Our annual reporting underscores our commitment to transparency and ensuring the academic integrity of UNSW degrees.
UNSW’s Conduct & Integrity Office (CIO) has recently published UNSW’s 2023 annual report on Student Conduct and Complaints. The report provides an insight into the incidence of plagiarism, breaches of the UNSW Code of Conduct and Values, and student complaints. While increasing transparency, it also highlights the growing sector-wide challenge of student cheating.
“We are continuing to successfully detect and manage student misconduct and are at the forefront of the sector in this space,” said Clair Hodge, Acting Vice-President Division of Transformation, Planning & Assurance (TP&A). “UNSW is particularly effective in the detection and prevention of contract cheating and in the management of unauthorised use of generative AI.”
Key findings on student conduct
This has been the first year that unauthorised use of generative AI has been included as a category. It is safe to say its use is becoming commonplace, and it’s here to stay. The investigation of these matters has proven to be complex for both academics and integrity staff.
Referrals of falsified course-related documents, particularly fraudulent medical certificates relating to special consideration and fee remission, increased significantly compared to 2022. Steps have been taken to address this, including the introduction of ‘short extensions’ and increased education regarding the seriousness of providing falsified documentation. Conversely, admissions fraud referrals fell from 2022 levels, which is likely to be attributable to recent federal government changes to the processing of student visas.
There were a record number of permanent exclusions in 2023 as a result of increased detection of the most serious forms of academic misconduct (such as contract cheating) and non-academic misconduct matters. UNSW takes misconduct seriously and there are serious consequences for students who breach the UNSW Code of Conduct and Values. Of a cohort of approximately 69,573 students, 1352 penalties were issued to students: 33 permanent exclusions, 17 suspensions, 223 00FL penalties (fail grade) imposed for one or more courses, and 559 were given a 0% grade in one or more assessment tasks.
Some of the core focuses of the CIO are prevention and detection of academic misconduct, as well as educating staff and students on academic integrity. This has included working closely with schools, facilitating training sessions, development of resources and presenting to student cohorts.
Key findings on student complaints
In 2023, there was a moderate increase in student complaints compared to 2022. Most of the complaints were about ‘assessment marking,’ with other prominent categories including complaints about special consideration, the behaviour of other students and service quality. We view feedback from students and other members of the community as a crucial component of the University’s commitment to continuous improvement.
The increase in complaints being submitted demonstrates the value of the University fostering a ‘Speak Up’ culture, where members of our community are encouraged to raise their concerns, both big and small, and can be confident that these will be managed effectively, safely and confidentially. The CIO will be promoting this message further at Term 3 O-Week, with a ‘Speak Up’ stall where students can learn about how to raise concerns and seek support from University services.
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