Previous: Student Disciplinary Regs 24/25 (PDF, 311.3KB)
The changes to the regulation and procedures for 2025/26 are relatively small in scale and are mainly around presentation and clarification. A summary of changes is set out below.
- Title Change from ‘Disciplinary’ to ‘Conduct’: The term ‘Conduct’ emphasises expected behaviours and standards rather than focusing solely on punishment. It aligns with values of fairness and reflects terminology like the "student code of conduct." This shift reduces stigma, making students feel more comfortable engaging in the process and seeking support.
- Minor amendments to the Student Code of Conduct: To ensure a broad, well-defined student code of conduct, outlining the key behaviour standards expected of students.
- Clear Definition of Misconduct: A concise list of what constitutes misconduct has been created, moving away from specific examples of actions and instead focusing on the behaviour itself.
- Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Definitions: Clear, precise definitions of sexual misconduct and harassment have been included within the body of the document, in line with the Office for Students Condition E6.
- Inclusion of core principles: This aligns with the framework for responding to student concerns to ensure consistency across student regulations and polices which in turn align with the university’s culture and values.
- Annexes Removal: The annexes have been removed, and key information has been incorporated directly into the main body of the Regulations and Procedures.
- Removal of ‘Formal Stages’: The previous formal stages, which limited the ability to take timely action and required high level sign off, have been removed allowing a more streamlined quicker decision-making process for students, whilst retaining a panel of senior staff and Students Union representative for the most serious of cases.
- Standardisation of appeals process: the current Appeals Policy and Procedure will be expanded to incorporate appeals against Conduct Panels to replace the current arrangements which involve an appeal considered by members of the Board of Governors.
Improved Document Formatting: The document has been reformatted with clearer headings for key points and a smoother flow throughout the process.
- Updated Terminology: ‘Reporting person’ and ‘reported student’ have replaced "you" and "your" to reflect the two main audiences engaging with the process.
- Simplified Panel Details: Information about panels has been streamlined, focusing on the key details necessary for clarity.
