Academic Infractions 

Despite your very best efforts, some of you will have to deal with academic honesty infractions. What to do in such a situation may not always be entirely clear to all. Therefore, here is a summary of the key procedural steps. The link above offers more details. There are in essence two scenarios:  

“Something is happening here, but what it is isn’t exactly clear.”
What are your options? 

  • Say something to the entire class about maintaining silence or keeping their eyes on their own paper 
  • Speak to an individual or cluster, indicating that their behaviour appears improper and that they will be watched closely
  • Move one or more students to a different location in the room (‘up front’ often works)

You (or the invigilator) “can see [it] clearly now”, cheating is (very likely) occurring:

  • Importantly, students will be allowed to complete the examination even if a breach is suspected. 
  • Much now revolves around proper recording and evidence collection!! 
  • Any unauthorized materials (e.g., crib sheets) should be taken from the student[s] immediately. 
  • The students involved should be identified and asked to remain in their seats at the end of the examination, at which time their examination materials should be collected and identified by the instructor or invigilator. Notations should be made by the instructor and/or invigilator to assist in documenting what was observed. (If the offence involves more than one student, it may be appropriate to ask one student to move to another location in the room, to complete the examination.) If copying from a neighbour was observed, you may want to note the seating arrangement as well. 
  • If the matter is identified by an invigilator, the matter should be reported to the instructor at the earliest possible time. An Exam Incident Report Form should be submitted to the instructor soon thereafter (please see tab on Exam Procedures). 
  • The instructor shall assess the situation and if persuaded that cheating has taken place, the instructor should: 
    1. Notify the students that the matter is being turned over to the Associate Dean Academic and 
    2. Submit a written report and supporting documentation (exam materials, crib sheets, indications of copied sections if that was the case) to the Associate Dean. 
  • No examination grade should be entered until the matter has been heard by the Associate Dean and a resolution of the academic dishonesty charge has been concluded. 

Schulich Student and Enrolment Services has also created an electronic form for instructors to submit complete information for investigation of suspected academic honesty violations. Please be reminded that when an instructor perceives an academic honesty violation, the protocol is to notify Student Services and the Office of the Associate Dean Academic using this form; instructors are not to pursue further communication about the incident, investigation or disciplinary measures with students. Please read the policy and procedures on academic honesty before submitting the electronic form.