Meeting with the Head of School
How long do I have to arrange a meeting with the Head of School?
If you wish to meet with the Head of School (either in person or by telephone) you should contact the School office as soon as possible (the contact details are provided on your allegation letter).
You need to contact the School within 10 working days of receiving the allegation letter.
If you don't make contact with the Head of School within 10 working days the Head of School can make a decision (called a determination) about the matter.
Can I take someone with me to the meeting? What is their role?
You can have a support person with you at the meeting. This can be anyone except a lawyer.
A support person may assist you but is not there to represent you. A support person may or may not be allowed to talk to the Head of School (it is up to the Head of School).
A support person is useful because they can provide you with moral support and can remind you if you forget to mention something.
A support person can take notes for you in the meeting if you want them to, so you can concentrate on what is being said.
The Student Advocates at the Tasmania University Union are available to assist you free of charge. See - the Student Advocates page for contact details.
What happens in the meeting?
- The Head of School will explain the allegation made against you.
- The Head of School will ask you about the allegation and will give you the opportunity to explain what happened.
- This is the time when you should present any documents you may have for the Head of School to consider (eg. medical certificates).
- Remember that presenting yourself honestly is important and the Head of School will take this into account when making a decision.
- It can help if you can show evidence of your work/research/ drafts to the Head of School if you are accused of plagiarism.
- The Head of School may also have a person in the meeting to help them with the interview or to take notes.
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