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Academic Misconduct Policy

A student is sitting at a table with a laptop, cup of coffee and a pen and paper in front of them.

Academic Misconduct Policy

Policy Statement

Contal Training Services is committed to maintaining academic integrity and ensuring all students demonstrate authentic competence. Academic misconduct undermines the integrity of qualifications and is not tolerated.

Scope

This policy applies to all students enrolled in nationally recognised training delivered by Contal Training Services.

Definitions

Academic Misconduct includes but is not limited to:

    • Plagiarism: Using another person’s work, ideas, or expressions without proper acknowledgment

    • Cheating: Using unauthorised materials, assistance, or methods during assessments

    • Collusion: Unauthorised collaboration on individual assessments

    • Falsification: Providing false information or forging documents

    • Contract Cheating: Having another person complete assessments on your behalf

Student Responsibilities

Students must:

    • Complete all assessments independently unless group work is specified

    • Acknowledge all sources and references appropriately

    • Not share assessment materials with other students

    • Report suspected misconduct to training staff

    • Comply with assessment conditions and instructions

Detection and Investigation

    • All suspected misconduct will be investigated promptly and fairly

    • Students will be given opportunity to respond to allegations

    • Evidence will be collected and reviewed objectively

    • Natural justice principles will be followed throughout

Penalties Framework

Minor Misconduct (First Offence, Unintentional)

Examples: Limited plagiarism, inadequate referencing, minor unauthorised collaboration

Penalties:

    • Written warning and academic integrity education

    • Re-submission of assessment (where possible)

    • Additional supervision for future assessments

Moderate Misconduct

Examples: Substantial plagiarism, cheating with unauthorised materials, deliberate collusion

Penalties:

    • First offence: Assessment marked as “Not Yet Competent”, mandatory re-assessment

    • Second offence: Suspension from unit for remainder of term, re-enrolment required

    • Academic integrity counselling mandatory

Serious Misconduct

Examples: Contract cheating, falsification of documents, extensive plagiarism (>50% of work)

Penalties:

    • First offence: Suspension from course for 6-12 months

    • Second offence: Cancellation of enrolment with 12-month exclusion period

    • Transcript notation of academic misconduct

Severe Misconduct

Examples: Repeat serious misconduct, organized cheating, impersonation, threats to staff

Penalties:

    • Immediate cancellation of enrolment

    • Permanent exclusion from Contal Training Services

    • Referral to relevant authorities if criminal activity suspected

Appeals Process

Students may appeal misconduct findings through our formal complaints and appeals procedure within 20 working days of notification.

Record Keeping

All misconduct cases will be documented and retained in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Academic Misconduct Procedure

1. Detection and Reporting

Staff who suspect academic misconduct must:

    • Document the suspected misconduct with evidence

    • Report to the Head Trainer within 2 working days

    • Preserve all relevant materials and assessment submissions

Students may report suspected misconduct by others confidentially to any staff member.

2. Initial Assessment

2.1 The Head Trainer will:

    • Review the reported misconduct within 5 working days

    • Determine if formal investigation is warranted

    • Assign an investigating officer (must not have direct involvement in the case)

2.2 If misconduct appears minor and unintentional, the matter may be resolved through informal counseling and re-assessment opportunity.

3. Formal Investigation Process

3.1 Student Notification

    • Student notified in writing of allegations within 2 working days of investigation commencement

    • Notification includes specific details of alleged misconduct and evidence

    • Student advised of rights and support services available

3.2 Student Response

    • Student has 5 working days to provide written response

    • Student may request meeting with investigating officer

    • Student entitled to bring support person to any meetings

3.3 Evidence Gathering

    • Investigating officer collects and reviews all relevant evidence

    • May interview witnesses, review assessment materials, conduct plagiarism checks

    • Student provided opportunity to respond to any new evidence

4. Decision Making

4.1    Investigating officer prepares report with findings and recommendations within 10 working days of completing investigation.

4.2    Training Manager reviews report and determines:

    • Whether misconduct occurred and severity level (Minor/Moderate/Serious/Severe)

    • Appropriate penalty according to Penalties Framework

    • Any mitigating or aggravating factors

    • Any remedial actions required

4.3    Mitigating Factors (may reduce penalty):

    • First offence with demonstration of remorse

    • Personal circumstances affecting judgment

    • Evidence of learning from the incident

    • Voluntary disclosure of misconduct

4.4    Aggravating Factors (may increase penalty):

    • Previous misconduct history

    • Lack of cooperation during investigation

    • Attempt to conceal or destroy evidence

    • Misconduct affecting other students

5. Outcome Notification

5.1    Student notified in writing of outcome within 2 working days of decision.

5.2    Notification includes:

    • Summary of findings

    • Penalty imposed (if applicable)

    • Right to appeal and timeframes

    • Any conditions for continuing studies

6. Implementation of Penalties

6.1    Warning: Documented on student file, student counselled on expectations

6.2    Re-assessment: Original submission marked as fail, new assessment opportunity provided

6.3    Suspension: Temporary exclusion from training, conditions for return specified

6.4    Cancellation: Enrolment terminated, refund policy applies as per Student Handbook

7. Documentation Requirements

All cases must include:

    • Initial report and evidence

    • Investigation notes and student responses

    • Decision rationale and penalties

    • Any appeal outcomes

    • Files retained for minimum 2 years post-completion

8. Quality Assurance

    • All serious misconduct cases reviewed by CEO/Principal

    • Annual analysis of misconduct trends and policy effectiveness

    • Staff training on misconduct identification and procedures

The Aboriginal flag. The top half of the flag is black and the bottom half is red. In the centre is a yellow circle.
The Torres Strait Islander flag. There are green panels at the top and bottom of the flag with black lines separating them from the middle panel, which is blue with the image of a white dancer’s headdress and five-pointed star in the centre.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We recognise their strengths and enduring connection to lands, waters and communities as the Custodians of the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.

We acknowledge the Jagera People and the Turrbal People as the Traditional Custodians of Meanjin (Brisbane), the lands on which we are based. We pay our respect to Jagera and Turrbal cultures, and to their Elders past, present and emerging.