Student Disciplinary Procedure

Purpose

To promote good personal conduct in all students, in order to secure the proper working of the University in the broadest sense.

Grounds

The procedure will apply to any student who is alleged to have breached the University’s code of conduct by one of the following.

  • Disruption of, or improper interference with, the academic, administrative, sporting, social or other activities of the University, including offensive behaviour, whether on University premises or elsewhere. (See also the separate procedure for Dealing with Disruptive Behaviour).
  • Obstruction of, or improper interference with, the functions, duties or activities of any student, member of staff or other employee of the University or any authorised visitor to the University.
  • Behaviour which brings the University into disrepute.
  • Intentional or reckless damage to, or defacement of, University property or the property of members of the University community.
  • Misuse or unauthorised use of University premises, facilities or items of property.
  • Failure to disclose name and other relevant details to an officer or employee of the University in circumstances when it is reasonable to require that such information be given.
  • Failure to comply with a previously-imposed penalty under these procedures.
  • Acts of dishonesty, including theft, fraud, deceit, or deception in relation to the University, its staff or students.
  • Action likely to cause injury or impair safety on University premises.
  • Harassment of any student, member of staff, or any authorised visitor to the University, whether sexual, racial or bullying.
  • Violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening or offensive behaviour or language whilst on University premises or engaged in any University activity.
  • Breach of the provisions of the University's Code of Practice for Freedom of Speech.
  • Conduct which constitutes a criminal offence where that conduct takes place on University premises, or affects or concerns other members of the University community, or damages the good name of the University.

Process

Reports of infringement of the University’s code of conduct should be submitted, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority, eg the head of school, the warden of a hall of residence, the director of the service.

Often, the disciplinary matter will be dealt with by the local manager:

  • the head of school
  • the warden or Director of Accommodation
  • the Director of Information Services and Systems

Student Progress deals with allegations of misconduct which arise from other areas of the University and serious disciplinary offences are always referred to Student Progress.If you are accused of an offence you will normally be interviewed - you can be accompanied to the interview. You will normally be asked to make a written statement. It is only after this that decisions are taken.

Failure to attend a disciplinary interview or provide a statement / response to alleged misconduct when requested to do so by the relevant person of authority, may result in the disablement of the student’s smartcard by Student Progress Service or in consultation with Student Progress Service by another service.  The student shall be notified in writing that they must engage within 7 days or they shall be suspended from their degree programme until they do engage.