From late-night outings to early morning lectures, it’s safe to say that being a student is exciting and challenging all at once. Nonetheless, it is important to take some basic measures in order to keep safe. The University’s regulations have been developed over a long period of time with the aim to help all students enjoy this community.
From late-night outings with friends to early morning lectures, it’s safe to say that being a student is exciting and challenging all at once. Nonetheless, while everyone wants to make the most of university, it is important to take some basic measures in order to keep safe.
The University’s regulations have been developed over a long period of time and they aim to help all students enjoy this community. This means that non-academic misconduct such as bullying or any criminal activity on campus or in the local community will be taken seriously and could even lead to you losing your place at university.
As your Students' Union, we want to remind you that not knowing the rules does not exempt you from them, but also that you should get support if you make a mistake. We have outlined some examples below to help you avoid getting in trouble.
First of all, we encourage you to read over the University’s guidance about your responsibilities.
Student Conduct Regulations
Every student is expected to adhere to the University's rules. Misconduct can easily lead to disciplinary proceedings. Examples of misconduct include disruptive behaviour, dishonesty or fraud, violence and aggression, and more. Make sure you read the Student Conduct Regulations.
What could a disciplinary investigation involve?
Once the University suspects or receives an allegation of misconduct, it may be investigated by either an Authorised Officer or the Student Disciplinary Officer. They may impose one or more penalties, or the case may be referred to a Vice Principal. You will be informed of the outcome of their investigation in writing.
You can appeal the decision but only based on grounds that will be outlined in the Disciplinary Appeal form. The outcome of the appeal will then be sent to the student via letter. This decision is final.
What are possible penalties?
- A reprimand
- A fine, but this will not exceed £1000
- You may be asked to pay compensation for any damage to property or equipment
- Your attendance at the University or residence in University accommodation could depend upon conditions or restrictions being met by yourself
- You could be asked to leave Halls, or you may be denied permission to live in Halls for the rest of your course
- In major misconduct cases, you could be asked to leave the University.
Below are some of the key areas of your responsibilities covered by the Student Misconduct Regulations.
Dignity and Respect
All students are deserving of respect and should be allowed to live their lives with dignity. Any form of hate speech or harassment, including on social media, will not be tolerated if reported to the University and could lead to disciplinary action. You can read the University’s Dignity and Respect Policy.
Tuition Fees
Paying your tuition fees, daunting though it is, is extremely important; the University will take action if these fees aren’t paid. Take a read of the Student Fee Regulations to understand more about what fees you pay or to find out the circumstances in which you could be released from paying these fees.
Alcohol, drugs & Substance use & misuse policy
It is great to get involved and have fun at university, however, being safe is of the utmost importance. The University has a zero-tolerance stance on any form of alcohol or drug abuse. Please take a read of their Alcohol, Drugs & Substance Use & Misuse Policy if you’d like to understand more about the action the College will take towards instances of abuse or misuse.
Car Parking
If you plan on bringing your vehicle to campus, you must be aware of the General Traffic Regulations and Car Parking Policy. This includes having to obtain and display a parking permit and understanding that there will be penalties if this is not done. Please be aware that campus roads are considered public highways, so the UK traffic law applies.
If you do get in trouble for misconduct, the Advice Centre is here to help you. We can:
- Attend meetings with you for any parts of the investigation
- Assist you in completing and checking drafts of responses to allegations and appeal forms
- Go through your initial findings with you
- Assist you in drafting your request for review
- Go through your final outcome with you
- Guide you to plan your next steps, including the appeal process and making a complaint with the OIA
You can get in touch with an advisor by emailing advice@su.rhul.ac.uk. You can also find more information about non-academic misconduct on our website.