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Academic Misconduct Procedures Flowchart (IBS)

Academic Misconduct Procedures Flowchart (IBS)

Academic misconduct flowchart

How to Use This Flowchart

Stage 1 – Identification

Academic misconduct is identified by a tutor, assessor, examiner, or marker through assessment review, similarity tools, or observation.

Stage 2 – Preliminary Review

The assessor conducts an initial check to determine:

  • Whether misconduct may have occurred
  • Whether there is sufficient evidence
  • Whether the issue is minor or potentially serious

No penalty is imposed at this stage.

Stage 3 – Student Notification

The student is formally notified in writing, receiving:

  • Details of the allegation
  • The evidence being considered
  • Information about the next steps and their right to respond

This ensures procedural fairness, as required by OfS expectations.

Stage 4 – Student Response

The student is allowed time to:

  • Submit an explanation
  • Provide evidence
  • Seek academic or procedural support

Stage 5 – Case Classification

Minor / First Offence

  • Typically limited plagiarism or poor referencing practice

Major or Gross Misconduct

  • Extensive plagiarism
  • Collusion
  • Purchased or stolen work
  • Repeated offences

Stage 6 – Outcome

Minor / First Offence

  • Academic penalty applied
    • Mark reduction
    • Resubmission
    • Formal warning

Major / Gross Misconduct

  • Referred to a Formal Disciplinary Panel
  • Possible outcomes include:
    • Module failure
    • Programme termination
    • Exclusion from IBS