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Academic Misconduct Allegation

Updated: May 14

Have you received a Notification of Alleged Academic Misconduct? 


If you have received a Notification of Alleged Academic Misconduct from Swinburne University, the SSA Advocacy Service (SAS) is here to support you through the process. Our experienced and confidential advocates can help you understand what the allegation means and how to respond. 


How can SSA Advocacy Service (SAS) help? 


We can assist you with: 


  • Listening to your concerns and providing advice. 

  • Helping you understand the allegation, including the evidence and the applicable policies. 

  • Supporting you to consider your response options, including whether to admit to the allegation, contest it, or provide mitigating information. 

  • Advising you on your rights and responsibilities under Swinburne's Academic Integrity Policy and Student Academic Misconduct Regulations. 

  • Helping you draft a written response and prepare for any meeting with the Academic Integrity Unit (AIU) or an Authorised Officer.  

  • Attending the meeting with the AIU or Authorised Officer as your support person. 


What is Academic Misconduct at Swinburne? 


Academic misconduct involves conduct that breaches the expectations of academic integrity at Swinburne. This includes dishonest or unethical behaviour in completing assessments, accessing, or using academic materials, or collaborating inappropriately. 


Examples include: 


  • Plagiarism: Using someone else’s work or ideas without proper acknowledgment. 

  • Contract cheating: Paying or arranging someone to do your work. 

  • Collusion: Working with others when individual work was required. 

  • Impersonation: Getting someone to complete an exam or assessment for you. 

  • Falsification or fabrication of data or sources. 

  • Unauthorised collaboration or file-sharing. 

  • Reusing your own work from another unit or context without permission. 

  • Failing to follow assessment instructions or rules in exams. 


You can learn more by reviewing the Academic Integrity Policy and Student Academic Misconduct Regulations. 


What should I do if I receive an Allegation? 


1. Read the Allegation Notice carefully

It will outline the alleged misconduct, any evidence, and a proposed outcome (e.g., a warning or resubmission). 


2. Book an Appointment with SSA Advocacy Services 

Contact us to get independent advice and explore your options. We can help you draft a written response and decide on the best course of action. 


3. Decide How to Respond 

You can: 

  • Admit to the misconduct and accept the proposed outcome. 

  • Provide a written response explaining mitigating circumstances or disputing the allegation. 

  • Request a meeting with the AIU or Authorised Officer to discuss your case. 


What happens if I do not respond? 


If you do not respond by the deadline, the University may finalise the matter and apply the proposed outcome automatically. This could include receiving a zero for the task or more serious consequences. 


Missed the deadline? 


If you missed the deadline but respond within 10 working days, Swinburne may consider your late response if you provide valid documentation (e.g. medical certificate). SSA Advocacy Service (SAS) can help you prepare this. 


What should I include in my written response? 


If you wish to explain personal or mitigating circumstances, or you believe you have not breached academic integrity, your written response is your chance to explain. 


You may include: 

  • Context around the situation. 

  • Evidence (e.g. medical, psychological, or personal support documents). 

  • Acknowledgement of any misunderstanding. 

  • Steps you have taken to learn from the situation (e.g. academic integrity module). 


SSA Advocates can: 

  • Review your draft response. 

  • Suggest relevant documentation. 

  • Provide you with a response template to guide you. 


What are mitigating and aggravating circumstances? 


  • Mitigating circumstances are serious issues outside your control (e.g., illness, mental health challenges, trauma, family crisis) that may have affected your judgment or performance. 

  • Aggravating circumstances include deliberate, repeated, or especially dishonest misconduct. 


These are considered when determining an outcome. 


What happens in a meeting with the AIU or the Authorised Officer? 


You will be able to explain your situation, clarify details, and present evidence. The AIU or the Authorised Officer will ask questions and then decide on the outcome. 

You can bring an SSA Advocate as your support person. Contact us early so we can prepare with you. 


What are the possible outcomes? 


Outcomes may include: 


  • A warning. 

  • Educational intervention (e.g. mandatory academic integrity module). 

  • Reduction in marks or a zero for the task. 

  • Suspension or exclusion (in serious or repeated cases). 


The outcome will be communicated in writing after the process is complete. 


Can I review the decision? 


Yes. You have 21 working days to request a review of the decision.  


  • The decision is reviewable if it is: 

  • a general misconduct decision; 

  • an academic misconduct decision; 

  • a reviewable administrative decision; 

  • a student unsatisfactory progress decision;  

  • a reviewable statutory decision; or 

  • a deemed refusal. 


Contact SSA Advocacy Service (SAS) 


We are here to support Swinburne students with academic integrity matters in a respectful, confidential, and non-judgmental way. Reach out as soon as you receive a notification so we can help you navigate the process. 








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