1.0 Introduction

It is in your own interests to read this document in conjunction with the Regulation on Unacceptable Academic Practice (UAP Regulation) - https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/academic-registry/handbook/regulations/uap/.  In the case of any dispute over the information in this document, the information as set out in the Regulation on Unacceptable Academic Practice shall take precedence.   Though this document is solely concerned with UAP in examination conditions, this is only part of a larger Regulation and it is important that students acquaint themselves with the whole Regulation.

You will no doubt be aware that cheating in examinations can seriously jeopardise your hopes of attaining a degree.   Cheating – known officially as Unacceptable Academic Practice – is not only against University Regulations, but the penalties associated with it can be substantial .  For instance, UAP may blight your intended career.  In selected subjects, confirmed UAP during university examinations has to be notified to professional bodies.  In your own interests, you need to understand what might be involved.

Two points particularly worthy of emphasis are:

• As section 2.2(iv) of the Regulation indicates, ‘unauthorised information’ is unauthorised regardless of whether the materials involved are of relevance to the subject matter of the examination in question.  There is no proof required that any information uncovered has to be capable of being used in the examination in question or in particular questions appearing within that examination.  So, for example, information written on the palm of a hand has to be neither relevant, nor even totally decipherable by the examination staff.
   
• The Regulation (section 2.1) is clear that UAP can occur regardless of a student’s intent.  Any allegation does not have to prove that the suspected person intended to use the ‘unauthorised information’ – in other words, only actual possession is required.  Thus, for example, mere possession of any unauthorised electronic device, including a mobile telephone, is enough for due process to be invoked.
   

The reasons for students feeling that they intentionally need to commit UAP are complex and varied –  concerned, for example,  with lack of confidence inability to perform  well in examinations, health or personal problems, peer, family or cultural pressures, and/or financial pressures. Whatever the reasons, the consequences of being found guilty will be the same. If you do feel under pressure and are worried that you will not do well, the right thing to do is to seek advice and support from academic or support staff to help you do well. Cheating will only make a difficult situation much worse.  

Students are entitled to expect the University to make every effort to deter, detect and penalise anyone who seeks to gain an advantage over others through unfair means. The purpose of this document is to ensure that all students understand how the University does this, and to leave students in no doubt as to what is unacceptable.