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:

1. The matter is resolved and sanctions are agreed by all parties, and the case will be closed.
2. 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.
3. 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.