Appendix 4Instructions for a Student Suspected of Fraud

Appendix 4Instructions for a student suspected of fraud

Decrease your risk of becoming a target of fraud allegationsby displaying a genuine will to develop your skills, showing diligence in your studies and following instructions closely. In addition, if you are even slightly doubtful about what is allowed and what is not, check the limits of acceptable actions with your teacher.

If you become the target of a fraud allegation, remember that teachers and other University personnel follow the instructions of the University and they must take the possibility of fraud seriously. However, they are also instructed to ensure the legal protection of students. Only a verified incident of fraud can lead to any consequences.

Anallegation must be clarified without delay, but you should be prepared that the investigation of the matter takes time. Detailed investigationis also important to ensure your legal protection. If a baseless allegation delays the completion of the related study unit, you have the right to expect your teachers to be flexible with the completion schedules (e.g. by arranging an extra examination). Otherwise, you have the right to continue your other studies during the investigation of the allegation.

After your teacher informs you that he/she has requested an investigation to be started because of a suspicion of fraud, the matter is no longer dealt with directly by the teacher.

You always have the right to make a statement of defenceon the matter.

• The statementis requested either in writing or at an oral hearing, or in both ways.
• The written request for thestatementmust specify the allegation and the evidence the allegation is based on.
• When giving your statement, you have the right to be assisted by counsel (also at an oral hearing). It is important to use this opportunity to reply to the allegation against you.
• The matter can be resolved without your statement if you have not delivered it within the specified time or you have not arrived in the hearing.

If a fraud allegation is considered to have basis and a study unit submitted for evaluation is rejected because of it, you have the right to appeal with the decision within 14 days from receiving the decision.

• A correction request related to the rejection of a master’s or licentiate thesis or doctoral dissertation is made to the University Degree Committee.
• A correction request related to the rejection of any other study unit is made to the degree committee of the faculty or, in an independent institute or service department, to the director or other body responsible for processing the correction requests.

If disciplinary action is taken against you, that is, the Rector decides to give you a warning or the University Board decides to suspend you for a fixed period, you have the right to appeal the disciplinary decision inan Administrative Court (hallinto-oikeus). A decision to suspend your studies for a fixed period may be put into effect regardless of your appeal,unless otherwise ordered by the University or the Administrative Court (hallinto-oikeus).Non-degree students of the University of Jyväskylä have a corresponding right to appeal if their right to study has been suspended for a fixed period due to fraud.