Non-academic misconduct We are all responsible for ensuring the University is a safe space for everyone.
We expect the highest standards of conduct from our students whether on university premises, in professional placement settings, the wider community or online.
If you observe, are informed of, or are adversely impacted by student conduct which may breach any of the University’s policies, procedures or codes of conduct, please report it as soon as possible.
Members of the public may also report potential breaches to the University.
Please remember that making a disclosure to the University relating to student conduct does not mean you have made a formal report. The University will not act unless you instruct them to do so.
Following your disclosure, the University may decide it is appropriate to manage your concerns outside of formal processes.
Making a formal report
If you decide to make a formal report, we will still discuss your options with you. You can make a report in writing or may meet with a relevant member of staff who will take your verbal report and transcribe it into a written statement.
After making a formal report, you are expected not to contact the person(s) you have reported while the investigation takes place. We will keep you informed about the next steps, as agreed with the investigating officer.
We understand your need to know the outcome of any incident you have reported and been impacted by. However, we may not be able (or permitted) to fully disclose the detailed outcome. When the case is concluded, we will provide you with enough detail to reassure you that the matter has been dealt with appropriately and in line with the University’s policies and procedures.
Remember that support and advice is available to you from the Students’ Union and/or Wellbeing team at all stages of the misconduct process.
You will be notified in writing that a formal report has been made about you and given the opportunity to respond to the allegation. The notification letter will tell you how to do this.
An investigation will take place during which we may check university records to ascertain whether you have committed any previous acts of non-academic misconduct. While we may not rely upon this information upon as evidence, it may be taken into account if any sanctions are issued following the investigation.
The University dynamically risk assesses situations throughout an investigation to ensure all members of the University are safe. Any actions we take to manage risk are known as precautionary actions and these may include supportive measures to safeguard you or others. These actions are temporary and do not indicate that we have reached a conclusion before the investigation has commenced.
Remember that support and advice is available to you from the Students’ Union and/or Wellbeing team at all stages of the misconduct process.
When the University’s internal procedures are complete, we will send you a completion of procedures letter. This explains that if you are dissatisfied with the final outcome, you can refer your matter to the OIA for review.
The OIA is an independent body whose role is to review individual complaints from students. You must complete the University’s Non-Academic Misconduct process before contacting the OIA.
There are further details about the OIA Scheme on the OIA website.
Further guidance
Advice and support is available to all students involved in a non-academic misconduct process regardless of their role.
