Some two years ago, I referred my first case of academic integrity issues to the University’s central panel. That means they have engaged in academic malpractice more than once. It is not a good idea! Especially because the first time around they get a stark warning. Often, that works. After that first time, it was quiet again.
Recently, there was a student who did that break the rules twice. The first time they got a strict warning, but that didn't stop them. The second time around, though, the scale of the offence was a lot more restricted. Given the particular circumstances of this case, as well, I figured the consequences would be quite severe if I stuck with the rules. And I decided to be lenient, and not refer the case.
The student promptly filed a complaint because I hadn't followed the rules. And their penalties were upheld, but I did get a bollocking for straying from official university regulations. So I don't do that anymore! And then, about a month after that complaint, we had the supplementary assessment period. And that includes students who just haven't done very well in the past academic year. And these might be the most tempted to cheat. So the percentage of academic integrity cases in that marking load was a lot higher than it is for the normal assessment periods. It wasn't immediately evident, but the cases kept trickling in.
I now already have referred two students to the central panel of the university. And there might even be a third. The panel won't like it; I guess it's the same story in the other schools, and they will be inundated. And there seems to be a rule that if you sit on the panel dealing with such referrals, you have to have a seat in the Universe Senate. And they have just made that a whole lot smaller (I am not in it anymore). So a small selection of people, largely in higher functions who are already quite busy, now have to deal with all of these cases. But so be it! I was told to be a bit of a jobsworthy about it. So I am. And the students involved might not find out for a while what their fate is. No winners anywhere, really…
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