Student Disciplinary Matters

If you have been informed that your university is undertaking disciplinary investigations, you may be asking:

• What is non-academic misconduct?

• How do you deal with allegations of misconduct in a university?

• Will I have to attend a university disciplinary hearing?

• Could I be suspended, excluded or expelled from university?

What is non-academic misconduct?

Universities will set down expected standards of behaviour for all students within their internal policies. If a university believes that a student is in breach of these standards, they may face investigations and allegations of ‘non-academic misconduct’. Examples of non-academic misconduct include:

• Antisocial behaviour

• Behaviour that is considered to bring the university into ‘disrepute’

• Sexual misconduct

These allegations differ from cases involving academic misconduct which are allegations connected to examinations, coursework and assessments.

Investigations

The university should undertake a full and fair investigation ensuring that all relevant individuals are spoken to and all evidence obtained. These investigations should be completed within a timely manner.

If you are invited to a meeting or interview to discuss the concerns raised, the detail of these discussions may be relied on by the university at a later date. It is therefore crucial that a careful and evidenced response is provided.

It is also possible that you may be required to attend a hearing in front of a disciplinary committee to provide a full response and answer questions.

Penalties

There are a wide range of sanctions your university could set down which may include:

• A warning which will remain on your record
• Restrictions on facilities (e.g. Students’ Union)
• Suspension
• Permanent Exclusion

If you are a student enrolled on a professional course (e.g. medicine), it is possible that the university may initiate fitness to practise proceedings.

Can I appeal?

You should also be provided the opportunity to appeal the penalty imposed by the university. If you have brought an appeal yourself which was unsuccessful, we can help you make a complaint to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA) .

Should I instruct a solicitor?

Allegations of non-academic misconduct can result in serious sanctions; including permanent exclusion. These investigations can result in the loss of years of hard work and substantial fees paid.

Our university disciplinary solicitors can help you:

• Determine if an offence has been committed

• Consider any evidence needed to support your case

• Carefully review the evidence sent by the university (e.g. witness statements)

• Help draft a full and robust defence to the allegations

• Attend the disciplinary hearing with you

Our dedicated and experienced university disciplinary solicitors are here to help defend you against any serious allegations you are facing.