The following information relates to the Diversionary Process at the UBC Vancouver campus. Please click here for information about the Diversionary Process at UBC Okanagan.
The Diversionary Process is a non-disciplinary pathway available to resolve select instances of admitted academic misconduct at UBC. It involves the creation of a voluntary agreement between student and Dean’s Office to respond to the misconduct, called an “Integrity Plan.”
An Integrity Plan includes a description of the incident and agreed-upon outcomes to respond to the misconduct. Examples of outcomes that may be included in an Integrity Plan are provided in the Academic Calendar. An example Integrity Plan template can be viewed here.
A Dean’s Office may propose to resolve an admitted academic misconduct incident through the Diversionary Process and an Integrity Plan if a student has admitted to the alleged academic misconduct, has no previous record of academic misconduct at UBC, and the Dean’s Office determines this option is appropriate. Students will have an opportunity to provide a response to the proposed Integrity Plan, and can decline the Integrity Plan if they disagree or do not wish to engage in the process.
At UBC Vancouver, the Academic Integrity Hub facilitates the Diversionary Process and provides process support and information to students and Faculties. The Academic Integrity Hub does not have a decision-making or vetting role around outcomes included in the Integrity Plans or referrals to the Diversionary Process – this is the responsibility of the Dean’s delegate in each Faculty.
Below is a general overview of the Diversionary Process at UBC Vancouver. Information about the Diversionary Process is also set out in the Academic Calendar.
Diversionary Process Overview
Referral to the Academic Integrity Hub
The Dean’s Office of the Faculty determines that the admitted academic misconduct matter can be suitably resolved by the Diversionary Process, and the student is eligible (no previous record of academic misconduct and admitted to the misconduct). The Dean’s Office creates a proposed Integrity Plan and refers the matter to the Academic Integrity Hub.
Academic Calendar: Vancouver
Process Orientation Meeting with the Academic Integrity Hub
The student and Academic Integrity Hub meet for a Process Orientation. The Hub explains the Diversionary Process to the student, reviews the Integrity Plan proposed by the Faculty, and answers questions raised by the student.
Student review and consideration of the Integrity Plan
The student carefully considers the terms of the Integrity Plan and any potential impacts of agreeing to or declining the Integrity Plan. The student may also wish to connect with campus resources or personal advisors for support and guidance, and/or choose to provide a response to the proposed Integrity Plan during this time.
Fulfillment of Integrity Plan outcomes
If the student accepts the Integrity Plan, the student and Faculty take the necessary steps to complete the agreed-upon outcomes with support from the Academic Integrity Hub. For students, this includes meeting with the Academic Integrity Hub for a Reflection Meeting.
Confirmation of completion
The Academic Integrity Hub tracks completion of the outcomes of the Integrity Plans. The Hub liaises with the student, Faculty and the PACSD to confirm completion or to signal if students have not satisfied the terms of the agreement within the requirements.
Things to Remember
Participation in the Diversionary Process is voluntary
An Integrity Plan is a mutual and voluntary agreement between the student and the Faculty. Students have the right to decline a proposed Integrity Plan if they disagree or do not wish to engage in the process.
The Diversionary Process is only available for select cases
Students are eligible to be referred to the Diversionary Process if they have admitted to the misconduct, have no prior record of academic misconduct at UBC, and the Dean’s Office has chosen the Diversionary Process as the appropriate mechanism for resolution. Access to the process is not initiated by the student or the instructor.
An Integrity Plan should be considered carefully
Students should carefully consider the terms of the proposed Integrity Plan and any potential impacts on their personal circumstances. Students will be expected to follow all instructions and deadlines specified in a signed Integrity Plan.
The Academic Integrity Hub will walk students through each step of the Diversionary Process
Staff will explain the process, answer questions and concerns, and share information about UBC supports and resources. The Academic Integrity Hub does not represent or advocate for the Faculty or the student.
Resources
Understanding the process:
Diversionary Process Student FAQ
Ombuds Diversionary Process Toolkit
Finding support:
This is an educative website intended to support understanding of the topics and associated processes and does not constitute legal advice nor impose legal obligations on the University. The content of this site may be updated. The Academic Calendar is the official governing document, and where there is any inconsistency or contradiction between this educative website and the Academic Calendar provisions governing academic integrity and academic misconduct, the Academic Calendar governs.