REGARDING DETECTING ACADEMIC DISHONESTY DURING A TEST OR EXAM

*Please consult the information provided by the Registrar's office, specifically the Instructions for Chief Invigilators, Instruction for Invigilators, and the Report of an Incident.

1. PRIOR TO START OF EXAMINATION

a. What if a student carries their bag, backpack, winter coat, big hat, binder, laptop to their seat?

Students are not permitted to take unauthorized materials into tests and exams. Ask students to place their things at the front of the room, and/or use a locker on campus for secure storage.

b. What if I see student(s) talking, using electronic devices or reading paper material in the room before the test/exam begins?

You must require that all students stow any/all unauthorized materials away from them (in their backpack at the front of the room) during the test/exam. You may also require students to remain quiet while in the test/exam room.

2. DURING THE EXAMINATION

INCIDENT REPORTS (See the document Instructions for Invigilators document, section Conduct during Examination 1a.] for specific directions on filling out incident reports.)

a. What should I do if I see a student cheating during a test or exam?

Report your concern to the Chief Invigilator immediately. See Instructions for Invigilators document, section Conduct during Examination 1a.

The unauthorized material must be taken away from the student during the exam. If the student is communicating with others, one of the students should be moved to another seat. Be sure to document the number or location of the old and new seat. An incident report must be filled out at that time, and the student(s) should be permitted to continue writing the exam.

b. What if the student refuses to provide you with the unauthorized material or empty the content of their pockets when asked?

While you are not permitted to do bodily searches of students, you still have recourse. If a student refuses to release the unauthorized material after being asked, you must document this behavior on the incident report. You may also want to inform the course instructor or Head Invigilator. In either case, the student should be permitted to continue writing the exam. Any other observation should be documented in the incident report (e.g., the student continuing to use the material after being approached).

c. What if a student begins to argue when they are accused of dishonesty during a test/exam?

Report your concern to the Chief Invigilator immediately. See Instructions for Invigilators document, section Conduct during Examination 1b.
Note, as per the document Instructors for Invigilators section Conduct during examinations 1b, "the Chief Invigilator may, after due warning require that the student case writing the examination and leave the examination hall."

Assure the student that they will be able to provide an explanation of their side of the situation at a later time via the proper channels (see handout). Remain civil, polite and patient at all times. Document the student's disagreement on the incident report. It is not appropriate to inform the student what you think will be the disciplinary action taken (e.g., don't tell a student he or she will be expelled for this. It is not your role, and is not necessarily accurate).

d. What happens after the incident report is filled out?

Once the student's alleged academic dishonesty has been documented, you must let them complete the test or exam. Be sure to document on the test/exam or the incident report where the student left off when they were interrupted.

e. What if I notice dishonest behavior after it has happened, and after the student has left the test/exam room?

You must still report the incident. Fill out the appropriate form and include as much detail and information that you can recall about the student, where they were sitting etc., if possible. As is the case for any disciplinary allegation, the student will be invited to present their side of the story before any decision is made.

3. SUPPORTING STUDENTS

a. What if the student is distressed at the time of accusation, and/or begins asking questions about what will happen to them?


Refer students to on-campus supports and services, see below section entitled "Finding Help". Be sure to avoid commenting on potential outcomes.

b. What if the student begins crying, begging, or expressing extreme distress in other ways?

Being accused of academic dishonesty can be very stressful for some students. If the student appears to be in extreme distress and they cannot continue with the test/exam further, you may want to contact Student Counselling (204) 474-8592 for assistance . You should take the student into the hallway near the test/exam room if they are becoming disruptive to their fellow students.

 

FINDING HELP

If you've been accused of academic dishonesty, there are many supports available.

• STUDENT COUNSELING - 474 University Centre- (204) 474-8592
  http://umanitoba.ca/student/counselling/
  If you are dealing with stress or worry for any reason, this confidential office can provide confidential support.
• STUDENT ADVOCACY - 519 University Centre – (204) 474-7423
  http://umanitoba.ca/student/advocacy/
  This confidential office can help you know your rights as a student. Student Advocacy can help you navigate the discipline process if you have been accused of misconduct. Make an appointment immediately if you've been accused of academic dishonesty.
• STUDENT DISCIPLINE WALKTHROUGH
  http://umanitoba.ca/student/resource/disability_services/files/Student_Discipline_Process_2010/
  This online tutorial will help you understand the process followed when a student is accused of academic dishonesty. The walkthrough will also give specific information about what to do next.

More Questions?

Please contact the Student Advocacy Office if you have any questions or concerns about academic dishonesty accusations.

Prepared April 2013. Please contact Student Advocacy if you have any questions or concerns.