Behavioural expectations

The Regulation largely applies to behavioural issues that happen after the point of registration up to the point of graduation.  This includes issues that may arise in between, such as when someone is on leave, like an interruption, or it is out of term time.  Behavioural issues can also take place in any setting, whether that is on campus, off campus, or physically, in writing or online.  Students should view themselves as a representative of the University in all settings; their behaviour reflects on themselves, the University and its wider community.

Beyond a student’s main time at the University, when somebody applies to be a student at the University, they’ll start to be provided with information about what behaviour the University might expect.  Therefore, good behaviour is expected during the application process e.g. honesty.  Similarly, the University may be able to take action where someone has graduated, such as where academic malpractice or research misconduct is suspected.

In putting together the processes around student discipline, the University takes account of guidance and developments from the Higher Education sector, and in particular the Office of the Independent Adjudicator and its Good Practice Framework. 

Section 2 of the Regulation sets out the definitions of misconduct, but often the behavioural issue that arises in a case is more specific than the general definition.  Below is a general split between academic malpractice and general misconduct, but you can find more information on types of behavioural issues on the Advice and Response website. 

Issues of academic malpractice with assessed work are not uncommon.  It is important for students to engage with the resources available to become familiar with this topic and to avoid academic malpractice being present (intentionally or unintentionally) in their work.  Students should ensure that they have read any rules relating to an assessment, including physical examinations, and know what is expected of them in the work. 

More recently, the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI), such as Chat GPT, has become more common across different settings; for assessments, unless advised differently, Gen AI needs to be referenced and identified in work, otherwise using it may be viewed as Plagiarism. 

Programmes will provide local messages, such as in lectures, handbooks and workshops, about academic malpractice.  However, students can find out more information:

• In the University’s Academic Malpractice Procedure
• In the Student Guidance Document or the Supporting Students Website.
• By reviewing the available courses on the Library’s My Learning Essentials website, as this not only has a course on academic malpractice, but also a range of study skills modules that students may find helpful.

Rather than risk committing academic malpractice, it is much better for a student to approach the University, such as their Academic Advisor or Supervisor, with any queries they may have and to notify the University of any personal circumstances that may be affecting them through the mitigating circumstances process.

If a student finds that they are struggling with their English language, then they can find the resources to support themselves through the University Centre for Academic English.

General misconduct are things that may happen during a person’s studies, but which may not be linked to an assessment.  The types of behaviour that this term covers are very broad so it is important to read the full Regulation.  General misconduct could be behaviour that concerns or affects the University, such as its immediate or wider community, including other students, its estate and resources, health and safety and reputation.  This could also extend into criminal matters. 

Examples may include:

• Directing inappropriate physical or verbal behaviour towards another individual.
• Bullying, harassment and other concerns of hate or offensiveness.
• Behaviour that leads to concerns being raised within the University community, such as noise complaints.
• Using IT or other University resources in an inappropriate way e.g. sharing log-in details, entering restricted areas without permission.
• Causing health and safety issues for anyone (including the student concerned) e.g. by smoking indoors, going on to the roof of a building, interfering with fire safety doors/equipment.
• Not ascertaining fully informed consent as part of sexual relations / activities.
• Breaching confidentiality.
• Submitting false information or evidence to the University e.g. in a request for mitigation.
• Not seeking ethical approval for research or adhering to good research practice.

Here are some important areas for students to know about include:

• Dignity at Work and Study and Report and Support
• University Guidance on Social Media for Students
• Understanding Consent in inter-personal relationships
• The University’s Harm Reduction approach in relation to use of drugs, alcohol and staying safe.
• Appropriate use of IT, see the Acceptable Use Policy