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The Students’ Union is an independent charity that exists to advance your education at the University of Portsmouth through a range of exciting services and activities. Our mission is to have a positive impact with every Portsmouth student: Students are heard, students are empowered, students thrive.
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At UPSU's Advice Service, we offer confidential, impartial and non-judgemental support on a range of academic and university issues that may affect your experience. Our team of trained advisers are on hand all year round to offer help where it's needed. The independent service works closely with the University of Portsmouth to resolve issues and ensure students are treated fairly.
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UPSU are here to represent every student at the University of Portsmouth. We have many ways you can express your student voice, including: our Course Rep system, Have Your Say, Student Council, StART, Hot Topic, Annual Survey, Focus Groups, and more! Click on the tabs to learn more about each platform regarding Representation! You can also see a summary of our research by clicking on the UPSU Research & Data page.
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Student Groups are a great development opportunity and a great place to find new friends, build a community and have a sense of belonging whilst at University!
The Advice Service is here for you today call us on 02392843478
The Policy
This Policy outlines the expectations of student behaviour on university premises and in the wider community. There are two types of misconduct: General and Academic.
General Misconduct
- Violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening, or offensive behaviour or language
- Bullying and harassment
- Misuse or unauthorised use of university premises or items of property
- Behaviour that brings the university into serious disrepute
- Failure to provide complete and accurate information on the student application or registration form
Academic Misconduct
- Failure to comply with the General Rules for the Conduct of Examinations
- Any attempt to complete an assessment by means considered to be unfair
- Plagiarism as defined in the Examination and Assessment Regulations
- Failure to provide an electronic copy of an assessment when requested
- The late return of equipment loaned by a Faculty or Department that is required by other students to complete an assessment
There are three phases through which an allegation may be dealt with. You should have been notified of which phase your allegation is in.
If you wish to raise an allegation yourself, you will need to contact the relevant Authorised Person (usually the student's Head of Department). The Advice Service can help identify who this would be.
The Union Advice Service always suggests taking a statement that should outline the following:
- Factually explain the circumstances and events leading up to the allegation
- Acknowledge and discuss the issues that have occurred and comment on any evidence presented so far
- Reflect on the situation and consider future actions that could help prevent similar allegations in the future
- Explain any circumstances that were impacting you at the time, and why you did not or were not able to submit an Extenuating Circumstances Form
- Provide evidence to support your case
- Include your preferred outcome
Phase 1 - Early Intervention
At this phase, an Authorised Person will be identified to bring the case forward. This person will review the concerns and write to explain the suspected breach of regulations, including evidence to support this allegation. A meeting will then be arranged between the relevant individuals. It is possible to move straight to Phase 2 if suitable sanctions are not available at Stage 1.
This meeting will seek to discuss possible interventions to address the concerns raised. If the matter can be resolved satisfactorily at this stage, appropriate interventions or outcomes will be put in place to address these concerns, and no further action is required.
If the matter cannot be resolved at this stage or is regarded as serious, the Authorised Person will proceed to a Phase 2 Investigation.
Phase 2 - Investigation
If a case cannot be resolved in Phase 1, the matter will be formally investigated by an investigator who has not previously been involved in the case. The investigator will aim to determine whether a breach of regulations has occurred and whether the student is responsible for this breach, or whether unacceptable behaviour has taken place.
If the student is on a course with Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body expectations, this will also be considered.
The student whose behaviour has been questioned will then be invited to a meeting to discuss the allegation further. The investigator will consider the evidence and determine whether, on the balance of probabilities, the student’s behaviour was unacceptable.
There are three possible conclusions from a Phase 2 investigation:
- The matter is resolved and sanctions are agreed by all parties, and the case will be closed.
- The student's behaviour has been considered unacceptable or found to breach academic regulations. The investigator will decide if it should be dealt with as a Phase 1, 2, or 3 behavioural/academic offence. If considered a Phase 3, it will be escalated to the next stage of the process.
- The student has not been found to be in breach of regulations, and the matter will be closed.
The indicative timeframe to complete Phase 2 is between 15 to 20 working days.
Phase 3 - Escalation
Appeals
Students have a right to appeal at each phase of this Policy, Please see our guidance on Appeals for further information.
Contact Us
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Call: 023 9284 3628
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Email: hello@upsu.net
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The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union has a vision of creating a positive impact with every Portsmouth student during their time at University.