14. Procedure during the meeting

14.1 When two or more students are suspected of related instances of Unacceptable Academic Practice, the Chair of the panel may decide to deal with the cases together. However, each student shall be given the opportunity to request that the cases be heard separately.

14.2 The Chair shall present an outline of the case against the student, referring to the evidence which has been submitted for consideration by the panel. The panel may ask questions of the student and the subject expert where one is present.

14.3 The student shall have the right to hear all the evidence relating to the case before responding to the allegation, and to make a response in person to the panel. Additional documentary evidence including evidence of special circumstances may not be presented to the panel on the day of the meeting without the express permission of the Chair.

14.4 When the presentation of the evidence and the student’s response are completed, all persons, other than members of the panel and the secretary, shall withdraw.

14.5 The Panel may, after the panel meeting or interview to determine authenticity of work, contact the relevant academic department to seek verification of any claims made by the student, or seek further information which it may consider when determining an outcome. Any false claims may lead to further disciplinary action. If false claims are identified after a penalty has been determined, the penalty may be reviewed.

14.6 If the panel is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the allegation of Unacceptable Academic Practice has been substantiated, a written report shall be submitted to the Academic Registry. The Academic Registry will check that procedures have been correctly followed, and will inform the student of the outcome, the penalty which will be applied, and also of the right to request a review.

14.7 Once the outcome has been confirmed for students registered on professionally accredited courses, the Chair of the Examination Board will notify the scheme coordinator who should consider if a referral to the fitness to practise panel is also necessary.

14.8 If the panel is satisfied that there is no case of Unacceptable Academic Practice, a written report shall be submitted to the Academic Registry. The Academic Registry will check that procedures have been correctly followed before informing the student of the outcome, and that no further action will be taken.

14.9 Outcomes will be issued by email. Whether or not the finding of the panel is that the case has been substantiated, the student will not normally be informed orally of the outcome; there shall be no discussion of the decision with the student.