When academic integrity is in question

We are an institution of learning, and our goal is to have you graduate and move into your career. While we want to see you complete your degree, there are consequences when you do not uphold academic integrity.  

If you have been contacted to indicate that your instructor wants to discuss an irregularity in your assignment or that you are suspected of having committed academic misconduct, the information below can help you to understand what happens next.  

The information below is true for any Science course (whether you’re a Science student or not). Courses administered by a different faculty (e.g., a communications course offered by the Faculty of Arts) may follow a different procedure (even if you’re a Science student).  

When You Are Suspected of Committing Academic Misconduct

Instructor Investigation

The first steps are taken by your course instructor who typically conducts the initial investigation. You will have a chance to provide your response to the instructor regarding the allegation. It is in your best interest to be as honest and forthright as possible. The goal of the investigation is to ensure that all facts are considered before determining whether or not misconduct occurred. The information you provide in your response will be considered when determining next steps.

After consideration of the additional information you provide, next steps will vary:

• the allegation may be dismissed without further action, or
• the assignment/exam being investigated may be reassessed and given a lower grade or a zero grade*, and the case will be forwarded to the Dean's Office for further review.

^*Assignment of grades is a matter of academic merit. The instructor may re-evaluate the academic merit of your work, taking into consideration the results of their review. The instructor will notify you of the outcome of the reassessment. Please note that receiving this outcome does not indicate that the investigation has concluded.

The outcome, along with the case report, will be forwarded to the Dean's Office for further review.

Dean's Office Review

During the Dean's Office review, all available information gathered by the instructor and provided by you informs the next conversations. 

If you haven't had a chance to do so yet, you will be given an opportunity to view the information in support of the allegation. You will then have a chance to respond to the allegation and provide any additional information to the Dean's designate.

At the end of the Dean's Office review, you will be notified of the outcome of the investigation in writing.

• If the Dean's designate concludes that no misconduct has occurred, the investigation is closed.
• If the Dean's designate concludes that misconduct has occurred, next steps will differ depending on the situation. At the Dean's discretion, you may:
  • receive a written warning (i.e., Warning Letter) from the Dean, or
  • be invited to enter into an Integrity Plan through the Diversionary Process, or
  • be referred to the President's Advisory Committee on Student Discipline (PACSD)

Integrity Plans

An Integrity Plan is a set of agreed upon outcomes and a plan of action between you and the Dean's Office. Both parties need to agree on the Integrity Plan before it is used. This option is only possible if you admit to academic misconduct, have no previous record of misconduct, and the Dean's Office determines this option is appropriate for the situation.

If you fail to comply with the Integrity Plan, the matter may be referred to the President’s Advisory Committee on Student Discipline (PACSD). 

President's Advisory Committee on Student Discipline

This committee conducts hearings for you to respond to the allegations as forwarded by the Dean’s Office and reports its findings to the President. The President is not obliged to accept the findings of the committee and determines what disciplinary measures will be imposed, if any. 

Consequences of Academic Misconduct

The consequences of academic misconduct are significant and wide-ranging. Ultimately, academic misconduct can derail your academic career and career ambitions, including getting into medical school, master’s programs, and receiving your UBC degree.

For example, academic misconduct may result in a suspension from the University for a period of time and a notation of academic misconduct on your record. The President may impose any disciplinary measures they determine are appropriate for acts of academic misconduct. 

Where do I find support?

If you need support or resources to help you interpret the University’s integrity policy or navigate your situation, consider reaching out to the Office of the Ombudsperson for Students or AMS Advocacy. If you have any academic integrity inquiries or Science-specific questions or concerns, you can also contact the Dean’s Office.