Code of conduct policy

The �׸��Ƭ is committed to fostering a community built on integrity, respect, and positive behaviour. Our Code of Conduct sets out the expectations that support this shared commitment. It reflects respect for the university community, the wider local community, each individual, our campus and facilities, and the environment. All students and staff are expected to understand these principles and uphold them throughout their time at the university.

Purpose

The �׸��Ƭ is fully committed to promoting the highest standards of conduct and behaviour across the whole community. Central to any strong community is the need for everyone to treat others with dignity, care and respect regardless of their background or characteristics.
The Code of Conduct (Code) is based upon respect for the university community, the wider local community, for individuals, the estate / property, and the environment. It is expected that all students are aware of it and abide by its principles.
This Code sets out the standards and behaviours expected of all students registered with the �׸��Ƭ and the action that will be taken where behaviour falls below these standards.
The university has a responsibility to investigate potential breaches of this Code and may result in action such as expulsion, suspension, restrictions, fines, and formal reprimands depending on the severity of the breach.
In some instances, it may be necessary for appropriate and proportionate action to be taken to protect students, staff and / or the university. In such instances it is expected that students, and those acting on their behalf, will act reasonably and fairly toward staff and treat university processes and procedures with respect.
In applying this Code, the university will always endeavour to act reasonably when dealing with potential breaches of this Code. It will seek to comply with all relevant legislation including that of promoting privacy, equity of opportunity and anti-discrimination.

Definition

For the purpose of this Code, the university’s definition of unacceptable behaviour and misconduct may include but is not necessarily limited to:

Behaviour(s) or the use of language (including oral, written or electronic) which is abusive, offensive, defamatory, distressing, aggressive, coercive, intimidating, unreasonably persistent, violent or disorderly.
Any form of sexual violence or harassment
Conduct which constitutes a criminal offence

Scope

This Code applies to all students from the point of registration at the �׸��Ƭ, including students who have interrupted their studies, those studying abroad, students undertaking work-based learning placements, and students who have completed their programme of study but are yet to graduate.

Students who are registered with a partner institution for a course that is approved by the university will be subject to the university’s procedures unless it has been agreed that partner institution’s policies and procedures should apply.

This Code applies to all students on apprenticeship programmes up to and including those at their Apprenticeship Assessment Phase of their apprenticeship.

This Code complements and should be read in conjunction with the .

This Code does not replace but serves to complement standards, regulations and / or professional conduct requirements for students registered on professional programmes which have their own professional standards or fitness to practise regulations.

Elected officers of the Students’ Union are expected to adhere to this Code in addition to any regulations required by the Students’ Union. During the period of office, the university will usually defer to the Students’ Union to take action in respect of any inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour.

This code does not cover academic integrity / misconduct which is dealt with through the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Academic Misconduct Procedure.

This Code does not cover staff conduct, any complaint regarding the conduct of a member of staff may be made through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Where individuals are both a student and an employee, this Code will apply in addition to the conduct requirements for employees.

This Code applies in relation to students’ conduct (which can be considered as engaging in abusive behaviours, bullying or harassment) on or off campus and in each of the following circumstances:

When participating as a student of the university in an activity or event that the university is involved with or has approved
As a student representing the university
When using any social media platform in a manner that reflects on the university
When a student’s behaviour adversely affects the reputation or interests of the university or of another member of the university community, e.g. another student or member of staff

Engagement with events and / or activities arranged by the Students’ Union or its societies, will usually be subject to that organisation’s procedures until, and unless agreed it is appropriate for the matter to be referred to the university.

Students residing in Campus Living Villages (CLV) will be subject to that organisation’s procedures until, and unless agreed it is appropriate for the matter to be referred to the university.

Where students are being investigated for a potential breach of the Code support will be offered as part of the process.

Expected standards of conduct

Good conduct is central to a strong, safe and connected community. At the �׸��Ƭ, this centres around students being aware of their own behaviour, knowing what is acceptable and taking responsibility for their own actions. Good conduct includes:

Acting responsibly towards members of the university and local community
Being honest, considerate and courteous towards others
Behaving in a respectful manner towards others so they do not feel they are being abused, bullied or harassed
Abiding by the law

All students are expected to understand and appreciate what behaviour is and is not acceptable at the university. It is important that students understand the potential impact their behaviour and the behaviour of others may have on individuals within the university community.

We encourage students to play an active role in creating and supporting an environment which is supportive, inclusive and respectful. If a student witnesses or experiences behaviour that falls short of these values, they are encouraged to to the university so we can listen, learn, and take appropriate action.

The university’s conduct procedures are not intended to replace criminal proceedings and if the allegation you have made may also constitute an offence under criminal law, you are expected to report the matter to the Police.

Students of the university are expected to behave according to the following standards:

Treat other people with respect, appreciating difference and including people of all backgrounds.
Ensure consent is obtained for any actions that may be performed towards another individual.
Treat other people with consideration and empathy and avoid actions which are likely to cause them distress or harm.
Respect other people’s physical and personal space, physical and intellectual property, and private information.
Respect our campus and our physical / intellectual property and confidential information.
Act in such a way as to keep yourself and others safe.
Comply with the university’s rules, regulations, policies, procedures and codes and act honestly, ethically, and in good faith.
Follow all relevant laws and regulations.
Act in such a way as to support and uphold the work, interests, and reputation of the university.

Behaviour which may fall short of the expected standards

The University acknowledges that people may act out of character in times of anxiety, distress or crisis. In some instances it may be deemed appropriate to follow the . Whilst the university will do all it can to support individuals in difficult circumstances, behaviour which is deemed to be unacceptable, verbal or written, will not be tolerated by the university.

Students are also expected to exhibit appropriate standards of behaviour when undertaking placements, work experience or any activity as part of a professionally accredited course. For specific information in relation to work experience, please refer to the Work Based Learning Policy.

Examples of unacceptable behaviours which may not meet the expected standards and hence breach the Code of Conduct are set out below. This is not an exhaustive list and more detailed information can be found in the university's Student Misconduct Procedure.

Examples include:

Performing actions to someone without their consent.
Sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual abuse or any conduct of a sexual nature without consent whether in person, online or via social media).
Using abusive, defamatory, violent, indecent, coercive, threatening, and / or offensive behaviour or language against someone (whether expressed orally, in writing or electronically) across all communication spaces including online platforms or via social media.
Victimising, discriminating, bullying or harassing anyone based on their age, disability, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, marriage or civil partnership or socio-economic background.
Damaging, defacing, stealing, trespassing on, or misusing university property, systems, or information, either deliberately or recklessly.
Behaving in a way that is likely to cause injury or impair safety to other students, staff, or members of the community on and off campus either deliberately or recklessly.
Theft of personal and/or private information; sharing personal and/or private information unnecessarily, particularly sensitive information.
Preventing someone from legally expressing views (particularly but not only) in accordance within the university’s Freedom of Speech Code of Practice.
Possession, supply, and / or the production of illegal drugs.
Behaviour which damages the reputation of the university e.g. inconsiderate or anti-social behaviour in the local community.
Theft, fraud, deceit, deception, and dishonesty.
Smoking and / or vaping in areas where it is inhibited.

All students are expected to abide by the university’s rules and procedures. Where students disregard or act dishonestly as part of their studies or research activities, they are deemed to have breached the Code. This includes but not limited to:

Trying to defraud the university
Failing to disclose information which the university may reasonably request
Obstructing staff or students in carrying out their legitimate activities as members of the university.

All students of the university are expected to act in such a way which does not damage the university’s reputation (this doesn’t affect your right to make fair and justified comment, criticism or protest) nor do anything which causes the university to breach its responsibilities under local or national laws or regulations.

Addressing concerns regarding student conduct

The university will review concerns expressed about the behaviour of a student and decide whether or not to take action. Action may be taken where it is necessary or appropriate to safeguard our students, staff, or other affected individuals or to ensure that our interests or those of our students and staff are protected.
Action will not be taken to resolve disputes between students unless there is sufficient evidence and it is deemed appropriate to do so under the Student Misconduct Procedure or Fitness to Practise Procedure (for those students who are registered on professionally regulation programmes).
The university has published separate regulations and policies which apply to all students, and which are listed under section 8 below.
Actions up to and including a list of the sanctions that we may impose is set out in each of the policies and regulations as listed below.
This Code informs the Student Misconduct Procedure. It is intended to serve as a guide for students as to what type of behaviour the university expects from them.
When considering what action to take against a student the university will consider the severity of the breach of this Code, impact on other students, staff, visitors and guests, and any previous incidents of misconduct.

Policy statements

Our procedures cannot, and do not seek to, replicate, or replace other external processes, such as criminal and civil legal action, and are not a substitute for other more appropriate routes of action.

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