What to know if you're thinking about cheating in your assessment
KCLSU Advice is completely separate from KCL. We offer free, impartial and confidential advice to all King's students on issues affecting their studies. This includes students who are accused of cheating in an assessment.
We know that students cheat in assessments for many reasons. A common one is that they feel it is the only way they will pass or achieve a grade they are happy with. Some students may have a lot weighing on passing as assessment such as visa, finance and employment options. We know these situations are incredibly stressful but cheating is a huge risk and, if you're thinking about it, we want you to make an informed choice.
We'll cover:
What is cheating?
Cheating is a form of academic misconduct. Cheating can happen in a lot of different ways. Some are very clear cut, like taking notes for your exam or paying someone else to write or complete your assessment. Others are a bit more confusing, like using AI beyond what is approved (see King's Guidance here).
What other options are there?
1. Submit a mitigating circumstances form
If you are worried about completing an assessment, you may wish to submit a mitigating circumstances form (MCF). You can submit these in advance of your deadline or exam date or up to 7 days afterwards. Outcomes of an MCF include getting your exam deferred or the deadline extended to give you more time to revise or complete the assessment.
Mitigating circumstances include being unwell around your assessment deadline (including experiencing mental health difficulties), bereavement or significant illness of a friend or relative or witnessing something traumatic. Lots of students have mitigating circumstances but don't always realise that this means they can get support from the university.
Sometimes, students are hesitant to use the Mitigating Circumstances process as it may mean a delayed graduation or later progression into next year (due to an extended deadline, for example). This can sometimes have implications for students on visas or going onto graduate jobs. We recognise these are very stressful situations, but there is support available.
KCLSU Advice can help you navigate the MCF policy to help you understand how it applies to your situation. King's also have teams who offer advice on Visas and Money & Housing who can also support you if needed during this process. Whilst MCF's may cause delays in your education, cheating can lead to expulsion, which stops your education at King's completely.
2. Attempt your assessment honestly. Failure gives more options than cheating.
If you complete your exam to the best of your ability and fail, you will be able to have another attempt. The second attempt may be capped, but you may be able to appeal to have this cap removed. If you fail a second or subsequent attempt, you can appeal this too.
You can contact KCLSU Advice ahead of your exams to talk through what might happen if you fail an exam and they can explain your options. Trying your best and failing will be treated more compassionately by King's than if you are found to have cheated.
We know the idea of failing is really scary and that it can have real implications for students. However, trying and failing gives you more options than cheating.
What are the consequences of cheating?
To be absolutely clear, cheating is a massive risk.
King's takes academic integrity and cheating incredibly seriously and the possible outcomes are severe.
If you are found to have cheated in your assessment, you face possible expulsion from King's.
If not expelled, other consequences can still impact your ability to continue your degree. For example, you could be given a mark of zero with no option of a retake. The latter can also limit your ability to continue your degree or graduate, depending on your course requirements.
If you are accused of cheating, KCLSU Advice can help. Every case is unique, and so we cannot guarantee your outcome. What we can do is help you navigate the process, understand your options, check your statements, and attend hearings with you.
We understand why you might be considering cheating or why you may have already cheated, but we're here to help you figure out what to do next. Contact KCLSU Advice for free, impartial and confidential advice.
Useful Links:
KCLSU Advice Contact Form
KCLSU guidance on Mitigating Circumstances
KCLSU Guidance of Academic Misconduct
KCL Guidance on Academic Misconduct
KCL Mitigating Circumstances Policy
KCL Mitigating Circumstances Form Guide
Explore Wellbeing support available
A Cheerful Note
We know this time of the academic year can be really stressful for you. If you need to take some time to unwind, make sure to check out our Take Time Out Events! From free yummy lunches to petting fluffy dogs, make sure to grab your free ticket to enjoy some well-deserved time off your studies.