Guidance to Exploratory Interviews
Why have I been asked to attend this meeting?
During the marking process, the School has identified a need to discuss your researching and writing processes, in order to establish your understanding of work that you have submitted. Before the work can be marked, it is important that the issues of concern are discussed. The meeting may take place in person, or online.
Who will be there?
Although arrangements will vary between Schools, there will be a small panel. This may be any of the following: the Course Convener and/or Programme Director, an academic who has reviewed the work, a dissertation/project Supervisor (in an advisory capacity), and a note-taker.
What do I need for the meeting?
You should make sure you are familiar with the work that is to be discussed and that you have your own copy of your submission available, as this will help you answer specific questions.
If the meeting is online, ensure that you have a working camera and microphone in advance. If you are meeting in person, the School may advise of any specific requirements.
Can I bring someone with me?
If you have an arrangement with Disability Services, you can bring someone along with you and you should let the School know in advance. Where it is considered to be necessary, you may be accompanied by a supporter but please understand that the supporter cannot assist you with your answers. Usually, we would expect you to be unaccompanied.
If you are a non-native English speaker, it should not be necessary for you to bring someone to help translate the questions, as you will have met the University’s English language requirements on admission. The interviewers will take care in the way that they ask questions.
What if I can’t attend the meeting?
If the meeting is held online, it does not matter if you are not in Glasgow at the time. However, if you cannot attend on the scheduled date for good reason, it may be able to reschedule the meeting. Please ask the School to do this as soon as you are advised of the meeting.
A service indicator on MyCampus will be applied, which means that your grade cannot be released until the matter has been dealt with. It is really important that you do participate.
What will happen at the meeting?
When you join the meeting, you will be introduced to the other participants who will normally all be from your School or academic subject. You will be advised of the topics that the meeting is likely to cover, such as your methodology, sources, topic, and writing process. These will vary, depending on the specific issues of concern to be covered. You should feel free to ask for clarification on any of the questions.
What happens next?
After you have had the opportunity to answer questions on your work, the panel will discuss whether the issues of concern have been addressed. They may be able to tell you their decision on the day, but if this is not possible, then you will be advised of when you will know the outcome.
You might also be asked to provide additional information after the meeting before the decision is made.
The decision will be confirmed to your student email account. If the School remains concerned, an academic misconduct referral may be made to the Student Conduct Team.
If the School is satisfied that you have addressed the concerns, then your work will be marked as normal.
All correspondence about a student conduct referral will be sent to your University email account.
Where can I get support during this period?
This is a link to a wide range of University Support Services: https://www.gla.systa-s.com/myglasgow/students/supportservices/
The SRC Advice Centre can offer some advice about Exploratory Interviews as well as on Good Academic Practice. The service can be contacted at: advice@src.gla.systa-s.com
How can I learn from this experience and improve my academic practice?
University of Glasgow - Student Conduct - Avoiding Academic Misconduct
The University’s AI Statement and guidance. This link includes important information about appropriate use of translation tools.
Make an appointment with Student Learning Development to improve your academic practice
University of Glasgow - MyGlasgow - Student Learning Development
Self-enrol on: Generative AI for Students: Ethics & Academic Integrity | Coursera. The course is free when you use your university email details to sign in via the partner consortium.
Self-enrol on: 'Avoiding plagiarism and good academic writing' Moodle course
Plagiarism & Academic Integrity Code
University of Glasgow - Student Learning Development - Plagiarism - Using Turnitin
Review the range of self-study resources that are available to all students which are there to help you build on the skills you have.
Schools and Colleges publish course & programme handbooks, as well as useful Moodle content to help students gain confidence in their academic writing and referencing.