The student disciplinary process is used when UAL feel that a student has fallen short of the standard of behavior set out in the student conduct policy. We can support you if you are asked to a meeting to discuss your behavior, explaining the process and potential outcomes.
What are disciplinary issues?
All UAL students are expected to comply with the regulations on student conduct. If UAL believes that students have breached these regulations they may decide to hold a disciplinary hearing the establish the facts and to decide on an outcome.
We understand that finding yourself in this situation can be worrying, but we can support you throughout the process. We can help to explain how the process works, why this may have happened and what the outcome might be. We can also help you prepare for any hearings, suggest the best approach to take and what evidence might help you, ask questions to UAL (with your consent) and we can accompany you in the hearing (although we are only there in a supportive capacity and cannot represent you).
Quick facts about Student Disciplinary at UAL
I am suspected to have breached the disciplinary code. What do I do next?
Depending on what the complaint against you is regarding, you may be asked to leave campus for a short period until an investigation has taken place.
Average length of process
This can vary depending on what the potential breach of code and the complexity of the investigation to follow. The process usually takes up to 6 weeks.
Unsatisfied with the outcome?
You can appeal the decision, you'll find more information on this below.
Suspension, Investigation and Hearing
If a student is being disciplined, they are often asked to leave campus, at least for a short period of time. After this an investigation is carried out and a hearing will be held. Here is a timeline of the suspension, investigation and hearing. Each element is explained in more detail below.
| Suspension |
Investigation |
| Up to 3 days |
Initial suspension |
Investigation by manager who suspended student |
| After 3rd day |
Letter explaining suspension and for how long |
Report drawn up |
| 2 weeks+ |
If student hasn’t been to or heard from panel they can appeal suspension to Vice Chancellor |
Report presented to Chair |
| Up to 3 weeks after suspension |
Hearing |
Hearing within 3 weeks after investigation ends |
Suspension
Students can be suspended immediately in some circumstances. Initially, suspension can’t be for more than 3 working days.
Following this, the student must be sent a letter/email detailing why they have been suspended and for how long. A student can appeal, to the Vice Chancellor, a suspension lasting more than 2 weeks unless a disciplinary hearing has been held or the date is set.
The hearing should take place within 3 weeks of suspension.
Investigation
This is usually conducted by the academic staff member or manager who suspended student.
Quick remedy will be sought where possible. Potential outcomes at this stage include:
- Successful mediation between students, or students and staff
- Righting a wrong by paying for damage (but no fine)
- Apologising to those affected by inappropriate behaviour
- Agreement to certain standards of behaviour in the future
- Agreement to seek a medical assessment if appropriate
If a quick resolution can’t be found then a Disciplinary Panel will meet.
Disciplinary Panel Meeting
The disciplinary panel meeting takes place to consider the investigation report and ask any questions they might still have.
Hearing should occur no longer than 15 working days after the academic staff member or manager investigation concludes. The panel is made up of the following:
- PVC or Dean (not from students college)
- Senior member of central services staff (who usually Chairs the panel)
- SU Officer
Outcomes
One or more of the sanctions below may be applied by the panel:
- An apology may be required from the student to the member of staff or other student(s) involved in the original incident
- An oral warning to be recorded on the student’s file for a specified period
- A reprimand to be written on the student’s file
- A written warning and/or requirement to give a written undertaking as to future conduct
- Payment to be made for any loss or damage caused either fully or in part
- Withdrawal of registration for a period of up to 12 months
- Recommend expulsion to the Vice Chancellor.
Unsatisfied?
If you’re unsatisfied with the outcome of the panel you can appeal by writing to the University Secretary and Registrar no later than 10 days after the notice of the decision.
What can the Arts SU Advice Service do for me during the UAL Disciplinary process?
- Advise you on the process
- Help you structure what you will say during the investigation and help you prepare evidence
- Attend the student disciplinary panel meeting with you
- Guide you through the appeal if you don’t like the outcome