Help CentreWhat is Disciplinary action?
Disciplinary action may be taken against you if there is a complaint from anyone from within or outside the University community that you have committed misconduct. Disciplinary action may still take place if you are on interrupted studies. For further details please see section 3 Student Disciplinary Procedure in the Handbook of Student Regulations.
I have been asked to attend a Stage 1 (Informal) meeting?
The University may investigate and take action for persistent or serious behaviour of students. This means that the University may wish to talk to you about your conduct or behaviour if there is a complaint about you from another person within or outside of the University. As part of the investigation, you may be asked to attend a meeting to discuss the matter in more detail. This is referred to as a Stage 1 (Informal) meeting. The purpose of a Stage 1 is to discuss the issues of concern with you and to see if they can be dealt with locally, for example without the need for further action. Issues involving student behaviour in the community may be initially dealt with by a nominated member of staff in Accommodation Services. During the meeting, you should be given the opportunity to explain yourself, be able to ask and answer questions. Depending on the seriousness of the case, the matter may be referred to the Disciplinary Officer to consider whether a Stage Two (Formal) Misconduct Panel hearing should take place to investigate the case. The University may also decide to proceed directly to a Stage Two Disciplinary panel for serious misconduct
Can I take someone with me to my Stage 1 (Informal) Meeting?
Yes, you can be accompanied by a 'friend' to your meeting. A 'friend' is defined as a member of the University community, such as a fellow student, University staff or the Students' Union. Please see Appendix A in the Handbook of Student Regulations. We also have a team of trained Student Advice Volunteers to attend Stage 1 meetings. If you would like one of our volunteers to attend with you, please email su.advice@northumbria.ac.uk and we can check to see if one is available.
What could happen after my Stage 1 (Informal) Meeting?
Following your Stage 1 meeting it could be decided that no further action is required. You may be given guidance and referred to any support services at this stage if appropriate. If an oral warning is given to you then it may be recorded on your student file. This record may be taken into consideration if there are any further disciplinary issues. Depending on the seriousness of the issues, your case may be referred to the Disciplinary Officer to consider whether a Stage 2 (Formal) panel should take place to investigate the matter
What is a Stage 2 (Formal) meeting?
A Stage 2 (Formal) meeting will be referred as 'panel' or 'hearing'. This is a formal hearing to discuss the issues of concern. You should receive a letter inviting you to attend this panel with a specified date, time and location.
What happens at a Stage 2 (Formal) Disciplinary Panel?
A Stage 2 (Formal) Disciplinary Panel is chaired by a nominated member of staff from a Faculty or University Service, for example, a Head of Department, a Manager in Accommodation Services or their nominee. The purpose of a Disciplinary Panel is to decide whether you have committed misconduct and if so, the seriousness of the misconduct.
There will be at least one other person on the panel. These additional panellists will be members of University staff who are not involved in your programme or have been part of the Stage 1 process. There will be a further member of Northumbria staff present and they will be presenting the case to the panel. Please note this staff member is not part of the panel and will not be part of the decision making. This person is referred to as the, 'Presenting Officer' and may have been involved in investigating your case at Stage One, for example, a Residence Manager or member of staff in an academic department or university service.
A date has been set for my Stage 1 (Formal) Disciplinary Panel, are there any timescales and deadlines from this point?
A student will normally be given at least 10 working days' notice of the date and time of the Hearing. You should also be provided;
· Statement of Case (details of why the University are taking you to a disciplinary) and
· All the supporting evidence.
· Details of the panel membership
· Told about your right to be accompanied by a 'Friend'
Within 2 working days' of receiving this notice you will need to;
· Supply names of any witnesses you intend to use
· If there is a conflict of interest for any of the staff members on the panel
Within 2 working days' before your hearing you would need to;
· Submit your written submission
You should also be told the hearing can go ahead without your present. For full details on Hearing Procedures please see Appendix E in the Handbook of Student Regulations.
What to expect on the day of your Stage 2 (Formal) Disciplinary Panel?
The Chair will explain how the meeting will proceed.
• Introductions will take place
• University will present their case
• Questions from panel to staff member presenting the case
• Question from you to staff member presenting the case
• You will then present your case
• Questions from the panel to you
• Questions from the staff member (presenting the case) to you
• Final words from the staff member presenting the case
• Final words from you
• Close of meeting
You will then be asked to leave the room, including the staff member presenting the case whilst the panel makes their decision. Decision can be decided on the day or sent to you in writing within 5 working days
Can I take someone with me to my Stage 2 (Formal) Disciplinary Panel?
Yes, you can be accompanied by a 'friend' to your meeting. A 'friend' is defined as a member of the University community, such as a fellow student, University staff or the Students' Union. If you would like someone to attend with you, please email su.advice@northumbria.ac.uk and we can check to see if one is available.
Preparing for a Stage 2 (Formal) Disciplinary Panel?
We strongly advise that the best preparation is to write a statement that politely and professionally explains your point of view on the concerns, which the University has raised, and explains your involvement in this incident being discussed. If you choose to have a representative from the Students' Union, you can send us your statement and we will be happy to provide some advice to help you present your case in the best way possible. Naturally, most students find themselves a little bit nervous on the day. Having prepared a statement can be useful in act as a guide to make sure you cover everything you want if this happens. If you do decide to write a statement, we advise that you;
• clearly and honestly explain your role in the events being considered
• make the University aware of any extenuating personal circumstances you were going through
• highlight any strategies you are taking to make sure that similar incidents do not happen in future
• stick to facts as far as possible and be honest – panels tend to appreciate honesty and value students showing that they have reflected on their actions
When will I get the decision after I have attended my Stage 2 (Formal) Disciplinary Panel?
A decision is often made on the day and you will be told verbally after the panel have made their decision. This decision will be confirmed in writing and you should normally receive this within 10 working days. If a decision can't be made on the day, this will be sent to you in writing within 10 working days
What are the possible outcomes following my Stage Two (Formal) Disciplinary Panel?
It may be decided following your panel that no further action is to be taken. Alternatively, on the balance of probabilities, if it is decided that misconduct has occurred, a range of sanctions can be used. For further details of these sanctions can be found in 'Section 3 Student Disciplinary Procedures', sub-section 3.6.6 Handbook of Student Regulations.
Can I appeal the outcome of my Stage 2 (Formal) Disciplinary Panel?
Yes, if you dissatisfied with the outcome following your hearing you may want to consider submitting a Stage 3 Request for Review. Further information can be found here:
What is the OIA?
Further information can be found on our OIA page
The Advice Team are here to help you with your case. For personalised advice or to ask further questions please email su.advice@northumbria.ac.uk