The value of lecturer-in-charge assigned PAPs

Lecturers-in-charge can make a direct determination of Poor Academic Practice (PAP) for students who engage in minor forms of academic misconduct. Learn why they can be valuable to staff and students.

Under the Student Academic Misconduct Procedure, a Poor Academic Practice (PAP) finding is a formal outcome of an academic misconduct investigation. Although it is not classified as academic misconduct, it is still considered an adverse finding. When a PAP is issued, it is recorded, and the student receives academic counselling and may be required to complete a compulsory education module (typically via Canvas).

LIC-assigned PAPs:

• Enable early intervention and timely feedback to help students improve academic practices before their next assessment.
• Support the development of academic literacies, especially for new students, by recognising that learning is incremental.
• Allow LICs to release student results immediately - no need to delay marks as with misconduct referrals.
• Ensure assessments are still marked using the standard rubric, with no penalty applied for the PAP finding.
• Provide a structured learning opportunity through compulsory education modules, reducing the likelihood of repeated issues.
• Recognises LICs' expertise and autonomy.

Considerations for teaching teams

PAP can be applied to students at any year level, provided there is no significant academic advantage gained. However, its use is broader for students early in their academic journey. The key consideration is whether the student has demonstrated the essential learning outcomes of the assessment task.

To ensure fairness, teaching teams must apply PAP determinations consistently across all campuses. National moderation meetings should be used to align expectations around what constitutes a LIC-assigned PAP, helping ensure equity across the student cohort.

Students are only eligible for two PAP findings during their studies. As they progress through their degree, academic integrity expectations increase. Missing early intervention opportunities may lead to similar behaviours being treated as misconduct in later units, without the benefit of prior feedback and support.

A PAP finding should not be used for general academic skill issues like poor writing or structure. In such cases, students should be referred to support services such as:

• Academic Skills Unit
• Studiosity
• ACU Library Referencing Guides

Resources and support

• 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

Workshops can also be arranged for teaching teams and national or campus-based cohorts. For support or to schedule a session, please contact academic.integrity@acu.edu.au.