The University may decide that an incident or conduct needs to be investigated according to their disciplinary regulations.
This could be matters relating to misconduct, academic misconduct and for bullying and harassment.
- Misconduct can be defined as improper interference, in the broadest sense, with the proper functioning or activities of City or those who study or work in it, including actions which damage City.
Examples: disruption of the activities of City; threatening or offensive behaviour or language; fraud, deceit or deception; breaches of the Codes of Conduct; behaviour which brings City into disrepute; failure to comply with professional codes of behaviour where a programme of study is linked to a particular profession.
- Academic misconduct is any action that produces an improper advantage for the student in relation to his/her assessment or deliberately and unnecessarily disadvantages other students.
Examples of academic misconduct include plagiarism, cheating, collusion, impersonation, falsification or fabrication, duplication or self-plagiarism, ghosting, and disruption.
- Bullying can be defined as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, or an abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.
Examples: shouting at, humiliating ignoring or excluding an individual, frightening someone with physical or other threats, or using social media to publish material that is offensive about an individual or groups.
- Harassment can be defined as unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating an individual's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.
Examples: remarks, gossip or jokes about an individual; unwanted attention of someone including on social media, text messages, or email, or following, stalking or spying on someone.
What will happen if an allegation of misconduct is made against me?
- You should be notified in writing of the allegation or concerns being investigating.
- You would be invited to attend a meeting or hearing to discuss any allegations or concerns raised.
- The purpose of the initial meeting will be to investigate the allegations and find out the facts. It is also to provide you with an opportunity for you to respond.
- You can bring a friend or Adviser from our Union Advice Service for support but will need to inform the University who will be accompanying you to the meeting.
- You may be temporarily suspended if your conduct is considered to represent a potential immediate, serious and significant threat to your own safety or that of others or the City premises. This decision would be taken by the President or their nominee.
If you are notified about allegations or concerns relating to your conduct or behaviour, we strongly advise you to contact our Union Advice Service as soon as possible.
The disciplinary regulations and process can be complicated with serious consequences. Therefore, the earlier you contact us, the better position we will be in to provide the best advice.
We provide free, confidential, impartial and independent advice to help you to understand the disciplinary process and the implications of what has happened.
How can we help with student conduct and disciplinary issues?
Our Union Advice service is confidential and independent from the University and we can:
- Explain the student disciplinary regulations and process.
- Advise you on responding to any allegations.
- Advise on how to put together a statement.
- Accompany you to meetings with the University.
- Provide ongoing advice throughout the disciplinary process.
To seek email advice or book an appointment with an Advisor, please complete our Case Form here.