PhD loses his way

Abstract: A mature-aged PhD student is not provided with adequate support during the early stages of his candidature and submits a research proposal which contains plagiarism. Rather than face an academic integrity investigation, he withdraws from his program of study.

Target audience: Higher Degree by Research Supervisors, Heads of School, academic integrity decision makers, postgraduate research students.

Key issue being addressed: The potential for misunderstandings about academic integrity for mature-aged postgraduate students.

Purpose of the case: To assist supervisors to consider the needs of students returning to postgraduate research study, and to consider their own responsibilities in mentoring and supporting those students.

Materials and preparation needed to answer case:

• Remind participants to find and access appropriate policy and academic integrity resources at own institution prior to coming to session.
• Copy of university academic integrity policy, and procedures. Check if there is one specifically for HDR students.
• Copy of the university’s guidelines for postgraduate student conduct and/or policy relating to the supervisory relationship.
• Separate PowerPoint for facilitator based on 1 or 2 hour session.