Heriot-Watt University

1. Use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is permitted provided that such use is clearly identified and referenced. Generative AI spelling and grammar checking (e.g. MS Word, Grammarly) does not need to be referenced unless specifically indicated within the course. 2. The use of generative AI should be referenced using the appropriate referencing format for the piece of work. 3. Any use of artificial intelligence must align with the principles of academic integrity as outlined by the International Centre for Academic Integrity. 4. Courses and programmes within HW may make use of generative AI where it is appropriate to support the learning outcomes, however there is no requirement for a course or

Collected: 2026-10-08 · 19–27
SHA-256: aa9eab1b8d20c0c9b71293ef7ce361fe3f72d498e3eb91dae90d0c56837351b8

How to choose whether to use generative AI 1. If you are thinking about using generative AI (GAI) to support your learning check whether its use is permitted on your course. Only use GAI if it is permitted on your course and only use if for the purposes it is permitted e.g. you might be permitted to use it to research a topic but not to help you write it up. Remember that whether it is permitted or not may be different on each course and will be different from other institutions in which you have

Collected: 2026-10-08 · 43–49
SHA-256: aa9eab1b8d20c0c9b71293ef7ce361fe3f72d498e3eb91dae90d0c56837351b8

• Misuse of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Tools: any suspected misuse of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) will be dealt with under this policy. In most instances misuse of GenAI would fall under the definition of plagiarism (either through failing to appropriately reference sources (i.e. GenAI) or presenting work that is not student’s own as if it were) but could also fall under the definition of dishonest practice where appropriate.

Collected: 2026-10-08 · 388–393
SHA-256: fc7a0a272ba7f9177d91e912c5f327bba0802d9ee487550c9872979c02a9a2b8

Top tips: 1. As you develop your prompts, reflect on what changes you are making to them and how this is helping you to refine your understanding of the topic. 2. Keep copies of your prompts and outputs for future reference. You may need to provide copies of them in your assignments. 3. Use generative AI that identifies where information is sourced from so that you can check that it has used a real source, them make sure that you do check the source and make your own assessment as to whether the source is appropriate and reliable. How to interpret the output from generative AI There are key factors to bear in mind when using output from generative AI: 1. Critically evaluate the content and cross-check it with trusted academic sources. (You can get help with critical evaluation from the Skills Hub). 2. AI generated content may not be accurate (even where it includes references), the outputs are predictions, they are not facts, and the content may be based on biased or stereotypical perspectives. 3. Double check the accuracy of the content and the references using trusted academic sources e.g. via the University Library to access peer-reviewed journals. 4. As you cross-check the content, look for sources that are Accurate, Current, Objective, Relevant and Named. (Find out more about this ACORN approach from Cite Them Right

Collected: 2026-10-08 · 88–110
SHA-256: aa9eab1b8d20c0c9b71293ef7ce361fe3f72d498e3eb91dae90d0c56837351b8

6. APPEALS 6.1. Appeals against academic misconduct outcomes will follow the University’s Student Discipline Appeals Policy and Procedures. Appeals against a disciplinary, academic misconduct outcome may be formally requested, subject to the acceptable grounds for an academic misconduct appeal. 6.2. In the academic misconduct outcome letter, the University will inform the appellant of their right to submit an Academic Misconduct Appeal, where appropriate. 6.3. It is not the purpose of an academic misconduct appeal to re-examine a student academic misconduct outcome decision, but to ensure that the outcome decision had been conducted in accordance with the University’s Global Student Academic Misconduct Policy. It is the University’s Discipline Committee’s role to use the academic expertise and judgement of its members to investigate and make decisions to determine if, on the balance of probability, academic misconduct has occurred, or not, in accordance with the University’s Global Student Academic Misconduct Policy. 6.4. The appeal must clearly state the grounds for appeal as specified below and must specify whether the student accepts the statement of facts held to be proven. The burden of proof is on the student to demonstrate the reason for the appeal. 6.5. The students must submit their appeal within ten working days of being sent their formal academic misconduct outcome letter. An appeal may be rejected if it is not submitted within the time limit set out above. If the appeal is rejected for this reason the student will be informed within ten working days of the receipt of their appeal. 6.6. Students cannot appeal on the basis that they believe the outcome was unfair, that they were not satisfied or that they were unhappy with the outcome. Appellants have to demonstrate, with evidence, that the academic misconduct outcome meets one of the grounds for an academic misconduct appeal to be considered. 6.7. Students who are found guilty, or proven to have committed, of an act of academic misconduct can only appeal on the approved grounds below, for which the appellant must provide direct evidence to support their appeal. 6.8. Students who admit to the act of academic misconduct (either during or prior to the Discipline Committee consideration) or accept the statement of facts held to be proven (that is, that the evidence presented in their case was accurate) cannot subsequently appeal on the grounds that there was a procedural irregularity in the process undertaken or that the decision reached was manifestly perverse. 6.9. Acceptable Grounds for an Academic Misconduct Appeal against the decision by a Discipline Committee: Student can only appeal against academic misconduct outcomes on the following grounds. 6.9.1.There was a procedural irregularity in the process undertaken This does not apply in the case of an offence admitted by a student.

Collected: 2026-10-08 · 669–719
SHA-256: fc7a0a272ba7f9177d91e912c5f327bba0802d9ee487550c9872979c02a9a2b8

How to submit an appeal You must ensure that your appeal: meets one or more of the specific grounds for appeal and is supported by appropriate evidence. Evidence in a language other than English must include a certified translation. Evidence from parents or friends is not considered independent and cannot be used. is submitted within the required timescale: Stage 1 appeals: within 10 working days of the date you became aware of the issue forming the basis of your appeal. Stage 2 appeals: within 20 working days of the Stage 1 outcome being issued. Appeals submitted late without good reason will be rejected. Stage 2 appeals can only be submitted after you have received the official outcome of your Stage 1 appeal. If you have not completed Stage 1, you are not eligible to submit a Stage 2 appeal. Appeal forms All academic appeals must now be submitted using the University’s online appeal forms. There are two types of forms for each Stage of appeal and it is essential that you use the correct one. Appeal Form A is for students with a HWU login and should be the most standard form used which requires you to log in using your Heriot‑Watt email address. You must upload all supporting evidence when submitting the form. Appeals submitted without evidence will not be considered. Appeal Form B is for students without a HWU login and should only be used if you do not currently have a Heriot‑Watt University email address, or your access to your University account is temporarily blocked. This form does not allow you to upload evidence. After submitting you will receive an automated email which you must reply to within two working days, attaching all supporting evidence. If evidence is not received within two working days, your appeal will be dismissed without consideration. Please note that the University does not regard Saturday and Sunday as working days.

Collected: 2026-10-08 · 22–33
SHA-256: a1e7653b5a51ea863dcd77495d6a04af6c9f6b5fd5df224b59edf6b21b0e8f7e