What are Unfair Means?
‘Unfair Means’ describes any kind of academic misconduct, for example, plagiarism, cheating in an exam, conspiring with another person to produce work, or falsifying results for coursework – all of which the University regards as unacceptable according to the Regulations on the Use of Unfair Means.
The Regulations on the Use of Unfair Means is available from the Advice Centre or through: www.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook/academic/unfairmeans What to do if an allegation is made against you If the University thinks that you have breached the Regulations on the Use of Unfair Means, you will receive a letter from them specifying exactly what kind of Unfair Means they think you have used.
You have 21 days to respond to this letter. It is in your best interest to respond, as it gives you the opportunity to explain your case. The Advice Centre can check over your statement for you and offer further advice.
Whether you respond or not, the ‘Unfair Means’ procedure will continue. Within 21 days, a panel hearing will take place. You will be notified of the date of this meeting by post.
The "Adjudicating Panel” will be made up of at least two members of academic staff from departments other than your own. The panel will look at the facts of your case objectively and all information given will be treated confidentially.
You have the right to take someone with you for support. The Advice Centre can also attend the hearing with you if sufficient notice is given.
Your response letter
Your response letter gives you the opportunity to explain why you have or have not used Unfair Means. You need to explain fully the circumstances surrounding the allegation as those dealing with your case may not know you. This is your chance to explain yourself so that the Adjudicating Panel can investigate your case fully and make a fully informed judgement.
In your response, you should:
• State whether you admit/deny the allegation.
• Explain why you admit or deny the allegation, providing evidence to support your case.
• If you are admitting to the allegation, you need to explain clearly why you used Unfair Means.
What happens next?
After you have submitted your response letter and attended the panel hearing, the Adjudicating Panel will discuss your case and a decision will be made. If you are found to have used Unfair Means then a penalty will be decided and you will be notified on the day or formally by letter within a fortnight.
If you are concerned about how long you are waiting for the decision, please ask your Personal Supervisor or contact the Advice Centre.
Penalties vary depending on the severity of the breach. Penalties are harsher for second breaches of Unfair Means. Information on possible penalties can be found in the Regulations on the Use of Unfair Means. Further guidance can also be given at the Advice Centre.
Appeals
You have the right to appeal a decision made by the Adjudicating Panel. You may appeal against two things:-
(i) The decision that the allegation is proven and/or \
(ii) The penalty decided The appeal must be lodged on an official form, this is available on the student online handbook:
www.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook/academic/academicappeals and copies are available from the Advice Centre.
An appeal must be made within 14 days of the date you were informed of the decision of the Adjudicating Panel. Appeals after this time may not be considered. This will depend on the Chair of the Committee and whether there exist substantial circumstances for the appeal.
The appeals regulations are available through the following link and the Advice Centre can support you in making an Appeal and can check over your appeal statement and form if required: www.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook/academic/academicappeals
The appeals process may take time as your case must to be considered carefully, so do not expect a quick response. If you are concerned about how long you are waiting for the decision, please ask your Personal Supervisor or contact the Advice Centre.
If you are an international student concerned that your VISA may expire within this time, please contact the International Office as soon as possible for advice and assistance.
The Advice Centre can look into any problems and queries for you if you are unsure of where to start.
