Disciplinary Procedure

The University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all students, staff and visitors to the University.

Student Disciplinary

When registering as a Newcastle University student you agree to abide by the rules and regulations as set out in the Student Charter.

The Student Disciplinary Policy and Student Disciplinary Procedure for RESPONDER ensure that reports of any breach of the University rules and regulations (misconduct) are dealt with fairly and promptly. If, after investigation, it is determined that misconduct has taken place, appropriate disciplinary sanctions, as set out in the Student Disciplinary Procedure, will be issued and may involve the imposition of Exemplar Fines and Charges.

Procedures include:

Initiations

Initiations are banned by the University and any student found to have organised or participated in an initiation ritual will be subject to disciplinary action.

Initiation ceremonies encourage the following negative behaviours:

forcing participants to behave in a way that might reasonably be perceived as humiliating, demeaning or degrading
forcing participants to drink excessive amounts of alcohol or to take other substances (illegal or otherwise)
inciting participants to behave in a way that would bring the University into disrepute

If you are asked to participate in an initiation by a Society or Club that you have joined, to gain status or entry to the group, you can report this to the Students' Union Activities Officer or the University at casework@ncl.ac.uk.

When we receive a report that a student, or a group of students, have participated in an initiation ceremony, the University will take appropriate action in accordance with the Student Disciplinary Procedure and the Investigation Protocol for Dangerous Behaviours at Organised Student Socials‌ (PDF: 386 KB)

Sexual Misconduct/Harassment

If you experience any kind of unwanted sexual activity or harassment during your studies which you want to formally report to the University, the Student Progress Casework Team (casework@ncl.ac.uk) will be able to meet with you and discuss the options available to you.

Reports of sexual misconduct or harassment will be treated seriously; anyone found to have behaved unacceptably may be subject to investigation in line with the Student Disciplinary Procedure and Investigation Protocol for sexual misconduct [717 KB].

For more information about the process of making a formal report of sexual misconduct, please see the Reporting Sexual Misconduct: Frequently Asked Questions.

Discrimination

If you experience any kind of discrimination during your studies, you can contact the Student Progress Casework team to make a formal report, casework@ncl.ac.uk. We will be able to meet with you and discuss the options available to you.

Reports of discrimination will be treated seriously; anyone found to have behaved unacceptably may be subject to investigation in line with the Student Disciplinary Procedure and Investigation Protocol for Discrimination and Hate related misconduct [662 KB].
‌

Noise Nuisance/Anti-Social Behaviour

The University expects its students to be considerate and respectful at all times while living in the community. Please click the image below for advice and guidance on the University's expectations and how we respond to reports of antisocial behaviour.

‌

Additional information is available at Community Living for advice on how to enjoy the independence that comes from living in the local community, while at the same time getting on with your neighbours.

When we receive a report from a local authority, we will take appropriate action in line with the Student Disciplinary Procedure and Protocol for Antisocial Behaviour and Noise Nuisance (PDF: 567 KB). They may also choose to impose their own sanctions.

These Exemplar Fines and Charges‌ (PDF: 11KB) apply to any disciplinary cases, where fines are levied, from September 2023, including University Residence.

Reporting Misconduct

If you believe a student has breached University rules and want to report their actions to the University for investigation, you should email casework@ncl.ac.uk with a full explanation of the nature of your concern and if possible supply supporting evidence. As a witness, you may be invited to attend a meeting as part of the investigation.

Police Reports

The University receives reports from the Police, especially where there maybe be safeguarding issues for students or staff. When we receive a police report, an investigation will take place and appropriate action taken in accordance with the Student Disciplinary Procedure for RESPONDER‌.

Support

Whether you report misconduct (reporter), or are the subject of a report of misconduct (responder), you are able to get support, advice and guidance from the Student Advice Centre and the Student Health and Wellbeing Service, as well as your Personal Tutor.