11. Interview to determine Authenticity of Work

11.1 On receipt of a report concerning suspected unacceptable academic practice where there is uncertainly if the work submitted by the student is their own, and where the member of staff is not able to find documented evidence to support a case of UAP , for example if it is suspected the work has been obtained from an essay bank or generated through AI software, the Chair of Examination Board may determine that an interview to determine authenticity of work be held to establish the authenticity of the work submitted.

11.2 Because there is reason to believe the work is not entirely a students’ own work, the purpose of the interview is to test the student’s knowledge of the work they have submitted and to provide the student with the opportunity to demonstrate the work is their own, prior to a UAP panel investigation (if appropriate).

11.3 TThe interview panel shall be composed of a Chair who is independent to the allegation, and a subject expert (normally the marker who raised the allegation, or module coordinator). A record of the interview must be kept in the form of written minutes by an interview panel secretary and may be added to the evidence of a UAP allegation.

11.4 The information about the panel and the invitation to the interview panel meeting shall be communicated to the student by the Chair of Exam Board (or nominee).

11.5 Following the interview the panel will report their opinion on the student’s knowledge of the work and the reasons for this conclusion. This shall be reflected in the minutes of the interview.

11.6 Where the interview panel determine the student has not demonstrated the work is their own the Chair of the Examination Board will refer the case to a UAP panel to investigate an allegation of Unacceptable Academic Practice along with details of the allegation and the report from the interview.

11.7 Where a student admits that they committed unacceptable academic practice as part of the interview process the Chair of Examination Board will refer the case to the Academic Registry to determine the appropriate penalty. There will not be a requirement for a UAP panel to meet with the student. The student will have an opportunity to request that their case is considered by a UAP panel if the student is dissatisfied with the outcome of the interview.

11.8 Where the interview panel determine the student has demonstrated the work is their own the Chair of the Examination Board will inform the module coordinator that the work should be marked according to published departmental criteria and inform the student that no further action will be taken.