When the University receives an allegation of serious misconduct, or where you are under investigation for a criminal offence, a risk assessment will be conducted. If the University decides one of the following conditions is satisfied you may be suspended from the University while the investigation is conducted:
(i) your continued presence compromises the reputation of the University;
(ii) there is a reasonable suspicion that you have been supplying illegal drugs;
(iii) there is a risk that you might harm others;
(iv) there is a risk that you might cause damage to property;
(v) there is a risk that your continued presence may inhibit a proper criminal or University investigation;
(vi) there is a risk that your continued presence may cause serious distress to other students or staff.
Suspensions can include being not permitted in a particular part of the University, a requirement to move out of Halls of Residence, or not being permitted onto campus at all. Suspensions are imposed by a senior member of staff. If suspension is being considered you will be allowed to make representations to the senior member of staff to explain why you feel you should not be suspended. Sometimes you might be suspended immediately. If this happens you still have 10 working days to make representation. If you are in this position you should seek advice from the Students’ Union Advice Centre
If a suspension is imposed you have the right to appeal it by contacting [email protected]
The appeal will be considered by the University Chief Operating Officer. Their decision is final but if at any point there is a change in your circumstances you can ask for the suspension to be reviewed.
If you are under police investigation, or awaiting a court case, the University will normally wait for this to be completed before referring you to a disciplinary panel. This is to avoid prejudicing any legal action. The legal process can be slow so you could therefore be suspended for a long time. You should seek advice from the Students Union Advice Centre.
If you are sent to prison your registration with the University will be cancelled with no right of appeal. If you ever want to return to the University you would need to apply in the normal way but your application would be subject to a risk assessment.