Academic Integrity Rule 2021

Overview

The Australian National University Academic Integrity Rule 2021 was enacted to uphold and enforce the principle of academic integrity at the university. This Rule was introduced to address the need for a comprehensive framework that ensures academic integrity is respected and observed across all academic activities. The Rule was made under the authority granted by the Governance Statute, specifically section 68(1), which provides the general power to make rules and orders. The Rule was endorsed by the Academic Board and subsequently approved by the Vice-Chancellor on 4 May 2021, with the formal enactment occurring on 15 July 2021. The overarching policy objective of the Rule is to foster an academic environment that is built on honesty, trust, and responsibility, ensuring that all academic work submitted by students and staff is original and properly acknowledged.

Scope and Application

The Australian National University Academic Integrity Rule 2021 applies to all members of the University community, including students, staff, and affiliates, ensuring that academic integrity is upheld across all academic activities and transactions within the institution. This encompasses conduct such as the submission of assignments, participation in assessments, and any academic representation of work. The Rule is jurisdictional in its reach, applying specifically to the Australian National University, governed by the Commonwealth. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the Rule itself, though the Rule may be subject to interpretation or clarification through subordinate instruments or University policies. The Rule was developed following consultation with the Academic Board and formal approval by the Vice-Chancellor, reflecting a commitment to maintaining high standards of academic integrity within the institution.

Key Provisions

The Australian National University Academic Integrity Rule 2021 (Rule) is primarily concerned with the principle of academic integrity, as outlined in Section 2. This principle serves as the foundation for ensuring that all academic activities at the university are conducted honestly and ethically. The Rule defines academic integrity as a commitment to honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility in all academic undertakings. The purpose of the Rule, as stated in Section 2, is to ensure that this principle is respected and observed at the university. Sections 3 to 12 of the Rule lay out the obligations and requirements imposed on the parties it governs. This includes students, staff, and other members of the university community. These sections detail the expected standards of academic conduct, including the prohibition of plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty. For instance, Section 5 explicitly forbids any form of plagiarism, which is defined as the use of another person's work without proper acknowledgment. Similarly, Section 6 prohibits cheating, which includes actions such as unauthorised collaboration during exams or using unauthorised materials during assessments. The Rule also outlines the procedures for dealing with breaches of academic integrity. Section 13 specifies the process for investigating allegations of academic misconduct. This includes the establishment of an Academic Integrity Committee, which is responsible for reviewing evidence, conducting hearings, and making decisions on cases of alleged misconduct. Section 14 details the possible outcomes of these investigations, such as warnings, penalties, or more severe disciplinary actions. The Rule imposes serious consequences for breaches of academic integrity. Section 15 specifies that any student found guilty of academic misconduct may face penalties such as failing the course, suspension, or even expulsion from the university. For staff, Section 16 states that breaches of academic integrity may lead to disciplinary action, which could include warnings, fines, suspension, or termination of employment. Additionally, the Rule may result in civil or criminal liability for particularly egregious cases of academic misconduct, as outlined in Section 17. While the maximum penalties are not specified in the Rule, they could include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the nature and severity of the breach.