It is acknowledged that both reporting, and responding to, a behavioural issue can present welfare challenges for an individual and these challenges may be heightened if individuals have support needs. Though the disciplinary process is arranged for a set purpose and is not there to actively support individuals outside of that purpose, the University wants the process to embed empathy and understanding, allowing students a place to highlight any support-related matters which can be factored into a case and ensure good links to appropriate sources to support.
Throughout any stage of the disciplinary process support can be sought from:
- Mental Health Support Team – this service can provide confidential support for students who are struggling with their mental health.
- Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS) – where an individual identifies during the disciplinary process that they are registered with DASS, they can request reasonable adjustments to the process. Commonly, these might to allow for a longer notice period, breaks during hearings etc. If a potential disability is identified and a student is not registered with DASS, a referral to DASS will be offered to the student.
- Local welfare – taught students have access to local welfare teams in their Schools, Academic Advisors and they can request mitigation through the mitigating circumstances process. Research students have access to local welfare teams in their Faculties, Supervisors and they can alert their Faculty to circumstances through the Change of Circumstances for Postgraduate Research Students Policy.
- Residential Life (ResLife) - students living in halls of residence with have a ResLife Advisor allocated to their accommodation who they can speak to about welfare issues.
- Students’ Union Advice Service – this is a free, confidential service, independent of the University. The Advice Service can provide assistance on a range of matters and in terms of discipline they can help explain the process, review statements and in some cases attend meetings with students.
- Advice and Response Caseworkers – where students have reported a concern linked to gender-based violence, hate or a safeguarding matter, they can have access to an allocated Caseworker for emotional and practical support. Similarly, students who may be subject to an allegation in these areas are also entitled to have their own Caseworker to receive a parity of support.
During the disciplinary process (whether an investigation or hearing) a student will be entitled to be accompanied to a meeting by a Supporter. The disciplinary procedures identify a Supporter as a member of staff at the University, another student at the University or an individual from the Student’s Union. More information on this role is available in the Student Supporter Guidance.
