Ethical guidelines and misconduct in studies
LAB University of Applied Sciences students are expected to follow ethical guidelines throughout their studies. The guidelines are divided into three principles and compliance with these ensures that your actions are ethical. It is your responsibility to read the guidelines and to comply with them throughout your studies.
Ethical guidelines
The guidelines are divided into three principles and compliance with these ensures that your actions are ethical:
Use information correctly
- searching for reliable reference material
- using the information appropriately
- taking copyright matters into account
Follow the rules
- e.g. examination instructions (check eLAB!)
- course instructions of teacher
- degree Regulations
- ask if you don't know!
Be honest and fair
- avoid misconduct and wrongdoing
- treat people fairly
- be a good group member
Despite these instructions, you may come across situations that pose an ethical problem. On such occasions, it is your duty to seek and the LAB University of Applied Sciences’ responsibility to organise guidance and advice to enable the resolution of the situation in a manner that is ethical and appropriate for all parties involved.
Misconducts
Misconduct in studying refers to a deceitful act or means by which a student misleads the evaluator of a study attainment.
Process for handling misconduct in studies is described in LAB University of Applied Sciences Guidelines for Handling Misconduct (pdf).
- Cheating on examinations: e.g. use of prohibited means or tools (e.g. mobile phone) in an examination → removal from the examination and written caution.
- Misconduct related to an assignment or thesis: e.g. the falsification or misrepresentation of results related to an assignment, having others do the work in a group assignment!
- Plagiarism: disregard of referencing practices, copy – pasting
- Lying, falsification and omission of key information: e.g. misleading peer assessment, falsification of attendance records, asking for extension under false pretences,.
- Influencing the person assessing a study attainment or an attempt thereof: e.g. bribery, threats, pressuring.
- Obstruction or sabotage: obstructing the work of other students e.g. by disturbing and examination or destroying or stealing the work of others.
- Discovering misconduct → case will be investigated (official process).
- Disciplinary measures: caution, written reprimand, expulsion.
What are the consequences of unethical conduct and academic fraud?
Unethical conduct violates trust between people and harms interaction. A student who repeatedly acts in an unethical manner gains a reputation that makes him or her an undesirable partner for group work or projects. Repeated unethical conduct also inevitably affects the teaching staff’s treatment of the student and their willingness to agree on flexible study arrangements, for example. A bad reputation may also spread outside the university and have an adverse effect on job opportunities.
Proven academic fraud results in disciplinary action. Possible consequences are a written caution, warning and temporary suspension. In the case of double degree or exchange students, the student’s own university is also notified of the disciplinary action.
Read the ethical guidelines carefully in advance because when you enrol for studies, you undertake to comply with them!