Each university has its own distinct set of disciplinary policies and procedures. Please use the links below to reveal the information of interest.
Links to procedures and policies
Precautionary / interim measures?
Following consideration of the risk assessment the Academic Registrar can decide: (i)that no action is required; (ii)that an investigation is initiated; and (iii)in some cases introduce or change pre-existing precautionary measure, including:
- A requirement that students comply with certain conditions, for example, having no contact with named students (a ‘no-contact’ order), this may apply to reporting and reported students in cases of inter-personal misconduct;
- A requirement that students are not permitted in certain buildings and/or are denied access to certain facilities or services.
In certain circumstances, where it is deemed necessary to ensure the safety of students or staff and/or protect University property, the University may temporarily suspend or exclude a student for a defined period that will be reviewed on a regular basis, usually at least every four weeks, and can be extended as necessary.
Precautionary measures, one or more of which may be imposed on any student, are defined as:
- Temporary Exclusion Orders, under which a student is excluded from entering some or all University premises, but continues with their academic studies;
- Temporary Suspension Orders, under which a student is excluded from entering some or all University premises, and suspended from continuing with all or part of their academic studies, including teaching events, assessment, placements, or examinations;
- No-Contact Orders, under which a student is prohibited from contacting another student(s), physically, verbally or via social media platforms;
- The above measures may also include exclusion from accessing the facilities and societies/groups operated by the Students’ Union. In all such cases the agreement of the Students’ Union will be sought in advance.
Approach to police involvement?
The University may at its discretion refer a matter to the police, taking account of, as relevant and appropriate, the individual circumstances arising in the case (such as the nature, circumstances, and degree of seriousness of the alleged misconduct) and its data protection and confidentiality obligations to relevant individuals.
If a student is acquitted or convicted of a criminal offence the University may take account of this in dealing with a matter under the Regulations, but it is not bound by the outcome of any police or criminal investigation or proceedings.
Right to be represented?
General misconduct
Students may be accompanied by a friend or representative. Students will not normally be permitted to be accompanied by a qualified member of the legal profession.
Academic misconduct
As with general misconduct, students may be accompanied by a friend or representative but will not normally be permitted to be accompanied by a qualified member of the legal profession.
N.B. Even where universities state that legal representation is not permitted, we have often successfully argued that students ought to be in accordance with the principles of natural justice.
Penalties?
General misconduct
Includes:
- Reprimand.
- Formal written warning.
- Written apology to those affected by the misconduct.
- Requirement to attend or complete training/personal. development/educational resources.
- Requirement to pay for damages.
- A fine (£50 - £1,000).
- Suspension of specific academic and/or non-academic privileges. Enforcement of No-Contact-Order(s) with other named student(s).
- Exclusion from Degree Congregation.
- Exclusion from specific buildings/use of facilities for a fixed period.
- Suspension from the University for a fixed period.
- Permanent exclusion from the University (i.e. expulsion).
- Prohibited to re-apply to the University.
- Revocation of University award.
Academic misconduct
Includes:
- Reprimand
- Formal written warning
- Written apology to those affected by the misconduct
- Requirement to attend or complete training/personal development/educational resources.
- Requirement to pay for damages.
- A fine (£50 - £1,000).
- Suspension of specific academic and/or non-academic privileges.
- Enforcement of No-Contact-Order(s) with other named student(s).
- Exclusion from Degree Congregation.
- Exclusion from specific buildings/use of facilities for a fixed period.
- Suspension from the University for a fixed period.
- Permanent exclusion from the University (i.e. expulsion).
- Prohibited to re-apply to the University.
- Revocation of University award.
Right to appeal?
Yes.
General misconduct
Yes, appeals may be submitted within ten working days of the date of notification of the decision on the following grounds:
a) there was a procedural irregularity in the consideration of the case by the Authorised Officer or Student Discipline Panel;
b) evidence available to the Authorised Officer or Student Discipline Panel was not fully considered;
c) there was prejudice or bias in the conduct of the Authorised Officer or Student Discipline Panel;
d) the decision was unreasonable;
e) the sanction imposed was excessive;
f) that there is new material evidence that for good reason was not available for consideration by the Authorised Officer or Student Discipline Panel.
Academic misconduct
Yes, though students may not appeal against the finding of Poor Academic Practice as this does not constitute a sanction for academic misconduct. Appeals may be submitted within ten working days of the date of notification of the decision on the following grounds:
- there was a procedural irregularity in the consideration of the case by the Plagiarism Officer, or Student Discipline Panel;
- evidence available to the Plagiarism Officer, or Student Discipline Panel was not fully considered;
- there was prejudice or bias in the conduct of the Plagiarism Officer, or Student Discipline Panel;
- the decision was unreasonable;
- the sanction imposed was excessive;
- that there is new material evidence that for good reason was not available for consideration by the Plagiarism Officer, or Student Discipline Panel.
Member of the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (“OIA”) Scheme?
Yes – this means that you could potentially complain to the OIA once you have exhausted the University’s internal procedures.
Contact our Student & University lawyers:
If you require further information or advice from our team of specialist lawyers, please contact a member of the team using one of the methods below.
This information was drafted in the months leading up to September 2023. It does not constitute legal advice. As University policies are updated from time-to-time, the information on this page may contain some inaccuracies and you should always check your University’s resources and/or seek legal advice where appropriate.
We treat all personal data in accordance with our data protection policy.