DISCIPLINARIES
Overview Whilst at LJMU, students are expected to abide by the student code of behaviour. This is a set of standards regarding personal and professional behaviour. If you are perceived to have broken the code of contact, you may face action through the disciplinary process. The University will not condone or tolerate behaviour which may adversely affect the good standing of the University, its students, staff and the wider community. The Student Code of Behaviour & Disciplinary Procedures and it covers behaviour in halls, on field trips, during placements or any other activity associated with your being a student here. It s important to be aware of the potential consequences of inappropriate behaviour Allegations of misconduct should, wherever possible, be dealt with informally by discussion between the student(s) and the relevant staff concerned. The formal procedure should be invoked where informal action has failed to address the matter or where the allegation is of such a serious nature that informal action would not be appropriate. If, after investigation, it is found that a student has breached the University Code of Conduct there is a range of sanctions that can be applied by the University, including expulsion. You should feel free to contact the Advice Service at any stage of the process, although our Advisors can generally be of more help if they are involved sooner rather than later. We can assist in putting statements together; gathering evidence and can accompany you to any meetings that take place. If you are facing allegations that might lead to disciplinary action we strongly recommend that you take an Advisor with you to meetings. You can find the regulations and more details on the LJMU website, here http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/corporate/68195.htm. Students should note that the University has an approved agreement with partner accommodation providers in relation to reporting incidents of student behaviour that is in breach of the LJMU Code of Behaviour. Where appropriate, the University may seek advice from the University Police Officer, University Health and Safety Advisers and/or any other appropriate staff, throughout the Student Disciplinary Procedures.
Frequently asked questions Can I be disciplined for failing a module? No. The disciplinary procedures are not used to address issues of academic failure. However, if accusations of Academic Misconduct are proven, you may also found to be in breach of the Student Code of behaviour, e.g. if you have used University property inappropriately. What kind of things are considered misconduct break the student Code of Behaviour? Common examples are anti-social behaviour, offensive language and behaviour and inappropriate dress. Serious breaches of the Code of Behaviour may constitute Gross Misconduct and may lead to more serious outcomes, including expulsion from the University. What is gross misconduct? The decision about what constitutes gross misconduct is determined by the University when they consider each case. Examples of what might constitute gross misconduct include: Violent/indecent/disorderly/threatening/offensive behaviour or language Bullying and harassment of students or staff Action that causes or may cause injury to others Theft or damage to University property Misuse of unauthorised use of University premises, including computers Criminal offences that affect the interest of the University or offences that impact upon the professional requirements of the programme of study Failure to disclose criminal convictions incurred prior to study and during study. Fraud, bribery, deceit or deception in relation to the University (this list is not exhaustive) I am studying to be a social worker and have received a formal warning after a disciplinary; will the University tell my professional body for social work? Yes they will; the outcome of disciplinary procedures are reported to the relevant Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies.
I m really worried about the meeting; can I take someone with me? Yes, you are entitled to be accompanied to meetings. Who you take with you is up to you it could be friend, family member or an adviser from the Student Union, (it shouldn t be anyone that is involved with the alleged incident). Whoever you take with you will be there for support and won t be able to speak on your behalf, but if you choose to take an Student Union adviser, we can make sure that the meeting is run correctly, and support you in putting your case across. Someone on my course is saying upsetting things about me but I don t want them to know that I ve put in a complaint about them can I do it anonymously? The University will not normally accept anonymous complaints regarding students, unless they have serious concerns for health and safety of students, staff and the general public. If you make a complaint, your statement and evidence will usually be shown to the student who the allegation is against. I ve received a warning, is that the end of proceedings? Where appropriate the outcome of disciplinary proceedings may be referred to other LJMU procedures, such as the University Criminal Convictions Procedures or Fitness to Practise or Fitness to Study Procedures. Everyone in my flat has been accused of breaking the student code of behaviour. Will we all be disciplined together? Where there is more than one student against whom the allegations are made, the University will determine, according to the particular circumstances of the case, whether you ll be required to attend any meeting or hearing under this procedure separately or as a group.
No Further Action Refer to Other LJMU Procedures Student Counselled regarding Code of Behaviour Initial Assessment, includes consideration of suspension, an initial investigation, document collation and preliminary meetings. Mediation Decision to use Formal Disciplinary Procedures Formal Meeting Refer for further investigation Formal Investigation Procedure Decision to be taken on next stage Student Disciplinary Meeting Student Disciplinary Hearing No Sanction Sanction Sanction No Sanction Disciplinary Appeal Panel Hearing or Expulsion Appeal Panel Appeal Not Upheld Sanction/Findings Remain Appeal Upheld/ Upheld in part Decision to remove/ amend sanction, amend findings, etc
This guidance was true at the time of publication. It is your responsibility to be aware of the formal academic framework and procedures. You can access them here: http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/corporate/spr/index.htm