Academic
Integrity

Academic Integrity

The Academic Integrity Policy outlines the importance of academic honesty and acknowledging academic sources in all submitted assignments. Academic integrity is part of Metavision’s standards as a higher education provider. Academic integrity means upholding high standards of ethical conduct in studying and writing assessments. It is essential to always be honest and fair by acknowledging the work and ideas of authors.

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Plagiarism

Plagiarism means presenting the work and ideas of authors without proper acknowledgement. For example:

Not using quotation marks and referencing when directly quoting the words of an author
Copying another student’s work
Reproducing sentences from unit curriculum without acknowledgement

Academic Referencing Conventions

Students are required to use the American Psychological Association referencing style throughout their course (APA 7th ed.). Visit the APA website and make use of free online tutorials and the blog.

Tips for maintaining academic integrity:

Start assignments ahead of the due date and allow plenty of time
Ensure your study load is achievable Put aside regular time each week to do reading and assessments.
Take notes on readings in your own words
Paraphrase to ensure you really understand the theory content
Summarise and condense notes into major points
Keep a glossary of definitions for concepts and terms and reference glossary entries
Compare and contrast different theorists and schools
Develop your own ideas and critiques.
Read the assignment in hard copy for a final round of editing before submission
Ensure page numbers are included in in-text citations for direct quotes
Ensure all in-text citations are referenced in the reference list.

Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct goes against Metavision’s value for honesty and integrity. Academic misconduct by students can take many forms, including the following:

Using essay writing services to present the work of others as their own
Adding academic references to the reference list when these were not used to
write the assessment
Collaborating with others on assessments when group work is not a formal assessment requirement

Penalties

In responding to academic misconduct, the Metavision Institute takes into account whether the misconduct was intentional, where the student is up to in the course, and any previous misconduct.

Penalties may include:

Students are entitled to appeal academic misconduct penalties by following the appeals provisions in the Grievance, Complaints and Appeals (Academic) Policy.

A requirement to resubmit the assessment task with appropriate revisions (for a first minor offence)
A reduction in the marks allocated to the assignment
A requirement to undertake another form of assignment
A fail grade for the assignment
A fail grade for the unit, with the option to re-enrol at a future date
A probation period, requiring regular meetings with the Course Coordinator
A referral to additional academic support
Exclusion from the course with the option to re-enrol at a future date
Exclusion from the course without the option to re-enrol, and/or
Withdrawal of an award

Ethical Responsibilities

Students enrolled in the Metavision Institute’s postgraduate courses are to follow the PACFA Code of Ethics, and maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive and personal information disclosed during on-campus workshops and online discussions, in experiential and practical exercises with fellow students, and on placement.

As part of the learning process, students may sensitively and respectfully use personal and sensitive information in general discussions, assessments and supervision in a form that protects the identity of the person.

Students are expected to:

Respect and uphold the essential humanity, worth and dignity of staff, student peers and clients
Recognise and respect diversity and oppose discrimination and oppressive behaviour
Respect the privacy of student peers and clients and preserve the confidentiality of any personal and sensitive information acquired during the course and following course completion

Student Code of Conduct and Shared Responsibility

The Code (available in the policy library) outlines Metavision’s expectations of students. Students are to maintain high standards of conduct in on- campus and online teaching environments and in their informal interactions with staff and fellow students.

Any form of discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment or sexual assault will not be tolerated in the Metavision Institute.

Student Misconduct Policy

The Metavision Institute considers the following behaviours to be student misconduct:

Allegations of student misconduct will be investigated with procedural fairness. Penalties for upheld misconduct may include:

Behaving dishonestly
Bullying, harassing or interfering with other students or staff
Disrupting other students’ learning
Failing to comply with legal or policy requirements
Mistreating or destroying Metavision Institute property, or the property of other students or staff
Fraudulent alteration or destruction of Metavision Institute’s documents and records, or other corrupt actions
Misconduct while on placement in a Host Organisation
Engaging in libellous or defamatory behaviour
Other inappropriate actions.

Formal warning
Referral to student support services
Probation period, during which time the student will be required to attend regular meetings with the Academic Director
Restitution of property or goods, if appropriate
Requirement to repay costs associated with damage to Metavision Institute property
Exclusion from the course with an option to re-enrol in the future
Expulsion from Metavision Institute
Report of a crime to the NSW Police

Students have the right to internal appeal and independent external review of decisions made by Metavision in relation to student misconduct. In such circumstances, Metavision will implement the recommendations made by the external reviewer.