ERADICATION OF STUDENT MISCONDUCT IN ONLINE EXAMINATIONS: SEMESTER 2 OF 2021

The 2021 academic year is being concluded against the backdrop of the continuing global COVID-19 pandemic and its disruptive effects on all areas of our lives. The UP online learning platform, ClickUP, makes it possible for University of Pretoria (UP) students to continue their studies as well as be examined via the online platform during the pandemic.

Each UP student is a brand ambassador of the University with a moral responsibility to conduct their studies with honesty and integrity. Any instance of attempted fraud and academic dishonesty, including the use of so-called “online tutor services” and similar mechanisms for cheating, weakens the brand value of the degree the student aims to obtain and may have long-lasting repercussions for all our graduates' employability, not only for the students who cheat.

The University's IT and forensic specialists use various advanced digital tools and data provided by third parties in detecting fraud in online examinations. A number of students have already forfeited their marks and/ or been expelled from the University for academic fraud in the recent past, and they have damaged their own future career prospects.

The University encourages students to familiarise themselves with the Disciplinary Code for Students, contained in the UP General Rules and Regulations (https://www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/2021/rules-pdf) and the requirements of the UP Examinations and Related Matters Policy.

Please report all suspected academic misconduct as soon as possible to the relevant faculty for resolution. The matter may also be referred to the UP Department of Internal Audit and Compliance Services ([email protected]) or the external UP Ethics Hotline on 0800 227 007, WhatsApp on 082 829 9100, via the web: https://wisecall.eu.com/speak-up/ or via email: [email protected].