Dealing with Instances of Fraudulent Information Procedures

These procedures are governed by the Dealing with Instances of Fraudulent Information Policy.

2.1 Any person who becomes aware of suspected fraudulent information must bring the matter to the attention of the relevant Senior Officer identified in Schedule 1.

2.2 The relevant Senior Officer will ensure the matter is investigated, and for this purpose may obtain further information from any relevant parties.

2.3 If such investigation confirms the existence of apparent fraudulent information, the relevant Senior Officer will refer the case to the Academic Registrar, and provide a report detailing the steps taken to date, together with any supporting documentation.

3.1 The Academic Registrar will consider the report and decide as to whether the case warrants further investigation or action.

3.2 If no further action is to be taken, the Academic Registrar will notify all relevant parties in writing of this decision.

3.3 Where the Academic Registrar determines that the case has been substantiated through the initial investigation and, therefore, does not require further investigation they will apply one or more of the penalties under section 4.

3.4 Where the Academic Registrar determines that the case requires further investigation, they will write to the relevant applicant, current or former student, or person claiming to be a current or former ACU student to seek clarification and/or substantiation in relation to the information in question.

3.5 The applicant, current or former student, or person claiming to be a current or former ACU student will be required to respond in writing, within 10 working days of the date of the request from the Academic Registrar.

3.6 The Academic Registrar will consider any response and decide as to whether the case warrants further action.

3.7 If no further action is to be taken, the Academic Registrar will notify all relevant parties in writing of this decision.

3.8 If the authenticity of the information provided cannot be substantiated, or no response is received from any request for clarification, the Academic Registrar will determine the case and apply one or more of the following penalties in section 4.

3.9 All relevant parties will be notified of the Academic Registrar’s decision in writing.

3.10 The Academic Registrar will ensure that recordkeeping and notification requirements are undertaken in accordance with Section 5 of the Policy.

4.1 Where an applicant is found to have provided fraudulent information, the Academic Registrar may apply one or more of the following penalties:

1. ensure that the application for admission is cancelled by the University;
2. exclude the person from any future admission to, or enrolment at ACU;
3. require that any fee paid by the person for any purpose be forfeited.

4.2 Where a student is found to have provided fraudulent information for the purpose of receiving an academic advantage in a unit, the Academic Registrar may recommend to the relevant Academic Integrity Officer that a determination of academic misconduct is made under the Student Academic Integrity and Misconduct Policy and that:

1. a mark of zero (0) or 'unsatisfactory' should be awarded for the relevant piece of assessment in that unit; or
2. a result of Fail NN with a mark of zero (0) or Fail Ungraded NU should be awarded in that unit by the Head of School, or equivalent; or
3. the student's enrolment in the course should be terminated by a Faculty Academic Misconduct Committee and the student should be excluded from the University for a period of up to two semesters from the date of termination.

4.3 Where a student is found to have provided fraudulent information for any other purpose, the Academic Registrar may apply one or more of the following penalties:

1. issue the student with a formal reprimand;
2. recommend to the Course Coordinator or Head of School, or equivalent that credit from Recognition of Prior Learning be refused or cancelled;
3. cancel the student's current enrolment and/or other transactions with ACU;
4. exclude the student from any future admission to, or enrolment with ACU;
5. require that any fee paid by the student for any purpose be forfeited.

4.4 Where a former ACU student or person claiming to be current or former ACU student is found to have provided fraudulent information, the Academic Registrar may apply one or more of the following penalties:

1. in the case of an ACU graduate, recommend to the Chair of Academic Board that any award be revoked;
2. exclude the former ACU student or person claiming to be a current or former ACU student from any future admission to, or enrolment at ACU;
3. require that any fee paid to ACU by the person for any purpose be forfeited.

4.5 In addition to any penalty imposed under sections 4.1, 4.2, or 4.3, the Academic Registrar may refer the matter to be dealt with under another University Policy.