Misconduct Guide

Purpose Statement

The University expects all students living in University‑owned accommodation to behave in a way that: 

• keeps themselves and others safe 

• creates a comfortable, inclusive and respectful living environment 

• protects accommodation buildings and shared facilities 

• complies with University regulations, fire safety requirements, and sector‑wide expectations such as the Universities UK (UUK) Codes and Charters 

This document is to be read in conjunction with Student Disciplinary Policy and Student Behavioural Code of Conduct and outlines how behaviour incidents in Accommodation are handled at Level One of this policy. It explains how misconduct in accommodation is considered and addressed, what students can expect if an incident occurs, and how we aim to balance education, proportionate consequences, and community responsibility. 

Our primary focus is always on: 

• making accommodation a safe and pleasant environment for all students 

• supporting students to understand expectations around living independently 

• resolving issues early where possible and preventing reoccurrence of issues 

How we become aware of misconduct 

We may be made aware of a potential misconduct in accommodation through: 

• security reports, including call‑outs and patrols 

• reports from University staff 

• physical evidence identified during routine inspections, safety checks and/or maintenance work 

• named reports from students affected by the potential misconduct 

Anonymous reports 

Anonymous concerns may be raised with University Security or accommodation colleagues. However, if no evidence is found, no further action will normally be taken.   

Anonymous reports are handled in line with the University Student Disciplinary Policy.  

What we consider misconduct 

Misconduct is conduct that breaches University accommodation expectations or regulations and has the potential to negatively impact: 

• safety 

• the wellbeing of others 

• the living environment 

• University property or compliance obligations 

Common categories of misconduct that can happen in accommodation (but are not limited to): 

• anti‑social behaviour, including excessive noise 

• fire safety breaches, such as tampering with alarms or misuse of cooking equipment 

• damage to University property 

• misuse of communal areas 

• unauthorised items or activities 

• harassment, intimidation, or behaviour causing distress 

• failure to comply with reasonable instructions 

These categories align with those outlined in the University’s Student Disciplinary Policy.

Actions of guests  

When you invite a person into the building, you are responsible for their behaviour.  Should they commit misconduct, you may be held responsible for their actions or neglect.   

How we decide whether something is misconduct 

Each incident is considered on its own merits. 

When reviewing misconduct, we consider factors including: 

• severity – how serious was the behaviour? 

• intent – was the behaviour malicious, reckless, or avoidable? 

• risk and impact – did it cause harm, distress, or create a risk to safety? 

• likelihood of harm – could the behaviour reasonably have caused injury, damage, or disruption? 

• knowledge and expectation – could it reasonably be expected that the student knew the behaviour was unsafe or against the rules? 

• previous education or guidance – has the student previously been informed about this type of behaviour? 

• remorse and responsibility – has the student taken responsibility and/or shown a level of remorse for actions? 

• personal extenuating circumstances – are there other, undisclosed external factors which may have impacted the behaviour of the student? 

These questions help us decide: 

• whether the behaviour constitutes an offence 

• what response is fair, proportionate, and effective 

If we decide that something is not misconduct 

Not all incidents result in a formal incident of misconduct leading to disciplinary action. 

In some cases, we may decide that: 

• the behaviour was accidental 

• the risk was low 

• the student could not reasonably have known the action was problematic 

However, even where something is not classed as an offence, we may still: 

• contact you to discuss what happened 

• provide advice or guidance 

• offer safety information or reassurance 

If we believe misconduct may have occurred 

Where we believe behaviour may constitute misconduct, we will carry out an investigation.   

Under Level One of the Student Disciplinary Procedure, you have the right to:  

• be informed of the details of the report made about you, including the relevant charge(s) of misconduct;  

• be made aware of all available evidence against you;  

• make a written statement or attend a meeting to respond in person to the report 

Investigations will be carried out by a Behaviour Casework Assistant or a ResLife Support Coordinator, supported by the wider Student Experience Team.   

Investigations will be conducted in line with the University Student Disciplinary Procedure.  If a student responder does not engage with the disciplinary process or attend a disciplinary meeting when asked to do so, the case may still be heard and concluded in their absence on the available evidence.   

Possible outcomes at this level include: 

• written advisory warnings 

• formal warning letters 

• increased flat/bedroom visits or inspections 

• behaviour agreements or behaviour contracts 

• mandatory educational interventions, such as Rethink courses 

• fines, where appropriate and proportionate (on a scale of £50 - £300 based on the University Exemplar fines) 

• referral to Registry and Education Services for consideration under Level Two of the University Student Disciplinary Procedure 

Our aim is always to select the response most likely to: 

• prevent recurrence 

• support learning and accountability 

• protect the wider residential community 

Communal issues and shared responsibility 

In some cases, misconduct may occur in a shared or communal space where responsibility cannot be clearly attributed to one individual.  

Where this happens, we may: 

• speak with all residents of the flat or area 

• provide clear guidance about expectations 

• increase inspections or flat visits 

• take steps to prevent further incidents 

We expect students to take responsibility for their own conduct in communal areas. In line with Newcastle University’s core valuesl, students should not allow others to accept blame or disciplinary consequences on their behalf. 

We also encourage students to take shared responsibility for their living environment and not allow others to place them at risk of consequences through unacceptable behaviour. 

Damage to university property 

Damage to accommodation buildings, rooms, or communal areas is handled under the Accommodation Service Damage Policy. 

If damage occurs: 

• costs may be charged to the individual responsible 

• where responsibility cannot be determined, costs may be shared as outlined in the Damage Policy 

Use of Fines 

We aim to resolve issues through education, support, and early intervention wherever possible. 

Fines are used where: 

• the seriousness of the incident warrants it, and/or 

• previous guidance or warnings have not been effective 

• students have not engaged with other outcomes to help educate them (e.g. non participation in Rethinks) 

Where fines are issued: 

• amounts are guided by University exemplar fines 

• funds are reinvested into the operation of Accommodation Services including the delivery of safety and behavioural initiatives such as:  

• safety campaigns 

• resident guidance materials 

• awareness resources and communications 

Our goal is help maintain a safe, respectful, and positive accommodation community for everyone. 

Version Control 

Version

Date of Amendment

Brief Description

 

 

 

 

 

Last revision:  June 2026

Next review date: May 2027 
Policy owner: Senior Management Team, Accommodation Services