Written submission template: Academic integrity breach

If you have received an academic integrity allegation and would like support with your written submission, we’re here to help.

Please note: A new Deakin University Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure will be introduced in 2023. You can access the new Student Academic Integrity Policy here, and the new Procedure here. You can access the Historic Versions of the Policy here, and the Procedure here. Some of this information may not be applicable to you, depending on when you have received your Academic Integrity Allegation. If you are unsure which process and information is right for you, please contact us and we will provide further information and advice.

Here is a written submission template for a responding to an academic integrity allegation. Please ensure you have read our Academic Integrity Breaches webpage prior to writing your written submission.

Written submission template - for Standard Outcomes (requesting a review of the standard outcome)

Academic Integrity Committee
Faculty of [insert your faculty]
Deakin University
[insert date]

Dear Academic Integrity Committee members,

Re: Request for review of proposed standard outcome

I, [insert your name], am studying a [insert qualification name] at Deakin University. In the [type of assessment piece] for [insert unit code], I received an allegation of a breach of academic integrity. I do not accept the proposed standard outcome and I would like to request a review.

I admit to the alleged breach and would like to explain my mitigating circumstances that led to the breach.
OR
I do not admit to the alleged breach and would like to provide information to show [I have not breached academic integrity standards OR the proposed standard outcome is not applicable in my situation].

If you admit the allegation, explain to the Committee the mitigating circumstances that led to the breach:

• Provide details explaining what happened.
• Describe the personal circumstances that you were experiencing at the time of the breach.
• Describe the way in which these circumstances were exceptional and outside your control.
• Describe how the circumstances impaired your decision-making abilities.
• Describe what you have done to address the issue. Include details of any services or resources that you have accessed to ensure that this situation does not occur again, e.g. health professional, Deakin study support.
• Write a brief statement of apology and request that the Committee consider applying a mitigating circumstances outcome instead of a standard outcome.
• Attach supporting documentation to verify your personal circumstances.
  

If you do not admit to the alleged breach, explain why the allegation is not true:

• Provide details explaining what happened.
• Clarify why you disagree with the allegation including your understanding of the University’s academic integrity standards.
• Attach supporting documentation/evidence to show you did not breach academic integrity (or to show you did not breach academic integrity in the way described in the allegation).

Yours sincerely,

Student Name
Student ID
Mailing Address
Telephone
Email

Written submission template - for NON Standard Outcomes (responding if you agree or disagree)

Academic Integrity Committee
Faculty of (insert your faculty)
Deakin University
(insert address of your campus)
(insert date)

Dear Academic Integrity Committee members,

Re: Response to allegation of a breach of academic integrity

I, (insert name), am a (insert your year level) year student at Deakin University (insert campus), studying (insert qualification name). In the (type of assessment piece) worth (insert percentage your assignment is worth) % of unit marks for (insert unit code), I received an allegation of a breach of academic integrity which I would like to (admit and explain the circumstances leading to the breach or disagree with and explain the situation).

Include brief information about your academic history, and the effect this allegation has had upon you.

If in your reply slip to the committee you admit the allegation, explain to the Committee the circumstances that led to the act:

• Provide details explaining what happened.
• Were there other circumstances occurring, that affected your academic performance at this time?
• Describe what you have done to address the issue and what you have learnt from the breach of Academic Integrity. Include detail of any services or resources that you have accessed to ensure that this situation does not occur again, e.g. Study Support, Health Professional.
• Write a brief statement of apology and request that the committee give your response due consideration.

If in your reply slip to the committee you do not admit the allegation, explain why the allegation is not true:

• Provide details explaining what happened.
• Clarify why you disagree with the allegation including your understanding of the University’s rules.
• Attach evidence of your claim.

Yours sincerely,

Student Name
Student ID,
Mailing Address,
Telephone,
Email,
Attachments

Provide copies of any documents you think are relevant to your case.

Advocates can review your draft written response and supporting documentation and provide you with confidential feedback before you finalise it and submit it to the Academic Integrity Committee. Please allow as much time as possible prior to submission date for feedback to be provided. Please contact us to arrange a free appointment.