Fabricating Information

Fabrication involves students falsifying information that is used as evidence to support a claim. This is fraudulent behaviour and is serious academic misconduct.

Elise works in the Academic Support Office. She is calling the medical clinic to request verification that a student’s medical certificate is genuine.

  • How can I detect fabrication?

    The following are some of the issues that caused staff to question the validity of a medical certificate:

    • Incorrect spelling and poor grammar
    • The student is referred by two or more names
    • The medical clinic is not in Australia or is online
    • The date is not clear
    • The official stamp is missing
    • The clinic appears to not have a phone number
    • The medical professional’s registration number is missing
    • The font of the typing is inconsistent
    • The use of correction tape or white-out pens
  • What steps should I take?
    1. Do not attempt to investigate the authenticity of the documentation provided and do not accuse the student of engaging in misconduct.
    2. If you are a Tutor, advise the Senior Tutor or Subject Coordinator of your suspicions about the authenticity of the supplied documentation
    3. Collect evidence of the suspected misconduct. This should include copies of:
    • The supplied medical certificate; and
    • The student’s request for an extension.
    1. The Senior Tutor or Subject Coordinator should contact the ABP Academic Support Office, with evidence, for advice on next steps. Please refer to this page for details and links.