Misconduct and disciplinary action

Being part of our University community

As a student, you’re an important part of our University community. We expect all students to:

• respect the rights and property of other students and of the wider community
• behave politely
• tolerant of the views of others
• act like a responsible citizen, and
• respect where you live.

Disciplinary action

If you behave inappropriately (called an ‘act of misconduct’), it may lead to disciplinary action under the Student Disciplinary Procedures (see Appendix 7 of the General Regulations).

You must:

• not behave in ways that will cause actual or potential damage or harm to the University or others (including reputational damage or harm).
• not prevent or interfere with the functioning, activities or operation of the University nor with the work, studies or activities of those who are connected with the University (including those who work at, study at and visit the University).
• behave appropriately when you are away from the University but in a University context, for example on a placement, field trip or study abroad programme, or in situations where there is some link to the University or its reputation.

If you breach our Code of Conduct or any of our rules and regulations about behaviour, we are likely to take disciplinary action. Action will only be taken where it appears misconduct has taken place.

Read Appendix 7 of the General Regulations to ensure you are familiar with the full procedure, as well as Section 2 of the General Regulations which refers to the Student Behaviour Code of Conduct.

Examples of misconduct

Misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

• conduct that is also a criminal offence
• sexual misconduct
• causing damage to University property or to property that belongs to someone else
• bullying, harassment and discriminatory behaviour
• conduct that causes or could cause physical or mental damage, harm, alarm or distress to others
• inappropriate behaviour via social media
• failure to follow all University rules and regulations, codes of conduct or codes of practice
• behaviour on or off campus that damages or could damage the reputation of the University.

More examples of unacceptable conduct likely to lead to disciplinary action are listed in Section 7.6.2 of Appendix 7 to the General Regulations: Student Disciplinary Procedures.

The disciplinary procedures are designed to address misconduct, not personal disputes between individuals.

What happens if you breach the Code of Conduct

If you are found to have committed misconduct:

• You may face sanctions, including permanent exclusion from the University.
• Details of any disciplinary action will be recorded on your student record and beyond your period of enrolment.