Plagiarism and Cheating Policy and Procedure
Purpose
To uphold academic integrity at Edway Training by clearly defining and addressing plagiarism, collusion, cheating, and misuse of generative AI tools, ensuring fair, consistent, and educative responses aligned with the 2025 Outcome Standards (1.4, 1.5 and 2.8).
Scope
Applies to all Edway Training students, trainers, assessors, and administrative staff across all training and assessment activities.
Responsibility
The Compliance Manager is responsible for implementing and managing this policy. Trainers and assessors are responsible for identifying and reporting potential breaches.
Definitions
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Plagiarism: Using another person’s ideas, language, or work without proper attribution.
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Collusion: Unauthorised collaboration on assessable work.
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Cheating: Attempting to gain an unfair academic advantage, including by using prohibited materials or falsifying work.
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Misuse of Generative AI: Submitting responses generated by AI (e.g., ChatGPT) as original work without permission or acknowledgement.
Policy Statement
Academic misconduct undermines the credibility of qualifications. Edway Training promotes originality, fairness, and accountability in student work. All learners are expected to uphold academic integrity.
Examples of Academic Misconduct
Plagiarism
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Copying without citation
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Reusing previous assignments without permission
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Failing to paraphrase or quote sources
Collusion
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Submitting group work as individual work without approval
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Sharing answers or jointly completing tasks not intended for collaboration
Cheating
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Using unauthorised notes or materials
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Impersonation or copying during assessments
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Tampering with results or submitting fraudulent documents
AI Misuse
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Submitting AI-generated content as personal work
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Using AI to complete assessments unless specifically permitted
Procedure
Reporting
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Suspected misconduct is reported to the Compliance Manager via trainers or staff.
Investigation
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Compliance Manager conducts a timely investigation, interviews relevant parties, and examines evidence. Students have the right to respond and to have a support person present.
Outcome Notification
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Outcome is provided in writing within 21 days.
Consequences (based on severity and history):
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Formal counselling
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Resubmission or alternate assessment
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Written warning
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'Not Yet Competent' result
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Recommendation for enrolment cancellation (repeat or severe offences)
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Withholding or revoking a qualification (in extreme or post-completion cases)
Appeals
Students may appeal any decision within 14 days through the Complaints and Appeals Procedure
Recordkeeping
Records of allegations, investigations, communications, and outcomes are maintained in accordance with Edway Training’s Privacy Policy and regulatory obligations.
Education and Prevention
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Students receive academic integrity guidance at enrolment, during orientation, and in course materials.
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Trainers receive PD on assessment authenticity, AI detection strategies, and fair response practices.
Review and Improvement
This policy is reviewed biennially or as required to ensure alignment with Outcome Standards, legislative changes, and organisational best practice.