2005:28 R

Disciplinary cases at state-run higher education institutions in 2004

Analysis of all the decisions made by the disciplinary boards at state-run higher education institutions reveals that 368 students were subject to disciplinary measures during 2004. This is an increase of 59 per cent over 2003. Of these 368 students, 281 were suspended and admonitions issued to 87. Compared to 2003 the number of suspensions has risen by 62 per cent and the number of admonitions by 50 per cent. It can also be noted in this context that the number of students suspended in 2004 has risen by 251 per cent in comparison with 2001, the first year in which a survey was compiled.
Even though the number of suspensions and admonitions has risen substantially in recent years, these figures must be seen in relation to the total number of students. In this light, it can still be seen that few students are subject to disciplinary proceedings in any form.

The most usual reason for invoking disciplinary measures against students was plagiarism (plagiarism and falsification). This occurred in 215 cases, leading to suspension in 176. In 2003 the number of students suspended on the grounds of plagiarism was 93. This means that the total suspended for plagiarism rose by 89 per cent between 2003 and 2004.

Among the remaining students subject to disciplinary measures, 346 had cheated during the assessment of their attainment and 22 had disturbed teaching or other activities. Of the students who cheated during the assessment of their attainment, 272 were suspended, and 74 admonished. Among those who disturbed teaching or other activities, 9 were suspended and admonitions issued to 13.

Students can cheat while their attainment is being assessed in a number of different ways. This can be divided, for instance, into using cribs and other forms of illicit aids, illicit collaboration and plagiarism. An additional category should also be added, which is disturbing teaching or other activities (including cases involving computers). Using these categories the cases can be divided as follows with the figures for 2003 in parentheses:

• Cribs and illicit aids. 77 (58) students were subject to disciplinary measures, 64 (46) were suspended and 13 (12) admonished.
• Illicit collaboration. Disciplinary measures were invoked against 54 (46) students, of them 32 (26) were suspended and admonitions issued to 22 (20).
• Plagiarism and falsification. 215 (112) students were subject to disciplinary measures, 176 (93) were suspended and admonitions issued to 39 (19).
• Disturbing teaching or other activities. Disciplinary measures were invoked in the case of 22 (10) students, of whom 9 (4) were suspended and 13 (6) admonished.