will fail the assessment involved but be allowed to resit it. The resit assessment and overall module mark will be capped at 40 (pass mark), but the right to resit will be subject to the relevant assessment regulations. 

For a major offence, penalties will vary depending on if this is your second or third offence. Penalties range from failing the assignment or module with one final chance at passing through to withdrawal from the University. See our procedure for full details. 

Alongside your module tutors, the University has multiple support services available to you. We suggest you take full advantage of all support available to ensure the best learning experience whilst at University.

SOL Academic Integrity module

Access the module here This module should be completed by all students. It is a learning tool about what academic integrity is and how to uphold it.

Essay writing, referencing, and study support

For guidance on essay writing, referencing, and other academic skills, visit Succeed@Solent on SOL or through the Solent Library.

Wellbeing services and support

For wellbeing support, submit a request via Care Report here or visit the Student Hub in person.

Students Union

For advice on writing appeals or complaints, you can seek independent advice from the SU. Contact the Students’ Union advice and wellbeing coordinator at suadvice@solent.ac.uk.