Uncompromising Stance Against Plagiarism

August 22, 2007

The University of New England has uncovered a significant degree of plagiarism concerning one unit in two postgraduate (Masters) courses delivered with a commercial partner to full-fee paying international students.

After suspicions regarding plagiarism by an individual student were raised and reported to UNE senior management in November 2006, a range of actions were swiftly undertaken by the University. Following confirmation that the initial allegation was indeed a case of plagiarism, a working party was formed. This working party commissioned a sample audit to determine if there were further cases of plagiarism within the unit. The results of this audit caused sufficient concern to warrant a full audit covering all students who completed the unit in question from 2004 – 2006.

These processes have revealed that, of the 210 theses involved in the unit under review, a significant proportion are alleged to be plagiarised. Having set out the allegations, these cases must now be the subject of fair process before the consideration of any penalties can be put to the University Council.

In addition, the University has commissioned an external factual investigation. It has received advice from an externally-chaired panel on quality assurance issues with the teaching of the units concerned, and has now set up a further majority external panel to consider the process and penalties for cases of proven plagiarism, as well as other quality assurance issues.

The University takes any allegation of plagiarism very seriously, and, where appropriate, may seek the rescission of awards by the University Council.

“The issue of plagiarism is a difficult one for all universities,” Professor Alan Pettigrew, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of UNE said. “The University will not shy away from the application of penalties, if necessary, to protect its academic integrity.”

Senior management has kept the University Council informed of the issue throughout, and has informed the students concerned and the Department of Education Science and Training.

In this instance quality assurance is the responsibility of both partners. The University accepts that, as the unit is part of a UNE award, UNE holds the ultimate responsibility for quality assurance. This is confirmed in the commercial agreement with the partner. Following the initial allegations both institutions have been instructed to increase their vigilance in regard to all forms of plagiarism.

The University wishes to be as transparent as possible on this matter, however, issues of privacy, natural justice and other legal concerns mean that the University is not in a position to name the partner, nor the students involved.

Plagiarism is a serious problem for all universities. The University's policies and procedures have been thoroughly reviewed and revised. The revised University Plagiarism Policy was approved by the University Council on 13 August 2007.

Media Contact: Professor Alan Pettigrew, Vice-Chancellor and CEO, University of New England. Contact Alex Dunn, Marketing and Public Affairs, 6773 2779, adunn@une.edu.au

Posted by lcreedy at August 22, 2007 10:24 AM