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Student Research Misconduct Penalty Schedule

Schedule overview

1 Purpose

To establish the penalties for Research Misconduct, a Breach in Research and Failure to Implement the Code by Students.

2 Scope

This schedule must be read in conjunction with the Research Code of Conduct: Management of Potential Breaches Procedure and is subordinate to it.

3 Schedule

3.1 Student penalties

3.1.1 Breach in Research

On determination that a Breach in Research has occurred, the penalty which may be imposed on the Student is one or more of the following:

  • counselling in responsible conduct of research practices, with or without the higher degree by research supervisory team, and/or
  • a reduced or nil result for the Assessment Item affected by a Breach in Research; and/or
  • a fail Grade for the Course affected by Breach in Research; and/or
  • entry onto the Student Academic Misconduct Register as per the Student Academic Misconduct Procedure; and/or
  • Exclusion from Enrolment in the program for a specified period, not normally exceeding 12 months; and/or
  • other, as deemed appropriate by the Vice-Chancellor (or nominee).

3.1.2 Research Misconduct

On determination that Research Misconduct has taken place, the penalty which may be imposed on the Student is normally any or all of the following:

  • counselling in responsible conduct of research practices, with or without the higher degree by research supervisory team;
  • a fail Grade for the Course in which Research Misconduct occurred;
  • entry onto the Student Academic Misconduct Register as per the Student Academic Misconduct Procedure;
  • Exclusion from the program, with readmission to the program at the discretion of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) for Coursework Students and the Dean (Graduate Research School) for HDR Students, and based on consideration of the Student's case for readmission;
  • revocation of Award, in accordance with the Award Eligibility and Graduation Policy;
  • other, as deemed appropriate by the Vice-Chancellor (or nominee).

3.1.3 Student history

Where a Student has been found guilty of a Breach in Research on more than one occasion and has been previously been penalised in accordance with this Schedule, the penalty will normally be Exclusion from the program, unless in the opinion of the Vice-Chancellor (or nominee) there are mitigating circumstances. The Exclusion will be processed in accordance with the Higher Degree by Research Student Progress Procedure.

4 References

Nil.

5 Schedule Information

Accountable Officer

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)

Responsible Officer

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)

Policy Type

University Procedure

Policy Suite

Research Code of Conduct Policy

Approved Date

31/1/2022

Effective Date

31/1/2022

Review Date

1/7/2024

Relevant Legislation

Policy Exceptions

Policy Exceptions Register

Related Policies

Award Eligibility and Graduation Policy

Student General Conduct Policy

Student Grievance Resolution Policy

Related Procedures

Higher Degree by Research Student Progress Procedure

Research Code of Conduct: Management of Potential Breaches Procedure

Student Academic Misconduct Procedure

Student Appeals Procedure

Related forms, publications and websites

Definitions

Terms defined in the Definitions Dictionary

Assessment Item

An individual Assessment task as outlined in the Assessment schedule for a Course. Assessment Items may be formal, informal, Formative or Summative in nature....moreAn individual Assessment task as outlined in the Assessment schedule for a Course. Assessment Items may be formal, informal, Formative or Summative in nature.

Award

The qualification conferred upon a Student following the successful completion of an Academic Program. The categories of Award are listed in the Program Nomenclature Schedule....moreThe qualification conferred upon a Student following the successful completion of an Academic Program. The categories of Award are listed in the Program Nomenclature Schedule.

Breach in Research

A breach is defined as a failure to meet the principles and responsibilities of the Code, and may refer to a single breach or multiple breaches. Breaches of the University Research Code of Conduct and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research occur on a spectrum, from minor (less serious) to major (more serious)....moreA breach is defined as a failure to meet the principles and responsibilities of the Code, and may refer to a single breach or multiple breaches. Breaches of the University Research Code of Conduct and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research occur on a spectrum, from minor (less serious) to major (more serious).

Course

A discrete element of a program, normally undertaken over a single Study Period, in which the Student enrols, and on completion of which the Student is awarded a grade....moreA discrete element of a program, normally undertaken over a single Study Period, in which the Student enrols, and on completion of which the Student is awarded a grade.

Enrolment

The process of admitting Students to one or more Courses for the current Academic Year....moreThe process of admitting Students to one or more Courses for the current Academic Year.

Exclusion

Prohibition from enrolling in a Course or a program for a specified period....moreProhibition from enrolling in a Course or a program for a specified period.

Grade (noun)

A Grade is a code that indicates the status of the Assessment of Student performance against the Learning Outcomes of a Course....moreA Grade is a code that indicates the status of the Assessment of Student performance against the Learning Outcomes of a Course.

Research Misconduct

Breaches of the University Research Code of Conduct and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research occur on a spectrum, from minor (less serious) to major (more serious). Some major/serious breaches may be regarded as 'research misconduct'. The University uses the definition recommended in the National Health and Medical Research Council Guide to Managing and Investigating P...moreBreaches of the University Research Code of Conduct and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research occur on a spectrum, from minor (less serious) to major (more serious). Some major/serious breaches may be regarded as 'research misconduct'. The University uses the definition recommended in the National Health and Medical Research Council Guide to Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and defines Research Misconduct as a serious breach of the Code which is also intentional or reckless or negligent. The use of the term Research Misconduct for serious breaches will be considered in the context of other institutional processes, Regardless of whether a Code investigation and an investigation done under an employment or student disciplinary agreement are separate or integrated, the University will take all reasonable steps to ensure that these do not conflict, or hinder the timely implementation of all corrective actions. Research misconduct does not include honest differences in judgement. Unintentional errors do not usually constitute research misconduct unless they result from behaviour that is reckless or negligent. Repeated or persistent breaches will likely constitute a serious breach, which will trigger consideration of Research Misconduct.

Student

A person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled....moreA person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled.

Definitions that relate to this schedule only

Keywords

Record No

14/2802PL

Complying with the law and observing Policy and Procedure is a condition of working and/or studying at the University.

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