1.3 What will happen if a UAP is suspected?

Once the Assistant Superintendents of Examinations, and the University Invigilators working with them in each of the examination venues, suspect UAP, they are advised to go through a defined procedure as far as practicable :

  • Once examination staff are reasonably certain that a case of UAP is in progress, they  will step in and advise the student of their suspicions, at the same time securing any evidence which may exist.  This is done as quietly as possible bearing in mind the circumstances and the inevitable disruption for other students in the examination hall. 
  • The student will be advised that they are being reported to the Chair of the relevant Examination Board (through the Assistant Registrar (Examinations)), with a case of UAP being alleged against them.  The student will also normally be advised that they may continue the examination without prejudice, but failure to give such a warning will not prejudice subsequent proceedings.
  • In exceptional cases, a student may be temporarily removed from the examination hall to minimise disruption or to briefly question them.  Extra time will then be allowed for the student to complete the examination but failure to allow this does not constitute grounds for appeal.
  • Though many students against whom UAP is alleged may wish to speak with examination staff at the end of their examination, there is usually little more that can be said at that point, as the matter will be reported to the Chair of the relevant Examination Board (through the Assistant Registrar (Examinations)) for further consideration.
  • The Assistant Registrar (Examinations) will :
    • Collect together all the existing and necessary evidence;
    • Receive reports from the relevant examination staff;
    • Summarise the allegations for the benefit of the Chair of an Examination Board.
  • Alleged cases will be dealt with by the Chair of the relevant Examination Board, in consultation with the University’s Academic Registry and in line with the UAP Regulation. 
  • Students are advised to contact the Chair of the relevant Departmental Examination Board should they have any questions about the process.