Student Disciplinary Procedure
The Student Disciplinary Procedure applies from 01 September, 2024.
Allegations of misconduct should be reported to studentdiscipline@reading.ac.uk
The University is committed to conducting a fair and transparent process when considering student disciplinary issues and will act fairly and reasonably towards all parties in the implementation of this Procedure. All allegations will be handled sensitively and with due regard to confidentially. If a matter investigated under this Procedure raises concerns about the welfare of an individual, University staff may refer their concerns to the Student Welfare Team and/or any other appropriate professionals.
The Regulations for Student Conduct sit alongside this Procedure and set out the required standards of behaviour for students.
When does this Procedure apply:
- The University may investigate and take disciplinary action in response to any allegations of misconduct that occur either on University owned or operated premises and facilities and during any University related activities, including those that occur away from the University.
- This will apply to allegations of misconduct, whenever they occur, including during weekends and evenings, and outside of academic semesters.
- It also includes conduct using online, social and digital media or in a social setting or in the wider community.
- This Procedure does not apply to cases of Academic Misconduct which are considered under a separate process.
Levels of misconduct dealt with under the Procedure:
Where appropriate, the University will attempt to resolve disciplinary matters informally and a matter may be referred to an appropriate School or Directorate for resolution. This is not possible for all cases and in these cases the University may then commence investigation under this Procedure.
All allegations of breaches of the University’s Codes of Conduct under the Procedure will be categorised as either ‘Level 1 Misconduct’ or ‘Level 2 Misconduct’. When an allegation is raised, an investigator will investigate the matter and talk to any witnesses as appropriate.
- For Level 1 Misconduct: The investigating member of staff will decide on an appropriate course of action which may include being issued a fixed penalty, written warning or suspension from University or RSU premises.
- For Level 2 Misconduct: This will involve the most serious allegations of misconduct, which either do or have the potential to seriously affect or damage the University, its reputation or its staff and students, visitors or other third parties.
- Consideration and possible sanctions will be determined by the Student Disciplinary Committee who will decide on an appropriate sanction which could include suspension or removal from the University.
All decisions will be made on “the balance of probabilities”, meaning that based on the evidence, the decision maker(s) reasonably consider that it is more likely than not that the alleged misconduct took place.
Appeals:
Students can appeal a disciplinary decision reached under this Procedure, which should be submitted in writing (providing full grounds of appeal and including any supporting evidence) to studentappeals@reading.ac.uk within 10 working days of the date they were notified of the outcome.
Support:
- We strongly encourage all Students to access the Reading Students' Union Advice Service if involved in a disciplinary matter under this Procedure.
- Students can be accompanied to meetings by a Representative, as defined in the Procedure.
- As formal processes can cause stress and worry, students are encouraged to speak to the Student Welfare Team who can offer their support.
- Students are encouraged to make use of online support functions, leaflets, workbooks and the 24-hour support line service.
- Full details on the support available to students during the Procedure are in Appendix E of the document.
Guidance:
The following resources provide more information and guidance on this Procedure: