Student Misconduct (Academic & Non-Academic) and Fitness to Practise
Student conduct is governed by Senate Regulation 6 - Student Conduct (Academic and Non-Academic).
Fitness to Practise is governed by Senate Regulation 14 - Fitness to Practise.
Student Misconduct
The University’s regulations on misconduct apply to all students registered with the University or registered for a qualification offered by the University, irrespective of their mode or place of study, and to graduates. Concerns about a student’s academic conduct are dealt with through the Academic Misconduct Procedure; concerns about a student’s non-academic conduct are dealt with through the Student Disciplinary Procedure. A range of sanctions is available where allegations are proven.
The University has rules relating to student conduct, whether academic or non-academic. Ways in which these rules may be breached are shown in Senate Regulation 6. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Plagiarism
- Cheating
- Contract Cheating
- Collusion
- Research Misconduct - whether UG, PG or PGR
- Falsification
- Fighting
- Disorderly or Anti-Social Behaviour
- Possession, or Dealing, of Drugs etc.
The University publishes guidance for staff and guidance for students on contract cheating and takes a hard-line where there is evidence contract cheating has taken place.
If the University thinks you have breached the regulation, an investigation into your conduct is likely to commence. The University has a range of penalties available if a student is found to have breached the regulations. Indicative penalties are shown in Appendix A of the Academic Misconduct Procedure and Appendix A of the Student Disciplinary Procedure.
In exceptional cases, where the University considers there may be cause to consider the revocation of an award or distinction that has already been conferred (whether or not the person upon whom it has been conferred is a current or former student), action may be taken under Senate Regulation 13 - Revocation of degrees and other awards and other distinctions.
The University's Student Code of Conduct and Brunel Community Pledge set out the ways in which the University expects its students to behave and conduct themselves whilst at Brunel to ensure that we can keep the community a safe and secure place for all of its members. A breach of the behaviour set out in the Code of Conduct may constitute an act of non-academic misconduct. Watch this short video created by Media students Sophie Long and Ralph Clarence Bersamin to find out more.
Fitness to Practise
Certain programmes which lead to professional qualifications require students to demonstrate appropriate behaviours which indicate that they are suitable to practice in a particular profession. Students on such programmes are normally required to adhere to a code of practice or standards. Such programmes include social work, nursing and teaching. You will be advised if this applies to your programme of study. A list of relevant programmes is also shown in Appendix 2 of the Fitness to Practise procedure which sets out the way in which such cases are handled.
Failure to maintain appropriate standards may result in your fitness to practise being brought into question. If you are found to be unsuitable you may be required to withdraw from your programme of study. The University reserves the right to inform the professional body in such circumstances.
Appealing a decision made under SR6 or SR14
Details of the appeal process are shown in the following procedures available here: Senate Regulations
A student is entitled to submit a request to appeal on one occasion only against a decision made under SR6 or SR14 by:
- The Vice Chancellor’s Representative (Academic or Non-Academic)
- The Academic Misconduct Panel or Disciplinary Panel
- The Professional Suitability Panel
- The Vice Chancellor (or their delegate) to temporarily suspend and or/exclude
- The Head of Department (as per paragraph 33 of the Professional Suitability Procedure)
Students wishing to appeal should complete a form setting out the grounds for the appeal (see the appropriate procedure document), as follows:
You are strongly advised to seek the advice of the Union Advice Service before submitting a request to appeal.
If you require further information for academic misconduct please email: conduct@brunel.ac.uk and for non-academic misconduct please email: investigating.officer@brunel.ac.uk.