American Professional School treats all cases of suspected academic misconduct and malpractice seriously. APS will investigate reported incidents that may compromise the integrity of competency demonstration or the validity of its credentials.
1. Purpose
This policy sets out how American Professional School (APS) defines, identifies, investigates, and responds to academic misconduct and malpractice in its competency-based education (CBE) professional credential programs.
The purpose of the policy is to protect the integrity of competency demonstration, the validity of credentials awarded, and the reputation of APS and its learners. It applies to all activities connected with the Professional, Master, and Executive pathways.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- Learners enrolled in APS programs
- APS staff, contractors, facilitators, subject-matter contributors, and other associates involved in content design, delivery, competency demonstration review, or credential decisions
- Third parties who may report suspected academic misconduct or malpractice
For the purpose of this policy, the term “malpractice” includes both deliberate academic misconduct and maladministration (failure to follow required procedures that threatens the integrity of competency demonstration or credentialing).
3. Definition of Academic Misconduct and Malpractice
Academic misconduct or malpractice is any act, or failure to act, that threatens or compromises the integrity of competency demonstration, the validity of APS credentials, or the reputation of APS or its associates.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Failure to maintain appropriate records or systems that support fair and valid competency demonstration
- Deliberate falsification of records or documents connected to credential decisions
- Acts of plagiarism or other academic misconduct
- Actions that compromise the authority or professional standing of APS staff or associates
4. Academic Misconduct by Learners
Examples of learner academic misconduct include the following. This list is not exhaustive.
- Presenting another person’s work, ideas, or words as one’s own without appropriate acknowledgment (plagiarism)
- Submitting work completed by another person, or generated in a way that does not reflect the learner’s own competency
- Impersonating another learner, or arranging for another individual to complete a demonstration or submit evidence
- Collaborating with another person to complete a demonstration task where independent work is required
- Fabrication or misrepresentation of evidence, experience, outcomes, or supporting documentation
- Use of unauthorized assistance, materials, or tools where the demonstration requires independent work
- Inclusion of inappropriate or offensive material in submitted evidence
- Damaging or interfering with another learner’s work or evidence
- Failure to comply with published demonstration requirements or integrity expectations
- Falsely obtaining or misrepresenting an APS credential
These expectations are also set out in the Competency Demonstration, Appeals, and Academic Integrity Policy. Learners are responsible for ensuring the authenticity of their submissions.
5. Malpractice by APS Staff and Associates
Examples of malpractice by staff, contractors, facilitators, or other associates include the following. This list is not exhaustive.
- Knowingly allowing an individual to impersonate a learner or to submit evidence that is not the learner’s own work
- Completing a demonstration task or evidence submission for a learner, or providing assistance beyond that normally expected
- Allowing learners to copy or collaborate inappropriately during a demonstration where independent work is required
- Failure to apply demonstration criteria consistently or fairly
- Divulging information relating to a learner’s demonstration performance or results to anyone other than the learner (except as required for legitimate quality or verification purposes)
- Producing, using, or allowing the use of forged or falsified documentation, including identity documents, supporting evidence for reasonable adjustments, competency records, or credential documentation
- Failing to report a suspected case of learner academic misconduct
- Disruptive, aggressive, or unacceptable conduct that affects the integrity of the learning or demonstration environment
- Failure to adhere to APS policies and procedures relating to competency demonstration, record-keeping, or quality assurance
6. Reporting a Suspected Case
Any case of suspected academic misconduct or malpractice must be reported as soon as possible, and at the latest within two business days of its discovery, to the Academic Quality Lead or the Operations Manager.
A written report should then be submitted that includes:
- The date, time, and place (or platform/activity) where the alleged misconduct or malpractice occurred, if known
- The name of the learner, staff member, or other person involved
- A clear description of the suspected misconduct or malpractice
- Any available supporting evidence
- Any actions already taken
Reports may also be made by a third party or anonymously. APS will take reasonable steps to authenticate the information and investigate where there are sufficient grounds to do so.
Wherever possible, and provided other learners are not disrupted, a learner suspected of academic misconduct should be informed that their actions may constitute a violation of this policy and that a report will be made.
7. Investigating Suspected Cases
APS will investigate each case of suspected or reported academic misconduct or malpractice to determine whether a violation has occurred. The investigation will aim to establish the full facts and circumstances.
APS will:
- Acknowledge receipt of a report within five business days
- Contact the individual(s) concerned within ten business days of receipt of the report
- Inform the individual(s) that an investigation is taking place, the grounds for the investigation, and the relevant timelines
- Provide the individual(s) with the opportunity to respond in writing (normally within 15 business days)
- Take reasonable steps to prevent or mitigate any adverse effect on other learners or on the integrity of APS credentials
Where more than one individual is involved (for example in a case of suspected collusion), APS will contact each person separately and will not disclose personal data to third parties unless necessary for the investigation.
Investigations involving academic judgment (for example, evaluation of evidence or determination of plagiarism) will be led or overseen by the Academic Quality Lead or a designated independent academic reviewer. Administrative aspects of the process will be overseen by the Operations Manager.
8. Possible Sanctions
If a case of academic misconduct or malpractice is upheld, APS may impose sanctions that reflect the seriousness of the case. Any sanctions will be applied fairly and proportionately.
Possible sanctions for learners
- Written warning about future conduct
- Requirement to resubmit authentic evidence
- Disallowance of submitted evidence
- Denial of credential eligibility for the relevant pathway or module
- Removal from the program
- Notification to an employer or other relevant party, where appropriate and lawful
Possible sanctions for staff, contractors, and associates
- Written warning about future conduct
- Imposition of special conditions for future involvement in competency demonstration or credential decisions
- Requirement for additional monitoring or training
- Termination of contract or engagement
- Dismissal, where the individual is an employee
APS may also report relevant cases to appropriate external authorities where the law has been broken or where required by applicable regulations.
9. Right of Appeal
An individual who has had a case of academic misconduct or malpractice upheld against them has the right to appeal if they believe the policy or procedure has not been followed properly or has been applied to their detriment.
Appeals should be submitted in writing to the Operations Manager within ten business days of the outcome being communicated. The appeal will be reviewed by a senior member of staff not involved in the original investigation. A written outcome will normally be provided within fifteen business days.
Learners may also use the appeals process set out in the Competency Demonstration, Appeals, and Academic Integrity Policy where the matter relates to a demonstration decision.
10. Roles and Responsibilities
- Learners: Submit authentic evidence that represents their own work and professional capability, and report any concerns about academic misconduct or malpractice.
- Academic Quality Lead: Leads or oversees investigations involving academic judgment, ensures consistency in the application of integrity standards, and supports the academic aspects of any appeal.
- Operations Manager: Oversees the operational handling of reports and investigations, ensures timely and procedurally fair processes, and confirms final administrative decisions where required.
- All staff and associates: Follow this policy, report suspected academic misconduct or malpractice promptly, and maintain confidentiality.
11. Records
Records of all academic misconduct and malpractice cases and their outcomes are maintained by APS for a minimum of five years and are subject to regular monitoring and review. Records are retained in accordance with the Record-Keeping and Retention Policy and are handled in line with the Privacy Policy.
12. Continuous Improvement
Themes arising from academic misconduct and malpractice cases are reviewed periodically as part of APS quality assurance processes. Findings are used to strengthen guidance for learners, reviewer practice, and this policy. The Academic Quality Lead leads the academic aspects of this review.
13. Review of This Policy
This policy is reviewed at least annually by the Academic Quality Lead, with endorsement by the Operations Manager, to ensure it remains effective, practical, and aligned with APS operations and the integrity requirements of its professional credential programs.
14. Contact
Questions about this policy should be directed to:
American Professional School
Email: contact@americanprofessionalschool.org
