Overview
The Oral Defense process allows students to personally
explain their flagged submissions, ensuring fairness, transparency, and human
judgment in every integrity review. Each defense provides the opportunity to
demonstrate understanding, reasoning, and authorship directly before an
instructor or Integrity Committee representative.
Who Can Request It
Every student with a flagged assignment has the right to request a 3–5-minute oral defense. This right is automatically communicated in each flag notification and pauses automated adjudication until the defense is complete.
Students may request an Oral Defense if:
• Their assignment has been flagged for potential integrity or authorship deviation.
• They wish to provide a verbal explanation supporting their authorship claim.
• They believe written evidence alone does not accurately reflect their understanding or writing process.
• They want to clarify research methods, reasoning, or original work before an instructor or Integrity Committee representative.
When It’s Required
An oral defense may also be automatically triggered under specific conditions:
• High-severity flags or multiple red indicators
• Inconclusive or missing supporting evidence
• Repeat integrity cases within the same academic year
• Instructor or Integrity Committee request for clarification
How It Works
1. Scheduling: HonestIQ’s Dispute Resolution Portal generates available 15-minute time slots.
2. Session: A designated instructor or committee member conducts the defense; students explain their reasoning, methodology, or writing process.
3. Documentation: All notes, timestamps, and optional recordings are securely stored in the case record for transparency.
Outcomes
• Authorship Verified: The flag is downgraded or cleared.
• Flag Upheld: If inconsistencies persist, the integrity status remains.
• All results are linked to the student’s case file and future appeals.
Why It Matters
The Oral Defense ensures:
• Human oversight in all integrity reviews
• Fair representation for strong writers or those without saved drafts
• Transparent, auditable processes for institutions and accreditation bodies
