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Non-Academic Discipline

UEA has a disciplinary process that is used where allegations of misconduct are made against a student. In this guide, we use the term “misconduct” to mean breaches of university regulations - usually General Regulation 10. The university will consider misconduct that has been alleged to have happened both on campus (including in UEA accommodation) and off-campus.

The non-academic discipline procedure can be found on the UEA website.

Types of behaviour

The full General Regulations for Students can be found on the UEA website.

Some examples of behaviour that can be addressed in the non-academic discipline process:

  • Smoking in UEA accommodation
  • Antisocial behaviour such as excessively noisy social gatherings
  • Theft of or damage to university or other students’ property
  • Breach of copyright and intellectual property law
  • Possession or supply of controlled substances
  • Bullying and harassment
  • Physical or Sexual assault

Allegations of academic misconduct (for example plagiarism, collusion, and cheating in exams) are dealt with under different processes (for example, plagiarism and collusion and conduct in exams)

If the allegation made is something which might be a criminal offence, the UEA has the discretion to postpone taking action or to deal the case using internal procedures immediately. This decision will be made after an assessment of risk to others, the risk of interfering with criminal investigation or of jeopardising a student’s defence or prosecution.

What happens when an incident is reported?

Any incidents of student behaviour that may constitute a breach of the General Regulations for Students (Regulations 1 -12 and 16) are referred to the Disciplinary Triage Group (DTG).

The DTG will decide whether the incident should be investigated formally, and outline any additional actions should be taken to support any students involved in that process.

Depending on the nature of the alleged breach, investigations can be carried out by:

  • The Head of Accommodation Services
  • The Student Sport operations Manager
  • The Student Misconduct Investigative Team

The DTG may also decide that the breach is so severe as to constitute an immediate referral to the Senate Student Discipline Committee (SSDC) – for more information, visit our page.

If you want to report something

If you have been impacted by the behaviour of another student, you can submit a report about what happened using the Report & Support platform please link “Report & Support” to this external webpage www.reportandsupport.uea.ac.uk

Submitting a report will not automatically trigger the non-academic discipline process, but will allow the Student Life team in Student Services to offer you support and explain the next steps.

You can find more information about what happens when you make a report at Report & Support.

If you’ve been accused of something

If you have been made aware of an accusation, or have received a letter inviting you to an investigation meeting, it’s important to stay calm and understand the circumstances before taking action.

A good place to start is reading the guidance on Report & Support.

Investigations

An investigation may include:

  • A meeting with anyone alleged to have been involved in the incident
  • Gathering additional information or evidence from any witnesses, reporters or UEA staff present during the incident
  • Gathering additional information from UEA records systems, or the Police (where relevant)
  • Considering any evidence submitted by anyone being investigated

Some incidents may be investigated without a formal meeting with the student alleged to have breached the General Regulations. This can include potential breaches of the university accommodation license where a lower-level outcome is appropriate – for instance, a written warning or requirement to undertake fire safety training when UEA Security bodycam footage shows a student refusing to evacuate during a fire alarm.

Investigation meetings

If a meeting is required during an investigation, an email with a written summons will be sent to the student(s) accused of a potential breach at least 5 working days before the date of the meeting.

The email will outline:

  • The alleged breach of regulations
  • The nature of the alleged breach
  • The date, time and location of the investigation meeting
  • What penalties could be imposed, including what penalty will be imposed if you don’t respond to the email
  • That the investigator can refer the case to the Senate Student Discipline Committee (SSDC)

You must respond to the summons within 2 working days. If you don’t, the Disciplinary Officer can make a decision based on the available information and evidence without considering your argument.

If you deny the allegations, or you admit the allegations but want an opportunity to speak to the investigator about any mitigating factors, you should confirm your attendance to the meeting, and give the name of anyone you are bringing with you as a companion.

Anyone who has no involvement with the alleged incidents can be your companion. An advice(su) advisor can help you prepare for the meeting and act as a companion, but you can also take a friend or relative. Your companion cannot answer questions on your behalf, and if they disrupt the meeting they can be asked to leave.

If you wish to attend the meeting but are unable to attend at the time and date given, you should explain why and request an alternative time. You should make every reasonable attempt to attend at the time given.

If you accept that the allegations are true, you can choose to accept the penalty outlined in the meeting summons (if detailed). You must respond to the email confirming this, but then do not have to attend the meeting.

Investigation outcome

The investigation pack, including any statements and evidence provided by you, will be reviewed by one of the University Disciplinary Officers who will decide on an outcome.

You will receive an email with the investigation outcome within 5 working days, which could include:

  • The decision and any imposed penalties (if a breach has been found)
  • A referral to the Senate Student Discipline Committee (SSDC)
  • A notification of the breach to your Head of School, Fitness to Practise lead or supervisor (where relevant)

The email will also explain your next steps if you would like to appeal the outcome.

Potential penalties

Penalties for a breach of the General Regulations for Students can vary significantly, depending on the nature of the breach, any mitigating circumstances and the experience of the student.

Penalties can include:

  • A written warning
  • Restrictions on guests in UEA Accommodation
  • A requirement to undertake relevant training
  • A notice to move / leave UEA Accommodation
  • A financial penalty
  • A requirement to undertake reparative or community service
  • A requirement to write a reflective essay
  • A written apology

It is not possible to list a definitive guide to all disciplinary penalties, but more information can be found on the UEA website.

How can advice(su) help?

If you have been asked to attend an investigative meeting, or would like to appeal the outcome of a non-academic disciplinary process, contact us for information and guidance about the next steps.