A ZZ grade signifies a specific academic status where an assessment's outcome is currently suspended pending an academic misconduct investigation.
Understanding the ZZ Grade in Academic Contexts
The ZZ grade is a temporary designation used in educational institutions to indicate that a student's grade for a particular assessment or module is on hold. This suspension is not related to the quality of the academic work itself in the traditional sense, but rather stems from an ongoing inquiry into potential breaches of academic integrity.
When a ZZ Grade is Assigned
A ZZ grade is exclusively assigned when there is a suspicion or allegation of academic misconduct related to an assessment. This means that:
- The student's submission is under scrutiny.
- An official investigation into the alleged misconduct has been initiated.
Common examples of academic misconduct that could lead to a ZZ grade include:
- Plagiarism: Presenting someone else's work or ideas as one's own without proper attribution.
- Cheating: Using unauthorized materials or assistance during an examination or assessment.
- Collusion: Unauthorized collaboration with others on individual assignments.
- Fabrication: Inventing or falsifying data, research, or information.
Implications for Students with a ZZ Grade
For a student, receiving a ZZ grade means that the final mark for the assessment is undetermined. While the investigation is ongoing:
- The assessment cannot contribute to the student's overall module or course grade.
- The student's progression to the next stage of their studies or graduation may be temporarily halted or made conditional.
- The student will typically be informed of the investigation and the process involved, including opportunities to respond to allegations.
The Academic Misconduct Investigation Process
Once a ZZ grade is assigned, it initiates a formal process. This process typically involves:
- Notification: The student is officially informed of the allegations and the grade suspension.
- Investigation: Evidence is gathered and reviewed by the relevant academic department or a dedicated panel.
- Hearing (if applicable): The student may be invited to a meeting or hearing to present their case.
- Outcome: Following the investigation, a decision is made. Potential outcomes can vary depending on the institution's policies and the findings of the investigation, ranging from no misconduct found (resulting in the ZZ grade being replaced by the earned mark) to penalties such as:
- A reduced mark for the assessment.
- A failing grade for the module.
- Suspension or expulsion from the institution in severe cases.
The ZZ grade remains in place until the misconduct investigation is concluded and a final decision is rendered, at which point it will be replaced by an appropriate numeric or letter grade, or another specified outcome.
