How do you handle situations when two students have submitted strikingly similar projects? Two of my graduate students each turned in separate projects with the format, wording, resources, and references exactly the same. Both of their projects are even missing the same component of the assignment. I understand it may vary by department and universities, but our department chair is out of town for two weeks and I’m wanting to at least meet with the students before Thanksgiving. 1. What should I consider? 2. How should I approach meeting with them? Should I meet with both of them at the same time? I would like to hear their explanation before I determine next steps re: their grades or redoing the assignment. I honestly don’t know if they worked together on this individual project or if one copied the other’s work. 3. What key points should I emphasize when we meet? These particular students are at the graduate level. 4. What would be appropriate next steps? I would really appreciate any advice or insight that you could provide me. I’m fairly new to teaching and want to try to handle this in the best way possible. Thank you!