Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity

Examples of Cheating and Responses

Scenario 1: For Electronic Devices (e.g. cell phone, tablet)

• If a student is found with an electronic device, determine if there’s evidence it was used during the exam.
• Possessing a device is a violation, but possession without evidence of use may be considered a minor offence.
• If there’s evidence of use (e.g., witnessed usage or answers obtained online) it is considered a major offence.
• Instructors cannot search the device and check for messages or history. The student should be told to turn off the device, hand it over to the invigilator, and be assured it will not be powered on before being returned at the end of the exam.

Scenario 2: Student Communication During an Exam

• Collect the ID cards and answer booklets of all students involved, along with any relevant evidence. Provide new answer booklets to continue the exam.
• Inform the students that you suspect cheating and ask them to stay after the exam to meet with the instructor, letting them know their ID cards will be returned then.
• If you didn’t observe the cheating directly but received a report, note the students’ locations. After the exam, separate their answer booklets and review them for evidence of collusion during grading.

Scenario 3: Student Copying from Another Student's Paper

• If Student A is unaware that their work is being copied, issue a warning to prevent their paper from being visible to others.
• For Student B, suspected of copying, take their exam booklet, provide a new one, and collect their ID card. If possible, move them to a different location. Inform Student B of the suspicion and explain they must stay after the exam to meet with the instructor to retrieve their ID card
  

Scenario 4: Student with Unauthorized Aid (e.g. written notes, electronic device)

• Confiscate the unauthorized aid, the student’s ID card, and answer booklet if used. Provide a new answer booklet for the student to continue the exam. If possible, have the student sign the aid before confiscation.
• Ask the student to stay after the exam to discuss the situation with the instructor, returning their ID card at that time. Do not return the confiscated aid, as it may be needed as evidence for an academic dishonesty charge. Electronic devices are an exception.
• If notes are found on the student’s hand or clothing, ensure they do not wash them off before meeting with the instructor. At that meeting, photograph or copy the material for evidence.

Addressing Academic Misconduct Immediately after the Exam

• As soon as possible, prepare a written description of the incident. If witnesses (invigilators or students) are present, they should also provide statements. These reports will support the instructor’s discussion with the student(s) and be used for the Academic Dishonesty report submitted to the Department Chair.
• During the discussion with the student, the instructor should present evidence of the misconduct. If the explanation is unsatisfactory, inform the student that an Academic Dishonesty report will be filed with the Department Chair, with a copy sent to the student. Return the student’s ID card and any confiscated devices at this time.
• The instructor may opt to schedule a follow-up meeting instead of addressing the issue right after the exam. In all cases, speak to each student involved separately.

Consequences

Cheating on the examination could result in a zero grade.  When an allegation of academic dishonesty arises during an examination, the responsible invigilator will collect the available evidence, and if the invigilator is not the course instructor who will proceed with the process outlined in the Academic Integrity Policy.