Non-Academic Misconduct Help

What is non-academic Misconduct?

Where there is reason to believe that a student has broken the university rules or regulations, the university will take action as outlined in the Student Conduct Regulations. Examples of non-academic misconduct:

  • Smoking in your Halls room
  • Bullying or harassing another student
  • Sexual misconduct
  • Possession of illegal drugs
  • Being a nuisance in the local community

If you are subject to disciplinary procedures, you must read everything sent to you. It may be helpful also to refer to the Discipline in Halls Flowchart, Minor Misconduct Flow Chart or the Major Misconduct Flow Chart. We also recommend that you email us to get guidance and support.

Minor misconduct

Minor misconduct is defined as behaviour which is unacceptable and breaks University Regulations, but isn’t judged to be so severe by the appropriate Authorised Officer as to require a review of the student’s registration at the University.

If it is suspected that a student has breached the conduct regulations and it is considered minor misconduct, the flowchart here shows the investigation process.

 

Major Misconduct

Major misconduct is either minor misconduct which is repeated, despite warnings or minor misconduct offence procedures, or misconduct judged on the evidence presented to be so severe by the Student Conduct Officer as to possibly require a review of the student’s registration at the University.

If it is suspected that a student has breached the conduct regulations and it is considered major misconduct, the flowchart here shows the investigation process.

In all cases, the request for an appeal must be submitted within 15 working days of the date of the letter confirming the imposed sanctions. There are four grounds for appeal and these are:

  1. That the finding was against the weight of the evidence.
  2. That the penalty is too severe or otherwise inappropriate.
  3. That the process was not in accordance with the principles and procedures set out in these regulations, or were contrary to natural justice.
  4. That fresh evidence can be presented, which was not available, or could not reasonably have been made available.

The full procedure for the handling of Student Conduct Appeals is explained in the Student Conduct Regulations. Please ensure you have read these before submitting an appeal.

How can the SU help?

The SU is separate and impartial to the university and can advise you through the whole process.

  • Attending meetings with you for any parts of the investigation
  • Assistance in completing and checking drafts of responses to allegations and appeal forms
  • Going through your initial findings with you
  • Assistance in drafting your request for review
  • Going through your final outcome with you
  • Guiding you to plan next steps, including the appeal process and making a complaint with the OIA.

want to speak to an advisor?

If you've already looked through our web pages and can't find the information you're after, and would like to discuss something face-to-face, it's easy to see an Advisor.

Drop-in

We hold weekly drop-in sessions both in person and online during term time. Check out our Events Calendar to find out when the next drop-in is - just use the "Advice" filter on the left-hand side of the page.

Email

Email us at advice@su.rhul.ac.uk.