LICs may determine poor academic practice

One of the possible outcomes of an investigation of potential academic misconduct is a finding of ‘Poor Academic Practice’ (PAP). When a PAP is determined, it is recorded, and the student is provided with counselling and can be directed to compulsory education. Importantly, a PAP does not constitute academic misconduct.

A PAP finding only applies to actions that may involve academic misconduct. For example, issues including poor paragraph structure or other indications of limited academic skills would not be grounds to assign a PAP. Instead, the student should be directed to appropriate resources, such as Studiosity or the Academic Skills Unit for further support.

LICs now able to make a PAP determination

Under the new procedure, LICs can directly determine a PAP finding and can also assign compulsory education, typically in the form of a module in Canvas. Previously, only Academic Integrity Officers (AIOs) could make a PAP determination following investigation from the referral by the Lecturer in Charge (LIC).

It is important to note that if a determination of PAP is made, a no mark penalty is applied, and the work is still assessed against the marking rubric.

I’m an LIC, what do I need to do?

CEI will be hosting information workshops specifically for LICs over the next two weeks to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the process. Attend one of the sessions to learn more.

Register to attend a session

Help guides and step-by-step process documents for determining and lodging cases of PAP are available below:

•  LIC Guide to Determining the Application of Poor Academic Practice
•  LIC Process for Determining Poor Academic Practice (Flowchart)
•  LIC Summary: Lodging a determination of Poor Academic Practice

The determination of a PAP will remain as one possible outcome of potential academic misconduct cases that are referred to an AIO.

The new process applies only to assessment tasks submitted after the procedural changes which took effect on Monday, 5 August 2024.