r/UofT • u/SpeedNo8664 • 1d ago
Question Got an academic integrity investigation for an online proctored exam
Their concerns and my side
- My eyes and head moved around at 3 timepoints.
- I took something out of my back pocket 30 seconds in the exam, and they saw a reflection in my glasses.
- The phone I used at check-in was different from the one I used at end for scanning the my answer sheet to submit.
But, I will agree that I had a second phone in my room, but I did not use it and my calculator was in my pocket and that is what I pulled out. I think it is highly bs too, but here is my story that day and going to tell when i meet them:
FYI: My personal laptop had water damage and it was with the repair shop, and I was using my coporate laptop. I have the reschedule receipts, the repair shop call, and the money transfer as proof, and call timeline with my mom.
My exam was at 9:00am, but I rescheduled to 4:50pm cuz when i tried logging into the exam with my coporate laptop (encrypted) it would give me an error so i quickly changed the exam time to 2:40pm. I called my repair shop if I could pick up the mac asap (they open at 11am so i had to wait), and I had to prepare $300. Already stressed about money too because its a lot of money to me. I called my parents who were in korea, and due to the time difference there was some delay in contact. After finding this out they were also highly freaked and my stress and panicking was through the roof. I used my korean phone for all the calling and texting with my parents and have evidence of the record and timelines too. I also had to use my korean phone for online banking and I was out of my room for an hour and a half like going to the bank and going to the repair shop and coming back. I also have proof that I was in contact with the repair shop.
My room was very messy because I was flying to korea the day after my exam, and it shows my luggages were outside when I was doing my exam. And I have 2 big monitors on my desk and all the set up, and u can also see my 2 pcs under my desk. I had my gpu, ssd, airpods, my candian phone, small electronics on the luggage, and covered with my pajamas. And, Im pretty dirty too. So I had to make sure my desk was fully cleaned and there was nothing on it, and I had my calculator in my pocket to make sure I wouldnt lose it while cleaning my room. I have my passport all the time in my bag and papers, so I just pulled those out and forgot my calculator existed, while doing the room tour and checkin. Also for the checkin in the resources section it just wrote Note taking sheet allowed, and didnt mention my calculator, so it was really out of my brain. Also didnt really read through that cuz I just wanted to get over with the exam too. Also 10 minutes before the exam I was on call with my mother on my korean phone because I was really highly panicked because if proctoru gives me an another error then Im really screwed, and I was just really tired that I went through all this. I hope that shows why I had my korean phone with me not my candian phone to the investigator.
It makes sense to them i cheated cuz they would think I had a second phone in my pocket and sneaked it out, [Approximately 30 seconds into the exam, you were observed reaching toward your back right pocket and slowly placing what appeared to be a second device onto your desk between 00:06:23 and 00:06:30.]
And there is also a vague reflection on my glasses.
I didnt show my second phone because I was like Im not even gonna like use it at all for checkins and email verfication for the exam. So I just covered it so they wouldnt see it. I placed my korean phone on top of the pajama to the proctor went back to my seat.
Also, the reflection shape does look like a phone, but it should shine or smthg not be just black.
If I used my phone I would be also like typing or taking pics, but the only suspicious movement were when I was moving my head a lot when I was solving the written questions, and that was the only time.
If they really trust me it was my calculator I would be happy with that. I took it out when the exam started and when I started looking at the questions, and I was "Im screwed my calculator", and that is why I pulled it out.
Punishment of not showing my second phone, I have not much things to say other than I was careless, but just thought I didnt need to show, and only pulled it out when I finished the exam and to take pictures to submit them.
It is very hard to articulate how stressed, panicked, and numb my body was in that situtation, but I really did not have a stable mentality to think things through. I know I should have been more prepared as a student taking an highly important exam, but all the bad omen happened to me in a single day, and I really tried my best to fight it through. Also, as an international student being alone in this country with no ties or support is very stressfully when in need of money and really just asking help.
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u/mat237237237 1d ago
1200 dollar repair? That's robbery.
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u/-Terriermon- 23h ago
Yeah what the hell could they have possibly done that was worth $1200 ??? 😭
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u/AcademicBowl5596 20h ago
Bought a new laptop, scuffed it up, transferred his data, and told him they repaired it.
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u/MyzMyz1995 19h ago
If OP had a ''gaming'' laptop or a higher end laptop generally they replace the whole assembly instead of repairing. So the CPU + GPU + RAM + SSD all bundled together add up fast.
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u/mat237237237 18h ago
That's true, MacBook logic boards also get sold as one piece since everything is soldered on. It's just insane that the repair costs more than regular student laptops
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u/Imaginary_Section24 1d ago
Invigilator here :
this seems like a case where they’re filing it first and then backtracking to see whether there is any substantial issues. The mandate professors TAs and invigilators have is to write up a report even if we aren’t 100% sure. Were told they’d rather us file false reports rather than missing events where students were cheating.
I’d say the issue is the phone more than the calculator. Calculator is okay but having two phones and then pulling out a different one is suspicious and can cause issues. Meet with your professor and the department and talk it through with them.
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u/SpeedNo8664 18h ago
I think it is there 3rd round of investigating it. It says Summer ASO DFAI -> DFAI 3rd Round -> My student id.
I will agree that I had a second phone in my room, but I did not use it and my calculator was in my pocket and that is what I pulled out. I think it is highly bs, but really I did not sleep that day. My exam was at 4:50pm, but I switched to 9am cuz when i tried logging in the exam with my coporate laptop it would give me an error so i quickly changed the exam time to 2:40pm. I called my repair shop if I could pick up the mac asap (they open at 11am so i had to wait), and I had to prepare $900. Already stressed about money too because its a lot of money to me. I called my parents who were in korea, and due to the time difference there was some delay in contact. After finding this out they were also highly freaked and my stress and panicking was through the roof. I used my korean phone for all the calling and texting with my parents and have evidence of the record and timelines too. I also had to use my korean phone for online banking and I was out of my room for 1 and a half hours like going to the bank and going to the repair shop and coming back. I also have proof that I was in contact with the repair shop.
My room was very messy because I was flying to korea the day after my exam, and it shows my luggages were outside when I was doing my exam. And I have 2 big monitors on my desk and all the set up. And, Im pretty dirty too. So I had to make sure my desk was fully cleaned and there was nothing on it, and I had my calculator in my pocket to make sure I wouldnt lose it while cleaning my room. I have my passport all the time in my bag and papers so I just pulled those out and forgot my calculator existed, while doing the room tour and checkin. Also for the checkin in the resources section it just wrote Note taking sheet allowed, and didnt mention my calculator, so it was really out of my brain. Also didnt really read through cuz I just wanted to get over with the exam too.
It is very hard to articulate how stressed, panicked, and numb my body was in that situtation, but I really did not have a stable mentality to think things through. I know I should have been more prepared as a student taking an highly important exam, but all the bad omen happened to me in a single day, and I really tried my best to fight it through. Also, as an international student with no ties or support here it is very stressfully when in need of money, really just asking help, and yeah...
As the current invigilator what would the outcome of my case be?
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u/bluejaykanata 1d ago
I used to be on the other side of this situation, investigating possible cheating by UofT students. I have not done this over the last 6 years or so. But if I heard this explanation, I would immediately label it as “most likely BS”. Sorry, I’m being honest.
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u/willow__whisps 21h ago
I guess they took however long to type it up but if I heard this same explanation on a phone call or something I'd believe it cause it's too specific
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u/plathafteramigraine 15h ago
I have also proctored many exams and am a professor. I would 100% be satisfied with this explanation. In unis where i’ve worked, reasonable explanations like this one are generally accepted.
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u/SpeedNo8664 18h ago
Thank you for your response! I have cut out much detail in this post.
But, I will agree that I had a second phone in my room, but I did not use it and my calculator was in my pocket and that is what I pulled out. I think it is highly bs too, but really I did not sleep that day, and had a lot on my belt.
My exam was at 4:50pm, but I switched to 9am cuz when i tried logging into the exam with my coporate laptop it would give me an error so i quickly changed the exam time to 2:40pm. I called my repair shop if I could pick up the mac asap (they open at 11am so i had to wait), and I had to prepare $900. Already stressed about money too because its a lot of money to me. I called my parents who were in korea, and due to the time difference there was some delay in contact. After finding this out they were also highly freaked and my stress and panicking was through the roof. I used my korean phone for all the calling and texting with my parents and have evidence of the record and timelines too. I also had to use my korean phone for online banking and I was out of my room for an hour and a half like going to the bank and going to the repair shop and coming back. I also have proof that I was in contact with the repair shop.
My room was very messy because I was flying to korea the day after my exam, and it shows my luggages were outside when I was doing my exam. And I have 2 big monitors on my desk and all the set up, and u can also see my 2 pcs under my desk. And, Im pretty dirty too. So I had to make sure my desk was fully cleaned and there was nothing on it, and I had my calculator in my pocket to make sure I wouldnt lose it while cleaning my room. I have my passport all the time in my bag and papers, so I just pulled those out and forgot my calculator existed, while doing the room tour and checkin. Also for the checkin in the resources section it just wrote Note taking sheet allowed, and didnt mention my calculator, so it was really out of my brain. Also didnt really read through that cuz I just wanted to get over with the exam too. Also 10 minutes before the exam I was on call with my mother on my korean phone because I was really highly panicked because it proctoru gives me an another error then Im really screwed, and I was just really tired I went through all this. I hope that shows why I had my korean phone with me not my candian phone to the investigator.
It is very hard to articulate how stressed, panicked, and numb my body was in that situtation, but I really did not have a stable mentality to think things through. I know I should have been more prepared as a student taking an highly important exam, but all the bad omen happened to me in a single day, and I really tried my best to fight it through. Also, as an international student being alone in this country with no ties or support is very stressfully when in need of money and really just asking help.
With more detail would you believe my situatation? I really wont deny having a second phone in my room, but as someone who lived in canada for just 2 years for uni, I really do need 2 phones in my life. And I was really stupid to not show my 2nd phone to the proctor.
It makes sense to them i cheated cuz they would think I had a phone in my pocket and sneaked it out, [Approximately 30 seconds into the exam, you were observed reaching toward your back right pocket and slowly placing what appeared to be a second device onto your desk between 00:06:23 and 00:06:30.]
And there is also a vague reflection on my glasses.Also, I had a different phone I havent shown. I would believe that this person cheated too, but really that day the world was against me. Also, the reflection does look like a phone, but it should shine or smthg not be just black.
If I used my phone I would be also like typing or taking pics, but the only suspicious movement were when I was moving my head a lot when I was solving the written questions, and that was the only time!
If they really trust me it was my calculator I would be happy with that. I took it out when the exam started and when I started looking at the questions, and I was "Im screwed my calculator", and that is why I pulled it out.
Punishment of not showing my second phone, I have not much things to say other than I was careless.
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u/Not_A_TechBro 10h ago
Yup...OP is definitely lying. Just reposting the same post above here over and over again.
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u/SpeedNo8664 10h ago
sorry my main post was very vague so I fixed it again and that is why I commented it. Also Im nottt
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u/Prestigious_Fly8210 21h ago
Yeah your story is unfortunately not credible. You absolutely needed to disclose the phones and calculator at the time. The phones should have been in a different room. You played yourself by even having them there.
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u/HopliteOracle 1d ago
I recommend contacting legal help. This is free and is covered by your student fees. Explain your issue and your side only to them.
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u/15SwOrDFiSh Criminology, Sociology & Philosophy 1d ago
Let them investigate. Don’t say further. If what you have provided is full and accurate there shouldn’t be any issues. But if you pull out a phone when not allowed, then I’ll be looking forward to reading your AIO case.
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u/ventyl22 15h ago
“but as someone who lived in canada for just 2 years for uni, I really do need 2 phones in my life.” True. I lived 15 years in Canada and have 15 phones.
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u/Small_Aardvark_5496 4h ago
I’ve been here about 60 years and I use a large rolling suitcase to carry all my phones. It’s hell when one rings…and try to connect that many to CarPlay OMG!
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u/SpeedNo8664 14h ago
No I was trying to say that I lived my whole life in another country. So my korean phone has all the data and contacts. Like I use it to call my parents using a south korean app and i get allowances from them using the korean banking app.
I bought my second phone here in canada.
Thats why I have 2 phones.U might ask why cant u just have everything on one phone. I have numbers active and also its really messy and I just wanted to organize it.
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u/ventyl22 10h ago
IDK, for me it sounds very strange. Probably just a different culture. You called your mom 10 minutes before exam - what is the time difference between Eastern timezone and Korea, 12 hours? It was like 3AM there? My kids are students, cannot imagine they would call me about their exams…
Anyway, good luck with your situation
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u/TeaHot146 5h ago
I think you need to understand the intense focus on university and exams in Korea, and also the amount of money and hope riding on sending kids abroad to do schooling in Canada. These families are paying immense international fees and housing costs to ensure their kids can thrive in a very competitive society. So it rings pretty true to me.
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u/SardinesMcDonahugh 23h ago
If they're gonna be like this they should just make you do the exam in person.
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u/HydroPCanadaDude 23h ago
Did you AI your reddit post? Lmfao, you were ChatGPTing your exam, weren't you?
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u/Ginerbreadman 12h ago
It sounds like bullshit. Not saying that it is but it sounds like it, I wouldn’t believe you.
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u/SpeedNo8664 12h ago
Thank you for your response! I have cut out much detail in this post. Would you still say its bs if I explain in more detail?:
But, I will agree that I had a second phone in my room, but I did not use it and my calculator was in my pocket and that is what I pulled out. I think it is highly bs too, but really I did not sleep that day, and had a lot on my belt.
My exam was at 4:50pm, but I switched to 9am cuz when i tried logging into the exam with my coporate laptop it would give me an error so i quickly changed the exam time to 2:40pm. I called my repair shop if I could pick up the mac asap (they open at 11am so i had to wait), and I had to prepare $900. Already stressed about money too because its a lot of money to me. I called my parents who were in korea, and due to the time difference there was some delay in contact. After finding this out they were also highly freaked and my stress and panicking was through the roof. I used my korean phone for all the calling and texting with my parents and have evidence of the record and timelines too. I also had to use my korean phone for online banking and I was out of my room for an hour and a half like going to the bank and going to the repair shop and coming back. I also have proof that I was in contact with the repair shop.
My room was very messy because I was flying to korea the day after my exam, and it shows my luggages were outside when I was doing my exam. And I have 2 big monitors on my desk and all the set up, and u can also see my 2 pcs under my desk. And, Im pretty dirty too. So I had to make sure my desk was fully cleaned and there was nothing on it, and I had my calculator in my pocket to make sure I wouldnt lose it while cleaning my room. I have my passport all the time in my bag and papers, so I just pulled those out and forgot my calculator existed, while doing the room tour and checkin. Also for the checkin in the resources section it just wrote Note taking sheet allowed, and didnt mention my calculator, so it was really out of my brain. Also didnt really read through that cuz I just wanted to get over with the exam too. Also 10 minutes before the exam I was on call with my mother on my korean phone because I was really highly panicked because it proctoru gives me an another error then Im really screwed, and I was just really tired I went through all this. I hope that shows why I had my korean phone with me not my candian phone to the investigator.
It is very hard to articulate how stressed, panicked, and numb my body was in that situtation, but I really did not have a stable mentality to think things through. I know I should have been more prepared as a student taking an highly important exam, but all the bad omen happened to me in a single day, and I really tried my best to fight it through. Also, as an international student being alone in this country with no ties or support is very stressfully when in need of money and really just asking help.
With more detail would you believe my situatation? I really wont deny having a second phone in my room, but as someone who lived in canada for just 2 years for uni, I really do need 2 phones in my life. And I was really stupid to not show my 2nd phone to the proctor.
It makes sense to them i cheated cuz they would think I had a phone in my pocket and sneaked it out, [Approximately 30 seconds into the exam, you were observed reaching toward your back right pocket and slowly placing what appeared to be a second device onto your desk between 00:06:23 and 00:06:30.]
And there is also a vague reflection on my glasses.Also, I had a different phone I havent shown. I would believe that this person cheated too, but really that day the world was against me. Also, the reflection does look like a phone, but it should shine or smthg not be just black.
If I used my phone I would be also like typing or taking pics, but the only suspicious movement were when I was moving my head a lot when I was solving the written questions, and that was the only time!
If they really trust me it was my calculator I would be happy with that. I took it out when the exam started and when I started looking at the questions, and I was "Im screwed my calculator", and that is why I pulled it out.
Punishment of not showing my second phone, I have not much things to say other than I was careless.
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u/Highfours 1d ago
What was the basis of the investigation? What are you being accused of?
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u/SpeedNo8664 1d ago
A notice of investigation for a possible departure from academic integrity. and unauthorized items so using my phone during the exam.
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u/welcomehomesays 21h ago
Tell them you did not cheat and stand by it.
They will prove you cheated if they are able.
You should not have to prove your innocence.
Provide them with the evidence they ask for, if it is within reasonable limits.
If you are unhappy with their decision, file a formal dispute with their supervisor and escalalte appropriately if necessary.
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u/CartoonistElegant683 17h ago
the funniest part about this entire ordeal is that this reddit post is AI generated 😭😭😭
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u/CanadaCalamity 23h ago
What a Kafkaesque nightmare.
Then again, that's what U of T is best at. Imposing Kafkaesque nightmares on their student populace.
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u/Johnny-Canuck-371 12h ago
It doesn’t sound believable.
I’m not saying that I don’t believe you. But it doesn’t add up objectively.
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u/SpeedNo8664 12h ago
Thank you for your response! I have cut out much detail in this post.
Would you still stay bs if I explain my situation more?:
But, I will agree that I had a second phone in my room, but I did not use it and my calculator was in my pocket and that is what I pulled out. I think it is highly bs too, but really I did not sleep that day, and had a lot on my belt.
My exam was at 4:50pm, but I switched to 9am cuz when i tried logging into the exam with my coporate laptop it would give me an error so i quickly changed the exam time to 2:40pm. I called my repair shop if I could pick up the mac asap (they open at 11am so i had to wait), and I had to prepare $900. Already stressed about money too because its a lot of money to me. I called my parents who were in korea, and due to the time difference there was some delay in contact. After finding this out they were also highly freaked and my stress and panicking was through the roof. I used my korean phone for all the calling and texting with my parents and have evidence of the record and timelines too. I also had to use my korean phone for online banking and I was out of my room for an hour and a half like going to the bank and going to the repair shop and coming back. I also have proof that I was in contact with the repair shop.
My room was very messy because I was flying to korea the day after my exam, and it shows my luggages were outside when I was doing my exam. And I have 2 big monitors on my desk and all the set up, and u can also see my 2 pcs under my desk. And, Im pretty dirty too. So I had to make sure my desk was fully cleaned and there was nothing on it, and I had my calculator in my pocket to make sure I wouldnt lose it while cleaning my room. I have my passport all the time in my bag and papers, so I just pulled those out and forgot my calculator existed, while doing the room tour and checkin. Also for the checkin in the resources section it just wrote Note taking sheet allowed, and didnt mention my calculator, so it was really out of my brain. Also didnt really read through that cuz I just wanted to get over with the exam too. Also 10 minutes before the exam I was on call with my mother on my korean phone because I was really highly panicked because it proctoru gives me an another error then Im really screwed, and I was just really tired I went through all this. I hope that shows why I had my korean phone with me not my candian phone to the investigator.
It is very hard to articulate how stressed, panicked, and numb my body was in that situtation, but I really did not have a stable mentality to think things through. I know I should have been more prepared as a student taking an highly important exam, but all the bad omen happened to me in a single day, and I really tried my best to fight it through. Also, as an international student being alone in this country with no ties or support is very stressfully when in need of money and really just asking help.
With more detail would you believe my situatation? I really wont deny having a second phone in my room, but as someone who lived in canada for just 2 years for uni, I really do need 2 phones in my life. And I was really stupid to not show my 2nd phone to the proctor.
It makes sense to them i cheated cuz they would think I had a phone in my pocket and sneaked it out, [Approximately 30 seconds into the exam, you were observed reaching toward your back right pocket and slowly placing what appeared to be a second device onto your desk between 00:06:23 and 00:06:30.]
And there is also a vague reflection on my glasses.Also, I had a different phone I havent shown. I would believe that this person cheated too, but really that day the world was against me. Also, the reflection does look like a phone, but it should shine or smthg not be just black.
If I used my phone I would be also like typing or taking pics, but the only suspicious movement were when I was moving my head a lot when I was solving the written questions, and that was the only time!
If they really trust me it was my calculator I would be happy with that. I took it out when the exam started and when I started looking at the questions, and I was "Im screwed my calculator", and that is why I pulled it out.
Punishment of not showing my second phone, I have not much things to say other than I was careless.
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u/Johnny-Canuck-371 9h ago
I read your details in other responses.
I’d still say this seems very suspicious.
I’m not saying I don’t believe you. I’m saying it’s a tough case for you to make.
Hopefully you get an adjudicator that’s feeling generous
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u/AnalysisWaste5670 8h ago
Chill out. It’ll go fine. Honestly we document stuff like this so there is a record and if someone keeps having odd occurrences that is enough evidence to pay it into cheating. Just be very careful for the next year or two not have a second odd occurrence.
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u/SpeedNo8664 8h ago
But I could fail the course if they still suspect I cheated after the meeting😭
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u/AnalysisWaste5670 8h ago
This alone is only enough for a warning. You’ll be fine as long as you don’t have a record of suspicious behavior.
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u/SpeedNo8664 8h ago
Like with my response they would just give me a warning? Because they complied all the evidence and sent it to me and I need to meet with intrsuctor/DFAI about this.
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u/AnalysisWaste5670 8h ago
If they don’t compile it and file it there is no record of it. There isn’t clear evidence of cheating and if this is the first suspicious event you’ll be fine. They may assign an online training on academic integrity. They can require you to redo the midterm/exam and they will scrutinize your next couple exams in detail for cheating so you need to be squeaky clean.
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u/SpeedNo8664 8h ago
Do you think in my case it is clear evidence of cheating? It is my first suspicious event like getting an notice of academic integrity investigation.
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u/Key_Confusion_576 8h ago
I once took an exam in person and the proctor kept flagging me because i would zone out while thinking. kept accusing me of looking at other students tests.
I began looking down instead, he then came up to make sure I wasn't looking at something under the desk.
point is these farts just trip on the tiny power they have and will jump at the slightest thing to exercise it, don't trip about it too much.
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u/ExcellentMud3007 3h ago
bro posting this here, is not the smartest idea to be honest! if you have any question or help i am happy to support.
regards,
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u/plathafteramigraine 15h ago
I’m really sorry this happened to you OP. It sounds like it was very stressful. I’m in a leadership position at another Ontario uni and this would all be accepted as reasonable. Please email and talk to your professor, unless you’ve been instructed that you cannot, have a discussion. I’m sorry this exam caused so much anxiety.
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u/ThunderHenry 1d ago
Sounds like they have bogus charges and if they do try and push it further just fight it hard as you can and stick to your story you will most likely be fine
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u/Embarrassed-Milk95 20h ago
Im not to sure for UofT, but if this is your first offense (if you are found to violate university policy). I believe in ontario for first time offense it is 1 letter grade down on overall course grade and a zero on the assessment with a hidden report on your university file (this is not a mark on your transcript and will not be seen) - this is simply a mark on your student record to indicate that you have had an academic violation and future offenses will be treated harsher (at the University I attended and TA'd at this usually stays on your record for 5 years or until you graduate. Once you graudate all records are cleared.
If worst comes to worst it is still not that bad, You can definitely still finish with a strong grade. I hope the situation works out for the best.
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u/ArtPerToken 1d ago
The real investigation that needs to be done is one into the store that charged you $1200 for repairing a computer