I am a final-year nursing student at Australian Catholic University, and like many others in my program, I am feeling overwhelmed and defeated by the university's handling of academic misconduct allegations. I recently spent 15 arduous days completing an important assessment, only to be slapped with an accusation of academic misconduct. Astonishingly, three out of five students in my cohort received similar accusations for the same assignment. This pattern begs the question: is the university's approach to identifying misconduct truly fair and just?

Nursing students at ACU are already burdened with intense pressures. We are juggling hospital placements, assignments, and the exhausting process of securing graduate positions. The added stress of unwarranted and seemingly arbitrary misconduct allegations is not only unfair but also jeopardizes our future careers. It is both disheartening and demoralizing to see our hard work and dedication overlooked due to automated systems and unclear methodologies.

The use of artificial intelligence to determine academic misconduct should serve as a tool to uphold integrity, not as a blunt instrument that instills fear and unjust consequences. Many of us have complied with all the guidelines, referencing requirements, and ethical academic practices. Yet, it seems that the current AI system or the criteria being applied are flawed, causing undue harm to the students who have adhered to their academic responsibilities.

We demand an immediate review of ACU's current practices in identifying academic misconduct. This review should involve transparent dialogue with students and experts in fair assessment practices and AI ethics. Our plea is for a system that prioritizes fairness, accuracy, and student welfare, ensuring that future nurses graduate knowing they have been treated justly and without prejudice.

I urge ACU to re-evaluate its processes and show support for its students by suspending erroneous misconduct penalties until a thorough investigation is conducted. Let us build a supportive academic environment that respects the tremendous efforts nursing students put into their education.

Please sign this petition to demand change and ensure that current and future nursing students can complete their education with integrity and fairness.