If you have been found with unauthorised materials in your examination (such as phone, smart watch, notes or programmable calculator), then you may be given a penalty for exam misconduct. You can find a list of unauthorised materials on the University website. 

What is exam misconduct?

In cases of exam misconduct, the University defines it as: 

"Having an unauthorised mechanical or electronic device on one's person within an assessment venue or ancillary area, such as a cloakroom or toilets. Where such devices, including mobile phones and smart watches, are permitted to be brought into an assessment venue, they must be switched off and placed in the container provided for this purpose. The container must then be placed on the floor in full view of the invigilators before the start of the assessment and for the duration of the assessment."

What this means is that if you were found to be in possession of an unauthorised device, you would most likely be found to be in line with the University's definition of Academic Misconduct in an exam.

What can I expect to happen?

If the University deem that academic misconduct has occurred, they will investigate this further through a formal academic misconduct procedure. The way in which this is dealt with will be outlined below:

1.      You should receive a letter including allegations of exam misconduct, explaining what it is that has been deemed as the exam misconduct in your case.

2.      Once you receive the letter, you will be given the chance to discuss the issue which occurred during your exam and reply to any comments made, if you want to. If you don't want to, or you don't respond by the deadline on the letter, then the University will assume you do not wish to respond and you will be given a penalty.

How can the Students' Union help?

If you have been given a letter then we can help chat you through the process that you will now go through and the penalties that might be applied. We can also give some guidance as to why your case might have been considered exam misconduct.

If you want to make representations to the University, we can help you prepare a statement for your case or, attend a meeting with you. 

For support, you can email: ussu.advice@surrey.ac.uk 

What should I prepare if I want to meet with the University?

If you would like to be given the opportunity to talk to the University regarding your case, you should consider:

• Your understanding of exam misconduct. You may wish to speak with Academic Skills and Development in the library to understand your case more.
  
• Any special circumstances you wish to present to the meeting that demonstrates that you were not thinking rationally at the time of your exam
  
  

 What is the penalty?

Normally, unless there are special circumstances that you can present to the University, with evidence, the University will deem that this is a case of academic misconduct. 

If a first offence of Academic Misconduct has occurred, then the penalty would be a mark of zero for the exam and the module would be capped at the pass mark. You will then be able to re-take the exam in the next available assessment period which is usually August. If the module is failed then reassessment for this piece of work is allowed but this will also be capped. You have the right to appeal the outcome of the panel if you feel you have grounds to do so.

Penalties can increase if your case is to be of high severity (for example if this is your second upheld case of misconduct or, if you are found impersonating someone else)

I need further advice:​

You can make an appointment with one of our Academic Advice team. Appointments are for a maximum of 30 minutes, Monday - Friday 10-4pm.

Please email ussu.advice@surrey.ac.uk with the following information:

Name​, Course, Year of study, Details of your case (including your letter for exam misconduct)