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Advice Centre: Unfair Practice

31st May 2007

Exams are looming again, and we wish all students every success.

You may think that a warning about Unfair Practice will not apply to you, but after every set of exams, the Students' Union Advice Centre finds itself having to support students who have been accused of Unfair Practice.

So what are the problems?

It shouldn't need saying, but notes, revision or otherwise, should go nowhere near the exam room. Everyone makes notes and aides memoires for exams, but before you go into the exam room go through your pockets and pencil case to make sure none accompany you into the exam. If you are found with a crib note, however limited in value, you will be punished severely. The same goes for anything written on your hand, arm, or anywhere else. Don't try it, it's not worth it.

Mobile phones are not allowed into the exam room. Almost everyone carries one, so you're not unique, just make sure you leave yours at home, or in safe luggage. Pleas that you forgot will not be accepted.

Unauthorised aids, such as dictionaries, calculators, must only be taken in where allowed. Well in advance of the exam, check the regulations for what is allowed in your next exam.

Talking to or copying from other students is forbidden.

International students - please note that although cheating is outlawed everywhere, the penalties can vary in different countries. Be warned that at Swansea, those penalties will be severe.

What's the damage?

Here's what happened for real to some students found guilty of Unfair Practice:

- A prize-winning Master's student with a job offer from a blue chip company was forced to give up both studies, and job, after a note was found in the pocket.

- A student on course for a distinction took a note into an exam concealed in the hand. The marks for all modules were cancelled. An appeal citing extenuating circumstances failed. The student was given leave to repeat the year, but no funding was available.

- A note was found on the desk of an International Masters student. All modules were cancelled, the student could not afford to resit the year, and was afraid to return home as the student's family had not been told.

In 2005-6, all except 6% of cases of Unfair Practice brought to the Academic Registry were substantiated. 40 students had to attend a Committee of Enquiry for Unfair Practice during an exam, and most were found guilty.

DON'T BE ONE OF THESE! CHEATING DOESN'T PAY!

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