Examples of inappropriate behaviour

Misconduct may occur in person or through electronic means, such as online platforms, messaging apps, or image-based abuse.

It includes behaviour that disrupts University activities, harms others, damages the University’s reputation, or involves dishonest or misleading communication. This includes unreasonable, excessive or inappropriate communications with University staff. The University recognises that communication styles and behaviours may vary between individuals, including where students are disabled, neurodivergent, experiencing mental ill health, or otherwise in distress. When considering whether communication is unreasonable, excessive, or inappropriate, the University will take account of the individual circumstances of the student, including any disclosed or known disability, health condition, or support need, and whether reasonable adjustments or supportive interventions may be appropriate.

Communication will not normally be considered misconduct solely because of its frequency or style where this is connected to a disability, health condition, or other support need, unless appropriate support measures and reasonable adjustments have first been considered.

In assessing whether the conduct is unreasonable, the University will consider factors such as the volume, frequency, persistence, tone, duplication, impact on staff or students, whether new information is being provided, and whether the communication continues after appropriate guidance or requests to moderate contact.

Students can still raise concerns, follow up on emails, and seek help. The expectation is simply that communication is reasonable, clear, and respectful. 

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

Please note an amnesty clause is in place to encourage students to report incidents of misconduct against them. An amnesty clause allows reporting students to report serious misconduct (such as harassment or assault) without being investigated for breaches like using alcohol or drugs at time of the reported incident. This is to encourage reporting by removing fear of disciplinary consequences for drug and alcohol breaches.

The following examples illustrate forms of misconduct but are not exhaustive. 

Disruptive, violent, or harmful behaviour

• Violent, threatening, or disorderly conduct.
• Use of language or behaviour that is abusive, threatening or constitutes unlawful discrimination or harassment towards individuals or groups with protected characteristics and beliefs.
• Behaviour intended to cause fear, distress, or harm to others, including bullying, stalking, or coercion. 
• Carrying weapons, imitation weapons or replicas, except where expressly authorised as part of an approved University activity, club, society, sporting activity, training exercise performance or other legitimate purpose. 
• Criminal offences that are serious and/or relevant to the student’s conduct as a member of the University community. Examples include, but are not limited to, theft, drug related offences involving supply or intent to supply, violent offences, and offences that raise safeguarding, safety or reputational concerns for the University. 

Harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct

• Harassment or discrimination against any member of the University community, or
• Harassment or discrimination related to protected characteristics including age, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity or disability, such as:
  
  • Inappropriate or offensive jokes, comments, or language.
  • Unwanted physical contact or advances, staring, or sexual comments.
  • Circulation or display of offensive material (for example - online posts, emails, graffiti). 
  • Bullying, excluding, or isolating individuals. 
  • Deliberately “outing” someone regarding their gender identity or sexual orientation. 
  • Sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, or pressuring for sexual favours.

Breach of University policies or rules

• Breaching health and safety guidelines. 
• Failure to comply with mandatory training.
• Failure to comply with legal obligations under UK law, where relevant to a student’s conduct and activities, including requirements under the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme. 
• Failure to follow a reasonable instruction from a University staff member or a member of the University security team. 
• Damaging or stealing property belonging to the University or others. 
• Academic or administrative dishonesty (for example - fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation).
• Violations of public health restrictions or policies.
• Breach of the Acceptable use of IT Policy.

Misuse of technology or communication

• Publishing abusive or threatening material online or via social media.
• Accessing inappropriate websites.
• Sharing harmful digital content, for example, sharing or creating harmful or humiliating images of others.
• Spreading computer viruses.
• Engaging in unauthorised IT activities.

Actions bringing the University into disrepute

• Anti-social behaviour, including harassment or violence in University or community spaces.
• Engaging in terrorism, extremism, or activity linked to such networks.
• Behaviour that undermines the University’s values or harms its reputation.
• Not declaring any serious, unspent or pending convictions as per the Admission of Students with Criminal Convictions Policy.

Failure to comply with previous sanctions

• Ignoring previously imposed disciplinary actions or sanctions.

Malicious reports

• Filing false accusations against staff or students.