Understanding the Student Conduct Policy
Understand your responsibilities and rights and help to create a safe environment for everyone.
As a student member of our university community, you play an essential role in upholding the values that contribute to a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for everyone.
The Student Conduct Policy outlines what we expect from you in terms of behaviour, both in and out of class, and explain how we deal with any breaches of the policy.
You’ll find information here on:
- Getting advice
- Raising a concern about conduct
- What happens if your behaviour is investigated
Introducing the Student Conduct Policy to students
The University Student Conduct Policy helps us all to make sure every student can learn and grow in an environment that safe, supportive and inclusive.
It helps staff to apply disciplinary processes fairly, transparently and consistently whether they're exploring academic misconduct like plagiarism or disruptive behaviour.
The policy is based on eight principles.
Immediate safety and safeguarding for any student who's experienced harm.
Compassionate and appropriate support for all affected students.
Protecting dignity by recording and acknowledging experiences of harm.
Respect for the autonomy and informed choice of harmed students.
Ensuring fairness by hearing and respecting students being investigated.
Facilitating practical measures for restorative conflict resolution.
Making sure those who are found to have caused harm take accountability.
And ensuring outcomes include measures for education and community building.
To find out more about how we create a positive and welcoming community where every student can thrive, take a closer look at the Student Conduct Policy.
Read the Student Conduct Policy
We have two student guides to help you understand the process:
A Student’s Guide to Student Behavioural Conduct
A Student’s Guide to Student Academic Conduct
What is covered by the Policy?
The policy addresses a wide range of conduct issues to promote integrity, respect, and fairness across our university community. It applies to both on-campus and off-campus behaviour, starting from the moment you accept your place at the University. Here’s what it includes:
Academic Conduct
Academic conduct, or academic integrity, is a key part of your studies, and it is important to uphold honesty and fairness in your work. If you do not meet these academic standards in your work, this policy will be applied to address any issues.
Here are some examples of academic misconduct which would be considered under this policy (this is not an exhaustive list):
- Plagiarism - presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own;
- Self-plagiarism - submitting the same work that you have already submitted for another assessment when this is not permitted;
- Taking a copy of another student’s work without their permission;
- Falsifying data, evidence or experimental results;
- Collusion - working with someone else on an assessment which is intended to be your own work;
- Contract cheating - where someone completes work for you who then submits it as their own (including use of essay mills or buying work online);
- Arranging for someone else to impersonate you by sitting their examination;
- Cheating in examinations (or other formal assessments), including possession of unauthorised material or technology during an examination, and attempting to access unseen assessment materials in advance of an examination;
- Submitting fraudulent extenuating circumstances claims or falsifying evidence in support of extenuating circumstances claims (this may also be considered a non-academic disciplinary matter);
- Breaches of research and ethics policies - e.g. carrying out research without appropriate permission.
Cases of academic misconduct are initially investigated by your academic school. We understand that not all academic misconduct is intentional; you may accidentally commit it due to not fully understanding academic integrity. If this happens, your academic school will provide guidance and support, and this will be reflected in the level of sanctions applied.
If intentional misconduct is found, or if there are repeated issues, then your case may be escalated to a misconduct panel for review.
Behavioural Misconduct
Behavioural Misconduct is behaviour that could be reasonably perceived to cause upset, distress or harm to another person or an organisation.
Here are some examples of unacceptable behaviour, (this is not an exhaustive list):
- Antisocial behaviour;
- Inappropriate, abusive or threatening behaviour, including on social media;
- Compromising the safety of and/or wellbeing of staff, other students, or visitors;
- Sexual misconduct;
- Violence, harassment and hate crimes;
- Behaviour likely to bring the provider into disrepute, such as disruptive behaviour in the community;
- Internet access abuse, such as visiting inappropriate websites, uploading/ downloading inappropriate content, propagation of computer viruses;
- Disruptive behaviour on the provider’s premises, such as setting off fire alarms or obstructing access to buildings or rooms;
- Damage to the provider’s property or abuse of its facilities;
- Causing a health or safety concern;
- Relying on forged, falsified or fraudulent documentation, and other forms of deception that are intended to gain an advantage, for example submitting fraudulent extenuating circumstances claims or falsifying evidence in support of extenuating circumstances claims (the last may also be considered an academic disciplinary matter);
- Other behaviour which may also constitute a criminal offence.
Your academic school initially investigates behavioural misconduct cases. We recognise that many issues can be resolved using an informal and restorative approach, and we will seek an early resolution where this is appropriate and agreed by those involved. The University will also provide those involved with guidance and support.
If it is determined that you have deliberately behaved inappropriately and the issue cannot be resolved informally, or if the usual penalties for this kind of behaviour are not suitable, or if you have committed misconduct more than once, your case may be referred to an escalation panel for further review.
What is not covered by the Policy?
If you have a concern about the conduct of a member of staff, you should make a student complaint instead of submitting a conduct complaint.
If you are affected by behavioural misconduct during your studies, but the person causing the concern is not a member of the University community, the University cannot use the Student Conduct Policy, but can still offer you support (see below).
Reporting an incident to the University
We take all forms of misconduct seriously, including bullying, harassment, discrimination, violence, and sexual misconduct, and to make sure every report is handled carefully and by the right person, we’ve created a simple way for you to speak up.
Tell us through Report + Support. Report + Support is here for you, whether you’ve experienced something yourself or want to report on behalf of someone else. If you want the University to take action under the Student Conduct Policy, you should choose the option to make an informal report requesting contact from an advisor.
You can also report an incident to any member of staff or to the Students’ Union and ask them to take action under the Student Conduct Policy. Anyone, whether a member of the University community or not, may raise a concern to the University.
Supporting you
We are committed to supporting both the reporting party and the reported party equally throughout the process. We understand that these situations can be challenging for everyone involved, and we are here to ensure that all parties are treated with care and respect and receive fair treatment, guidance and support.
- For the Reporting Party: We offer confidential advice and resources to help you navigate the reporting process. Staff will listen to your concerns and provide you with guidance through the process, ensuring your voice is heard.
- For the Reported Party: If you have been named in a report, we will offer you the same level of support. You will be treated with fairness, and we will provide information on the process, your rights, and access to support services to ensure you have a chance to respond fully and openly.
Our goal is to create a balanced, respectful approach where both sides are supported, and the process is handled with care and dignity.
Our Student Engagement Officers (specific to your Faculty) and the Student Life team (studentlife@port.ac.uk) are also available to provide practical and emotional support throughout the student conduct process and can refer and signpost you to other internal and external support services. The Student Life team are trained Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs), meaning that they have specialist training to enable them to support students who have experienced sexual misconduct.
We recognise students may need specific support to be able to have a fair hearing due to aspects of their identity. We are committed to supporting all students to engage with the Student Conduct Policy and can signpost to additional sources of support where relevant to their individual needs.
What happens when a concern is raised?
When a concern is raised, whether related to academic misconduct or behavioural issues, we follow a clear and structured process to ensure fair and thorough handling of the situation.
Here’s an overview of the steps involved:
We believe many issues can be resolved quickly and informally at an early stage (usually within 10 to 20 working days).
Early Resolution is the first step, where we aim to address concerns through open communication and understanding, with a focus on education and resolution. Outcomes may include:
- Warnings about unacceptable conduct
- Training in areas like academic integrity or conflict resolution.
- Mediation or apologies between parties.
- Academic penalties like a reduction in the mark for an assessment (for academic misconduct only)
If Early Resolution is not possible, or the situation is more serious, the next step is an investigation (which is usually completed within 20 working days).
During this phase, an independent investigator will gather evidence, including statements from both parties and any relevant witnesses. Both sides will have an opportunity to share their perspectives, and the investigation will be conducted fairly, with respect for everyone’s rights. Outcomes may include:
- Formal warnings
- Academic penalties like a reduction in the mark for an assessment (for academic misconduct only)
- Restrictions to specific university services
- A requirement to agree to a behavioural contract
The Investigation phase determines whether there is a case to be heard, and if it is more serious, it will be referred to a formal review panel. Otherwise, the case will be decided at this stage and the outcome communicated to those involved.
For the most serious or repeated offences, cases are referred to an Escalation Panel Hearing. The panel consists of independent University staff who will carefully review all the information from the investigation stage and then make a decision on the appropriate outcome, which may include:
- Suspension or exclusion from the university.
- Exclusion from accessing specific university premises and services.
If you've gone through a student conduct process, you can appeal the decision in two specific situations:
- You have clear evidence that the university made a material error or didn't follow its procedures when making the decision.
- There were personal circumstances that prevented you from fully participating in the process, and you had a valid reason for not disclosing these circumstances earlier.
If your appeal doesn't fit these reasons, the University will likely treat it as a complaint instead.
Throughout this entire process, both the reporting and reported parties will be supported equally, with access to advice, and any necessary resources to ensure a fair and transparent outcome.
Safeguarding measures
The safety and well-being of all students is our top priority. In some situations, we may need to take immediate safeguarding measures to protect everyone involved while the process is ongoing. These measures are not about assigning blame but ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all parties:
Examples of safeguarding measures include:
- Temporary adjustments: Changes to schedules, class attendance, or living arrangements to minimise contact between the parties
- No-Contact Agreement: A formal agreement to prevent communications and contact between the reporting and reported parties
- Interim Suspension: In some circumstances, it may be necessary for a temporary suspension to be put in place to ensure safety, pending the outcome of the investigation and review panel.
These steps, and similar ones, are taken to ensure that both the reporting and reported parties feel safe and supported throughout the process. Safeguarding measures are applied fairly and reviewed regularly as the case progresses.
In an emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. If you are able, try to find a safe location and someone nearby who may be able to assist you.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need urgent medical or emotional support, please see our Urgent support page.
Additional Resource Links
You will find here some useful related links to University policies and guides
Report and Support
Everyone has the right to feel safe and welcome at the University. Here, you can report any incident of socially unacceptable behaviour so that we can identify common issues and offer support.
Student charter and graduate hallmarks
Read the principles that shape the great student experience we deliver
Research Misconduct Procedure
The University's Procedure for the Investigation of Allegations of Misconduct in Research
Academic appeals
If you feel unhappy with the University's exam process, here's how to lodge an appeal and request a review of a mark
Student complaints
If you have concerns about your experience as a student at the University, here’s how to make a complaint
Sexual Misconduct Procedure
This document sets out how the University will respond to incidents of Sexual Misconduct, where the reporting victim/survivor is a University of Portsmouth student.
