The University of Girona explicitly prohibits from today the use, attempted use, and mere possession of electronic devices that may facilitate external assistance during exams and other evaluation tests. The change affects the degree and master's regulations and is already in effect after its approval in the Governing Council.
The university has taken this step after opening the first disciplinary proceedings against students who allegedly resorted to technological systems in assessable tests. The modification toughens the disciplinary framework at a time when the UdG had already detected cases, so that the new wording not only foresees consummated fraud but also the mere possession of tools capable of connecting with external agents.
The UdG punishes any fraud detected in exams, TFG or TFM with a zero
The new wording of article 21 of the Regulations governing the evaluation and grading processes for degree and master's studies considers fraud the use, attempted use, or possession of any system, device, or technology that allows or may allow students to contact external agents or receive unauthorized assistance.
The same modification also includes as fraud any form of copying of the exercises required in the evaluation of a subject. The academic consequence will be automatic when the university detects such conduct in an evaluation test, a final degree project, or a final master's project.
In those cases, the UdG will impose the failure of the test with a grade of zero. This academic penalty does not close the disciplinary route.
In addition to the zero, the university may open a procedure under the University Coexistence Law. This file may end in sanctions ranging from failing the subject to the temporary expulsion of the student.
The university is preparing radio frequency detectors for all its centers
The UdG is now working on common regulations to detect academic fraud using radio frequency devices. It also plans to acquire these detectors for all its centers.
With this change, the university wants to reinforce equal opportunities among students, protect the credibility of the evaluation system, and curb new forms of copying associated with digital technologies.
The modification that has come into effect today was approved by the Consell de Govern and comes after the university had already opened the first files for the alleged use of technological systems in evaluation tests.