During an investigation for dishonest academic practices, former student Abigail Idris from the University of Stirling is found guilty of plagiarising her dissertation.
Idris was studying a master’s degree in social work studies in June 2024. But due to complicated personal circumstances, the former student submitted work that wasn’t her own.
Breaching the Codes of Practice as a social work student is “dishonest” according to the official investigation report from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
The plagiarising incident was during her time as a student. The University of Stirling class this dishonest behaviour as academic misconduct.
Officially, the report claims: “The SSSC has considered that there is no evidence that your dishonesty has caused harm to members of the public or to people who use services.”
After corresponding with the SSSC, the student has decided not to take the case to a hearing. This allows the SSSC to evaluate the case and circumstances themselves.
Consequently, the student is let off with a 24 month warning after showing remorse toward. the “isolated incident”.
Idris is currently continuing to work in Stirling with a warning placed on her registration.
The Council made decisions based on:
- Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001.
- Scottish Social Services Council (Fitness to Practise) Rules 2016 (and Rules Amendments from 2017 and 2021).
- Decisions Guidance for Fitness to Practise Panels and Scottish Social Service Council staff.
Defining Academic Misconduct
This incident relays the importance of ensuring that students are knowledgeable about academic integrity. Dishonest actions classed as academic misconduct may impact your future career.
Find out more about the University of Stirling’s academic misconduct policies.