Frequently asked questions (FAQ) for Students on the Accelerated Process
1: How do the regular and accelerated processes differ?
There are two main differences: 1) The accelerated process usually takes one or two weeks, while the regular process can take from several weeks to a few months since it involves many steps. 2) In the accelerated process, because you are admitting that you wilfully or accidentally contravened an academic regulation, you do not have to meet with the committee of inquiry; instead, you simply meet for a few minutes with the person in charge of the accelerated process for academic fraud cases at your Faculty to discuss your situation and to sign an agreement.
2. Can I expect a reduced sanction if I admit to the offence?
No, because the accelerated process is designed only to simplify and speed up the handling of your case.
3. If I opt for the accelerated process, do I risk getting expelled from my program, my Faculty or the University?
If the accelerated process is offered to you and you decide to take it, you will not be expelled from your program, your Faculty or the University if you continue to meet your program’s minimum requirements (including those governing the number of failures and minimum grades).
4. What sanction will I receive?
You are subject to sanction ranging to 2(a) (i.e. a reprimand) of the Regulation on Academic Fraud to sanction 2(h) (i.e. an additional requirement of 3 to 30 credits to be added to the student’s program of studies).
5. What type of academic fraud would disqualify me from the accelerated process and could have me expelled from my program, my Faculty or the University?
Level-3 and level-4 acts of fraud can disqualify you from the accelerated process. See the document “Sanction levels” for more information.
6. If I initially opt for the regular process, can I change to the accelerated process along the way?
You can choose the accelerated process at any time before you meet with the committee of inquiry. After you appear before the committee, you can no longer switch to the accelerated process.
7. Should I have someone accompany me?
The choice is yours. Note, however, that if you bring someone with you, the person in charge of the accelerated process for academic fraud cases may ask you to sign a consent form for the sharing of confidential information with the person who comes with you. Usually, the consent form is valid only for the duration of the meeting.
8. What role does the person accompanying me play?
Most often, the person who comes with you provides moral support. If he or she is too vocal during the discussion, the person in charge of the accelerated process for academic fraud cases might ask the person accompanying you to play a more background role so that you can be better heard.
9. Can my initial testimony during the accelerated process be used if I later decide to go through the regular process?
No, your initial testimony cannot be taken into account if you switch to the regular process.
10. How are group cases of fraud handled?
Group cases of fraud are the most complex to process because three scenarios are possible:
- all of the students opt for the accelerated process;
- some students opt for the accelerated process, while others choose the regular one;
- all of the students choose the regular process.
In all three cases, the person in charge of the accelerated process for academic fraud cases and the committee of inquiry could delay signing an agreement under the accelerated process or rendering a decision under the regular process until they have heard the testimony of each student. You can therefore expect added processing time so that everyone concerned can be heard.
On the other hand, simpler or more complex cases might be dealt with differently: the Faculty could immediately decide to sign the agreement under the accelerated process or ask that all students submit their case to the regular process, as is automatically the case in some faculties.
11. Under what circumstances can I appeal to the Senate Appeals Committee during the accelerated process?
Given that under the accelerated process you admit having contravened an academic regulation and signed an agreement whereby you accept a sanction, the only thing you could appeal would be non-compliance with the official procedures of the accelerated process.
12. If I launch an appeal under the accelerated process, what kind of decision can the Senate Appeals Committee hand down?
Because no evidence surrounding the allegation of fraud itself can be submitted, the Appeals Committee can generally do little else other than endorse the agreement or repeal it and ask that the regular process be used instead.