How should universities handle cases of student misconduct? While universities cannot make decisions about whether a criminal offence has been committed, they can judge whether there has been a breach of their own code of conduct.
This guidance, building on a UUK and Pinsent Mason publication from 2016, sets out principles and practical case studies to help navigate these judgements.
This guidance was written by Nicola Bradfield, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor at Coventry University, with support from a Universities UK working group made up of representatives from Pinsent Masons and colleagues from several universities.
All cases will be different (including in the type of misconduct involved, the courses being studied, the reporting routes taken and the action taken by the police) and so will need to be assessed and responded to individually.
However, eight areas of practical advice have been produced on how the guidance may be applied in certain situations.
