Conduct and behaviour

Understanding guidance and disciplinary procedure

The student conduct and behaviour procedure outlines the process for addressing allegations of inappropriate student behaviour occurring both on and off campus. 

How we can help

• Explain the disciplinary process. 
• Provide guidance on academic policies. 
• Review your draft statements for interviews and help collate evidence. 
• Advise on structuring your case. 
• Accompany you to formal disciplinary hearings. 
• Provide advice and guidance on appeals against disciplinary outcomes. 
• Offer support if you are making a complaint about another student's behaviour. 

 

 

Levels of misconduct

Level 1

• Includes persistent disruptive behaviour, causing disturbances or nuisances, or impacting health and safety. 
• Examples: Offensive communication, misuse or damage to property, persistent late arrival for classes, petty theft. 

Level 2

• Involves threatening behaviour and bullying or harassment of staff or students. Also includes failure to comply with penalties for Level 1 misconduct. 
• Examples: Abusive behaviour, bullying, harassment, damage, theft, fraud, criminal offences on university premises. 

Level 3

• Behaviour that calls into question your registration at the University. Also includes failure to comply with penalties for Level 2 misconduct. 
• Examples: Non-compliance with penalties, dealing in illegal substances, physical assault, offences of a violent or sexual nature, fraud, theft, criminal convictions for the above. 

 

Disciplinary Interviews

For Level 1 or 2 Misconduct

• You will receive an invitation via email/letter detailing the allegations, support available, and interview details (usually 5 days after the allegations are made). 
• If you need reasonable adjustments, contact disability/mental health advisors before the interview. 
• The interviewer will ask questions, and you can respond, provide a statement, evidence, and call witnesses. 
• You will be notified of the outcome in writing within 5 days of the interview. 
• The aggrieved party will be informed that the interview took place but not the specific outcome. 
• If dissatisfied, you can appeal the decision. Find further information here (GR3) or contact us. 

If Accused of Level 3 Misconduct

• A compliance advisor and faculty representative will gather evidence and assess if you pose a risk to others. 
• The case will be sent to the Vice Chancellor’s Advisory and Support Department (VCASD) for a student disciplinary committee review. 
• The committee meeting will be held within 25 days of the allegation being reported. 
• You may be suspended from the University during this period. 
• You can submit a written response before the hearing, provide evidence, and call witnesses. Submit your statement and witness list 5 days before the meeting. 
• Attend the meeting in person or submit a written statement. 

Penalties for Level 3 Misconduct

• Possible penalties include final written warnings, written apologies, fines up to £2,000, compensation for staff time, notice to quit Halls, suspension up to 30 days, or immediate expulsion. 
• The recommendation will be sent to the Vice-Chancellor (VC) for approval. You will be notified of the outcome within 5 days of the VC's decision. 

 

Appealing the outcome

How to Appeal

• Submit an appeal to the VCASD within 5 days of the VC’s decision letter on these grounds: 
  • Procedural irregularities that affected the outcome. 
  • The outcome is unreasonable based on available evidence. 
  • New evidence that was unavailable earlier and would have affected the outcome. 
• The appeal will be reviewed by a Governor’s Appeal Committee within 25 days. 
• If the appeal is upheld, they will decide on a lesser penalty, request a reconsideration, or dismiss the case. 
• If dismissed, you will receive a completion of procedures letter and can contact the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA). 

 

Useful contacts

Compliance Advisors: For Level 2 or 3 disciplinary cases: +44 (0)20 8417 7312. 

Student Life Advisors (Mental Health or Disabilities): For guidance related to mental health or disability: +44 (0)20 8417 7314. 

Emergency Contacts: If a student’s behaviour poses a threat, contact the police (999) or University security (0208 417 6666).