Non-Academic Misconduct

BEHAVIOURAL DISCIPLINE

Most students complete their studies without encountering misconduct or disciplinary procedures. However, if you are subject to a University investigation, the process can feel formal and stressful. The guidance below outlines what to expect.

At Durham University, behavioural discipline refers to the procedures set out in General Regulation IV (Discipline and Academic Misconduct) that address allegations of non-academic misconduct. This includes behaviour that breaches University regulations or community standards, such as conduct affecting safety, wellbeing, property, or the orderly functioning of the University. It is separate from academic misconduct processes. More details can be found here: Durham University Regulations.

Where concerns arise, the University conducts an investigation to establish the facts and determine whether a breach has occurred. Students are given the opportunity to respond before any decision is made, and procedures are intended to ensure fairness and proportionality.

WHAT CAN I BE DISCIPLINED FOR?

WHO CAN I SPEAK TO?

There are several sources of support available if you are going through the disciplinary process.

Your College Support Team can provide procedural guidance, even where the matter is being handled within your college. A member of college staff will normally be appointed to offer pastoral support.

You may also access the University Counselling Service if the situation is causing distress or affecting your wellbeing. More information is available here: Durham Counselling and Mental Health Services.

For more pastoral support information about chaplaincy support can be accessed here: Chaplaincy. 

Independent advice and advocacy are available through the Students’ Union Advice Service. To access this support, you can submit a ticket and a member of the team will respond to guide you through the process.

In more serious cases, students may wish to seek independent legal advice. This can be from sources like Citizens Advice (Citizens Advice) However, legal representatives are not permitted to attend misconduct meetings.

WHAT HAPPENS THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS?

Although each case of student misconduct is considered individually, there are common stages in the disciplinary process.

You will usually be notified of an investigation either through a letter or an invitation to attend a meeting. This initial communication should outline the nature of the concern so that you can prepare appropriately.

You have the right to be accompanied at any meeting by a member of the University community or a representative from the Students’ Union.

If invited to a meeting, you should be prepared to explain your actions and outline any mitigating circumstances that may have influenced your behaviour. This is also an opportunity to acknowledge responsibility, where appropriate, and to highlight any constructive steps you have taken since the incident.

The University categorises misconduct into different classifications, and the procedure followed will depend on the category applied to your case. These classifications and associated processes are set out in the University’s Code of Practice on Student Behaviour in Appeals and Complaints - Durham University Regulations.

WHAT WILL MY SANCTIONS BE?

The outcome will depend on whether the misconduct is classified as major or non-major. Any sanction imposed is intended to be fair and proportionate to the circumstances of the case, and may range from a formal warning or requirement to issue an apology, through to suspension or expulsion in the most serious cases.

WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH MY SANCTIONS?

If you have completed the disciplinary process and are dissatisfied with the outcome, you have the right to appeal. Independent advice is available from the Students’ Union, which can be accessed by submitting a ticket.

Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of receiving the decision, and the procedure varies depending on whether the case was classified as major or non-major misconduct.