If you are suspected of not abiding by the rules and regulations of the University related to conduct and discipline, disciplinary measures may be taken. You can see a full list of the types of misconduct here, but some examples include:
- Smoking/e-smoking on University premises, other than in designated smoking areas.
- Antisocial behaviour such as excessively noisy social gatherings
- Taking/Stealing property belonging to another person without permission.
- Consumption of and/or possession of illegal substances on University premises or within Halls of Residence
- Bullying or harassment
The MDXSU Advice service can help you with disciplinary hearings by explaining the Student Conduct and Discipline processes, advising on how to put together a statement for your investigatory/disciplinary hearing, advising what evidence will be required, and accompanying you to meetings with the University. You can contact us at studentadvice@mdx.ac.uk or by calling 020 8411 6450.
The Disciplinary Process
Stage 1: Early Resolution
If concerns about your behaviour arise in the day-to-day running of the University, they should be resolved at a local level by a member of staff or a contractor.
If your conduct appears to be actually or potentially serious, the matter may be reported to the attention of the Director of Student Affairs or referred through the Care and Concern procedure. Depending on the nature of the concern, the DoA will decide whether you should be excluded or suspended pending the investigation - you can request a review of the decision of exclusion or suspension at any stage by contacting the DoA.
Stage 2: Investigation
Short-extension At this stage, the Director of Student Affairs gathers information and evidence regarding the alleged misconduct. The evidence could be:
- Statements from other parties
- Reports (e.g. Halls of Residence/Security)
- CCTV footage
- Emails, text messages, messaging on social media
You may also be invited to an investigatory meeting, where you will be asked questions regarding the alleged misconduct. The possible outcome of the meeting are:
- To take no further action
- To issue a written warning
- To order restitution of the damage or loss (e.g. a fine)
- To exclude or suspend the student
- To set up a disciplinary panel
Stage 3: Disciplinary Panel
You will be required to discuss the allegations against you in front of a panel made up of stakeholders with the suitable expertise to consider your case fairly, impartially and carefully. As well as the panel asking you questions, you will also be given a chance to present your version of events and comment on the evidence against you.
You are entitled to be accompanied by a student or staff member of the University, or a Students’ Union Representative. If you would like someone else to come with you, you will need an express permission by the Chair of the panel, obtained not less than 24 hours prior to the meeting. Legal representation is normally not permitted. If you do not want to attend your panel, you have the right to provide representation in the form of a written statement, and the Panel will meet in your absence.
The possible outcomes of the disciplinary hearing are:
- To take no further action
- To issue a written warning
- To order a restitution of the damage or loss (e.g. a fine)
- To exclude or suspend the student
- To expel the student
Stage 4: Appeal
If you are not satisfied with the Panel’s outcome, you have the right to appeal to the Vice-Chancellor or nominee within 10 working days. The grounds you can appeal on are the following:
- You are aggrieved by the verdict made by the disciplinary panel
- You are aggrieved by the decision to suspend or exclude
- You are aggrieved by an order to restore the damage or loss
The decision of the Vice-Chancellor or nominee should be final.
OIA
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your appeal to the Vice-Chancellor, an further external appeal can be made in writing to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator within one year of you receiving a notification that the internal processes were complete. For more information on the OIA process, please visit the OIA’s website.
