Process overview

There are often differences in how matters are approached because these are human-centred processes, but this will give you a general idea of what is involved.

The full details are in Student Disciplinary Procedures (PDF).

Initial report to department or accommodation

Staff will first try and find a solution within the department or accommodation services.

This may include reminding the student of expected behaviours, advice and support available such as mediation. This is known as an interventional action.

There is advice for department staff on Goldmine.

The Head of Department will contact Appeals and Complaints if the matter cannot be resolved locally.

Preliminary Enquiry

Following receipt of a complaint about student conduct, a member of the Student Casework team will be assigned to the case to begin a preliminary enquiry and will be an administrative point of contact for both the reported student as well as staff involved in the case.

During the preliminary enquiry, the case officer will speak to the member of staff or student who initially raised concerns about the conduct and will liaise with the reported student's department on any pertinent issues such as attendance or assessments which may be impacted by the preliminary enquiry. 

Then the case officer will invite the reported student to present a statement either in writing, in person, or through an investigation meeting, in order to allow the reported student to respond to the allegations.

Please note, students are under no obligation to present a statement or attend an investigation meeting.

Reported student contacted

The case officer will write to the reported student explaining:

• the report made
• what evidence there is
• how it contravenes policies

They will provide any evidence the College holds against the reported student.

The reported student is asked to respond in writing within 5 working days. Alternatively, a meeting can be requested.

Precautionary Action

Depending on the circumstances, in order to ensure safeguarding for the entire College community, the reported student may have their campus access placed under restrictions. This may include:

• restrictions on contacting members of the college community
• limiting the use of facilities such as the library
• restrictions on attendance at events
• temporary exclusion from campus

Following Preliminary Enquiry

Once a preliminary enquiry has concluded, the case officer will write a report to one of the College’s Conduct Chairs with findings/recommendations.

If it is determined during the preliminary enquiry that the reported student does not have a case to answer or is found to have not breached conduct regulations, the case officer may recommend no further action against the reported student.

If it is determined during the preliminary enquiry that the reported student may have breached conduct regulations, the case officer may recommend one or more of the following:

• refer to a student conduct hearing
• refer to department for interventional action
• issue a first written warning
• issue a second written warning

Conduct Hearing

Should the investigation refer the matter to a student conduct hearing a meeting will be held.

A panel of four people, including one student, will hear the case and decide if a breach in Conduct occurred and if any penalties are appropriate. The panel will be told about the alleged breach of the Conduct Regulations and the reported student will have the chance to explain what happened and answer questions.

Anyone attending a student conduct hearing will be able to bring someone with them to support them.

You will receive the papers to be discussed at the hearing normally 5 workings days before the hearing date.

You will be notified of any decision made during a conduct hearing within 5 business days of the date of the hearing.

Find out more about how a Conduct Hearing will run.

Potential outcomes of a Conduct Hearing

• no further action to be taken
• referred for interventional action
• first written warning
• second written warning
• exclusion or suspension from the College for a set period of time
• removal from a relevant programme of study
• permanent dismissal from the College
• payment to be made not exceeding the cost or expenses

Review

A student has 10 working days to ask for a review of the conduct hearing decision if they are unhappy by email stating the grounds on which they would like to review as per the Student Disciplinary Procedures (PDF).