10. Interview to determine Authenticity of Work

10.1 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.

10.2 The department shall inform the student of the date, time and place of the interview and that they have the opportunity to attend the interview.

10.3 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).

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

10.5 The student shall have the opportunity to submit evidence relating to the allegation including preparatory work such as drafts and feedback. They may be represented by an advisor from the Students’ Union. Representation by other persons will be at the discretion of the Chair, and any requests for such representation should be made in writing to the Chair in advance of the interview panel meeting. Legal representation at the meeting will not normally be permitted.

10.6 Following the interview the panel will report their opinion on the student’s knowledge of the work and the reasons for this conclusion.

10.7 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.

10.8 Where a student admits that they committed unfair 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.

10.9 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.