Flinders University

a. Plagiarism When the work of another is represented, intentionally or unintentionally, as one's own original work, without appropriate acknowledgement of the author, creator or the source. This includes but is not limited to the following: i. paraphrasing from a source text, whether in manuscript, printed or electronic form (e.g., article spinning, text rewriting and content creation tools), without appropriate acknowledgement ii. word-for-word copying, cutting or pasting statements from a single source or multiple sources or piecing together work of others and representing them as original work. In cases where direct extracts are presented without quotation marks, it is not sufficient to merely acknowledge the source. iii. submitting as one's own work all or part of another student's work, even with the student's knowledge or consent iv. submitting an assessment task where a portion of the assessment task has been generated by an algorithm, computer generator or other artificial intelligence without appropriate permission and/or acknowledgement

Zebrano: 2026-10-08 · 351–365
SHA-256: fd739e9166b22af1003a2c5ff36177cf13af79189567a5ed3440606ff8e0d723

Why do I need to acknowledge the use of GenAI in my thesis? keyboard_arrow_up To uphold the integrity of your research and investment of your time, it is important that your research is recognised as your own and to remove any doubt for the readers. For further information please refer to a 2024 BLOG entitled Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Research. What are the penalties for students who do not declare they have used GenAI in their thesis? keyboard_arrow_up It is a requirement via the HDR Policy and supporting procedures that students declare whether and how they have used GenAI in their research and thesis writing. HDR students must also abide by the Research Integrity Policy. If there is a research integrity breach, the Breach of Research Integrity Procedures will be enacted. Can I use GenAI in my thesis? keyboard_arrow_up You can use GenAI in your thesis. In line with the Charter for HDR Student and Supervisor Responsibilities it is important for you to understand and discuss the University’s statement on AI in research with your supervisor(s), to understand what GenAI is, and how it can be used in research for your specific discipline. The use of GenAI must be responsible, ethical, and consistent with the core principles of research integrity that appear in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research. It is important to have an agreement, and open, transparent and ongoing discussions about the use of GenAI and how to declare or acknowledge it with your supervisor(s). You will be asked at each Milestone to record details of your GenAI use and discussions. How do I acknowledge the use of GenAI in my thesis? keyboard_arrow_up It is important to acknowledge the use of GenAI in your thesis submitted to external examiners to allay any concerns. When you use GenAI in your research or thesis, clearly acknowledge the use of the tools in the relevant chapter. If you have not used GenAI in your research or thesis, to remove any doubt, clearly state that no GenAI has been utilised in the thesis. This can be achieved through a sentence in the introduction. If you have used GenAI, you can easily acknowledge this with footnotes, for example: "Microsoft Copilot Chat was used to assist in the [for example: editing process and to identify improvements in writing style], in accordance with the current guidance at Flinders University." You will be required to make a declaration about your use of GenAI in your final thesis for examination in accordance with the HDR Thesis Rules declaration.

Zebrano: 2026-10-08 · 227–241
SHA-256: 23a14bfce81263879a78474651d0226a68bad716a246b769af0dddadea6acc2a

b. The Level 1 Inquiry’s purpose is to determine: i. if the alleged failure to meet academic integrity requirements has been substantiated ii. the category of the failure, and iii. the appropriate responses in accordance with s. 5.3 of the Student Academic Integrity Policy. c. The Second Reviewer will set the date and time of the Level 1 Inquiry. d. The Second Reviewer will give the student a minimum of 5 University business days’ notice of the Level 1 Inquiry. e. The Second Reviewer will notify the student of the allegation and inquiry by email (to their University email address) (template available), which must include: i. a link to the Student Academic Integrity Policy and these procedures ii. the details of the allegation, including copies of all related documents iii. the time, date and place of the inquiry—the inquiry may be held in person, or using any technology which enables all those participating to communicate concurrently with each other and to participate effectively iv. an invitation for the student to respond to the allegation in writing, or by attendance at the inquiry (either in person or via technology), or both v. an invitation for the student to be accompanied at the meeting (either in person or via technology) by a support person, namely a Flinders University staff member or student or a representative of the Flinders University Student Association Student Assist team [Legal representation is not permitted, but a legally qualified student or representative may attend as a support person provided they are not acting in a professional legal capacity.] f. A student may request an extension of time to respond to the allegations due to unforeseen or exceptional circumstances beyond the control of the student, which may be granted at the Second Reviewer’s discretion. g. The Second Reviewer will conduct the Inquiry at the scheduled time, whether the student has responded to the notification or not, or is present or not. h. If the student is present at the Inquiry, the Second Reviewer must ensure they are given an opportunity to present a response. The student and their support person may be asked to leave before the final determination is made. i. Based on all the evidence before the Inquiry, the Second Reviewer will make a determination on whether the allegation of failure to meet academic integrity requirements has been substantiated.

Zebrano: 2026-10-08 · 408–439
SHA-256: 34d07cfb90077e005696715e8b6e6e9c18bf147d0692378ece6c6f697efdb288

7. Reviews and appeals a. A student may request a review of a determination of Level 1 Academic Misconduct by a Second Reviewer in accordance with the Student Review and Appeal Policy and procedures. b. A student who is dissatisfied with the outcome of the review may appeal to the Student Appeals Committee, if specified grounds are met, in accordance with the Student Review and Appeal Policy and procedures. c. A student may appeal a Level 2 Serious Academic Misconduct decision by a Board of Inquiry in accordance with the policy and procedures for Handling a Matter under Statute 6.4–Student Conduct.

Zebrano: 2026-10-08 · 483–490
SHA-256: 34d07cfb90077e005696715e8b6e6e9c18bf147d0692378ece6c6f697efdb288

Penalties for Level 1 Academic Misconduct Coursework topic: a. Where the failure occurs in academic work submitted for an examination, test or quiz for a topic: i. A deduction of up to 100% for the examination, test or quiz, or the relevant component OR ii. A Fail Grade for the topic, with no further option for assessment i.e. supplementary assessment. b. Where the failure occurs in academic work submitted for any form of assessment not covered by a. above— First Level 1 case: i. A requirement that the student re-submit the assessment task, with a maximum obtainable grade of Pass OR ii. A deduction of up to 100% of the available mark for the assessment task, with no option for resubmission or supplementary assessment. Second Level 1 case: i. One of the penalties available for a First Level 1 case OR ii. A Fail Grade for the topic, with a recommendation to the Dean (Education) that the student be permitted a supplementary assessment OR iii. A Fail Grade for the topic, with no further option for assessment i.e. supplementary assessment.

Zebrano: 2026-10-08 · 234–263
SHA-256: fd739e9166b22af1003a2c5ff36177cf13af79189567a5ed3440606ff8e0d723

Level 2 Serious Academic Misconduct a. Level 2 Serious Academic Misconduct is any failure to meet academic integrity requirements by a student: i. if the student already has two records of Level 1 Academic Misconduct OR ii. if the failure is so serious that it prejudices the interest of other students, the integrity of the assessment scheme itself, or the reputation of the University. b. All allegations of Level 2 Serious Academic Misconduct will be referred for action under Statute 6.4– Student Conduct. c. Any of the penalties available for Academic Misconduct Level 1 under this policy may be imposed, as well as any of the penalties under Statute 6.4–Student Conduct, which include suspension, exclusion or expulsion from the University. d. Where a determination of Level 2 Academic Misconduct is made, the student’s action is recorded as Serious Academic Misconduct on the Academic Integrity Register.

Zebrano: 2026-10-08 · 309–322
SHA-256: fd739e9166b22af1003a2c5ff36177cf13af79189567a5ed3440606ff8e0d723

3.1. Reviews a. Students must request a review in writing within 20 University business days of being advised of the decision in their matter, unless the University considers that there are exceptional or compelling circumstances. b. Students must request a review via the University’s lodgement process . c. Students may obtain assistance in preparing a request for a review from Student Advocacy and Welfare or from any other third party of their choosing (e.g. advocacy groups, legal representatives, friends or family members). However, the request must be written in a student’s own words and lodged under their own name. d. When lodging a request for review, a student should provide as much detail as possible, including: i. the nature and details of the original decision and any facts or documentation regarding it ii. the written decision of the decision-maker iii. their reasons for requesting the review, which may include a statement explaining why they consider the decision to be in error, or why they believe the consequences resulting from the decision are unreasonable in their circumstances. iv. any relevant supporting documents.

Zebrano: 2026-10-08 · 37–53
SHA-256: ac49d78eb3be8545252f71bbe06553b52eb6443e1f573cfdaaf22ca342bc326e

3.3. Student Appeals submission process a. Students may lodge an appeal against a review decision if grounds are met. b. Students may obtain assistance in preparing an appeal from Student Advocacy and Welfare or from any other third party of their choosing (e.g. advocacy groups, legal representatives, friends or family members). An appeal must be written in a student’s own words and under their own name. c. Appeals must be lodged in writing via the University’s lodgement process within 20 University business days of notification of the outcome of the review, unless the University considers that there are exceptional or compelling circumstances. PAGE 4 4 Flinders.edu.au ABN: 65 542 596 200 CRICOS No: 00114A d. When lodging an appeal, a student should provide as much detail as possible, including: i. a copy of the written notice of the outcome of the review ii. specifying the ground(s) for appeal, in accordance with s.3.4 of the Student Review and Appeal Policy iii. outlining a case in support of the ground(s) for appeal, including any evidence iv. all supporting documentation.

Zebrano: 2026-10-08 · 146–168
SHA-256: ac49d78eb3be8545252f71bbe06553b52eb6443e1f573cfdaaf22ca342bc326e

Flinders University students have access to Copilot Chat with enterprise data protection - this means that your chats are private, secure, and anonymous and they are not used to train the underlying AI model. Simply login with your Flinders details, following the steps below.  Steps for using Copilot Chat  Need help? Access Copilot Chat Go to https://m365.cloud.microsoft/ or open the Microsoft 365 App. Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome are recommended. These allow you to engage with content on a webpage using Copilot in a side panel. If you use a free personal Microsoft account, log out of this and follow the next steps to login through the University. Select to ‘Sign in’. Login with your Flinders University details (email, FAN, password). If you are given a choice between ‘Work’ or ‘Personal’, select ‘Work’. Check for the shield icon. This indicates that your data is protected. Learn more about Copilot Chat data protection & security Need help accessing Copilot Chat?  Follow these steps to make the most of Copilot Chat 1. Check that use of GenAI is approved for your topic keyboard_arrow_up Before using Copilot Chat, you first need to confirm if you can use GenAI tools and what you can use them for. Each topic – and sometimes each assessment piece – will have its own guidelines for how AI tools are and are not allowed to be used. These guidelines may also indicate what information you need to provide, such as the prompts you entered and a copy of the output generated. Check your assignment instructions or ask your teacher if you are unsure or want further clarification. The Unsure about AI? Just ask video includes some questions you can ask, or you can get some ideas from this AI Assessment Scale. Remember, using Copilot Chat when it is not approved can be a breach of academic integrity. Follow the instructions from your teachers on if you can use Copilot Chat, what you can use it for, what documentation you need to provide, and how to acknowledge your use.

Zebrano: 2026-10-08 · 143–166
SHA-256: 444345222f340a08a7f6a5efc3733b223c2d82f82903d415c342d04d838fe77d

Can I / should I use an AI detector? What about the AI features of software (e.g., for systematic reviews) - not in 'writing' per se? keyboard_arrow_up At Flinders University all HDR students must submit an iThenticate report with their written work for Milestones and thesis for examination. iThenticate is a plagiarism-detection software from Turnitin, and includes AI writing detection capabilities in helping identify potential AI-generated content in submitted work. HDR supervisors should have regular and ongoing open conversations with their students throughout candidature about the appropriate use and acknowledgement of GenAI.

Zebrano: 2026-10-08 · 246–249
SHA-256: 23a14bfce81263879a78474651d0226a68bad716a246b769af0dddadea6acc2a