At Robertsons Solicitors, we recently handled a challenging and highly sensitive case involving an allegation of serious academic misconduct due to the supposed use of AI by a university student. Cases of AI-related academic misconduct are becoming a burgeoning issue in higher education.
The university accused the student of a serious violation that could have significantly downgraded his degree classification. The allegation stemmed from an unclear understanding and application of AI in academic work. After a prolonged and stressful preliminary engagement with the university, the student was finally granted the right to appeal. However, the family was at a loss on how to proceed due to the lack of clear information from the university regarding the basis of the allegation and the severe proposed penalty.
Our Education Law team, led by Rhys Palmer, took on the challenge of crafting a detailed appeal that meticulously addressed every aspect of the case. They argued against the broken regulations, the inadequate training provided to students about AI, the vague academic regulations and the questionable ethics in the treatment of the student. Working under tight deadlines, the team delivered a comprehensive appeal document within a week, exceeding expectations with its depth and scope. They incorporated guidelines from regulatory bodies such as the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) and Ofqual, setting a benchmark on how allegations involving AI should be handled based on best practices observed in leading universities.
Our Education Law team prepared the student for the appeal panel, focusing on mental readiness and practical aspects such as document organisation and appropriate presentation. This meticulous preparation enabled the student to confidently address the panel’s inquiries, demonstrating his innocence and the unfairness of the charge against him relating to AI-related academic misconduct.
The appeal panel’s decision came remarkably fast, arriving in just two days instead of the typical two weeks, with no penalty affecting the final degree classification over the AI-related academic misconduct allegation.
