Our approach to dignity and respect

Student Behaviour and Disciplinary Policy

Our expectations of student behaviour and how reports of breaches will be handled.

This policy sets out expectations of behaviour and details how reports of breaches will be handled.

The policy addresses sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, which may be distressing to read. It includes descriptions of inappropriate behaviour, reporting procedures, and support resources. 

Jump to a section of this page:

Definitions
Purpose, scope and principles
Examples of inappropriate behaviour
Reporting inappropriate behaviour
Support and advice
Disciplinary procedure
Monitoring, review and confidentiality
Reporting obligations
Disclosure of convictions
Links
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Definitions

For a list of definitions of words and phrases used in this policy, please visit our dedicated page.

Definitions

Purpose, scope and principles

This section of the policy sets out the purpose of the Student Behaviour and Disciplinary Policy, who it applies to and the principles that underpin the University’s approach to disciplinary matters.

Purpose, scope and principles

Examples of inappropriate behaviour

Misconduct may occur in person or through electronic means, such as online platforms, messaging apps, or image-based abuse. It may involve actions that disrupt the University’s operations, harm individuals or groups, or damage the University’s reputation.  

 Lack of intent or not knowing it is an act of misconduct is not a defence.  

 The examples on our dedicated page illustrate forms of misconduct but are not exhaustive.

Examples of inappropriate behaviour

Reporting inappropriate behaviour

Anyone can report inappropriate behaviour whether they have experienced it themselves, witnessed it, or are reporting on behalf of someone else. 

Read about how to make a report and the different routes available on our dedicated page.

Reporting inappropriate behaviour

Support and advice

The University understands that unacceptable behaviour can significantly impact mental health, self-esteem, sense of belonging and academic outcomes. We are here to help. If you need support, don't hesitate to reach out, even if the incident happened outside the University or even if you don't want the University to investigate what has happened.  

A list of support contacts within the University and external support services is available on our Dignity and Respect page.

Disciplinary procedure

This section sets out the arrangements for disciplinary action from informal resolution through to completion of the University's disciplinary procedure. It covers what is meant by provisional action, what a level 1 and level 2 investigation is, how hearings are run and how to appeal at all stages of the disciplinary process. It also covers how student misconduct at validated partner provision is managed.

Disciplinary procedure

Monitoring, review and confidentiality

This section explains how the University monitors the effectiveness of this policy and how confidentiality is maintained throughout the disciplinary process.

Monitoring, review and confidentiality

Reporting obligations

This section explain how the University complies with the Prevent Duty, which aims to stop individuals from being drawn into terrorism.

Information about how the University co-operates with police investigations and criminal court proceedings is detailed in this section. It also gives examples of the circumstances in which the University may report a disciplinary matter to the police.

Reporting obligations

Disclosure of convictions

Students must declare any serious unspent or pending convictions (in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act) in writing to the Academic Registrar. Information on how to do this is set out in this section.

Disclosure of convictions