Student Conduct

1.1. The authority of Ulster University (“the University”) to investigate the conduct of, and where appropriate to take disciplinary action against, students derives from the powers and authority of the University’s Charter, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations.   This authority is underpinned by the approved Student Terms and Conditions entered into by each student and the University when a student accepts an offer to study at the University and is subsequently confirmed in writing by both parties upon registration.

1.2. All members of the University have a right to study and work in a safe, inclusive environment, where their rights are respected and balanced with their independence and freedom.

1.3. In this context, students, in line with the Student Charter, are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner which demonstrates respect for themselves, as well as the University, its staff, fellow students and the wider community. Where a student’s behaviour falls short of that expected by the University, that student will be subject to the terms of this Student Conduct Ordinance (“SCO”), regardless of whether the behaviour takes place on or off campus or through social media and/or other forms of communication.

1.4. Misconduct under the SCO is the improper interference, in the widest sense, with the effective functioning or activities of the University, or those who work or study in the University; or behaviour which brings, or may bring, the University into disrepute. The aim of this SCO is to ensure that there is a framework and process for dealing with such matters in a clear, fair, reasonable and timely manner, ensuring a safe and secure environment, where our students, staff and other members of the University community continue to feel valued and respected.

1.5. Allegations of misconduct will be considered under the terms of the SCO in place at the point at which the alleged offence is notified to the University.  Earlier versions of the SCO are available from the Office of the University Secretary at universitysecretary@ulster.ac.uk.

This SCO will be subject to periodic review, with the most up to date version available at: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/about/governance/compliance/student-discipline

2.1. This SCO applies to the following cohorts:

2.2. Students - A student becomes subject to the provisions of this SCO from the point at which they register with the University to the point at which they exit the University. Provision for conduct in relation to prospective students is included within the University’s Admissions Policy.

2.3. Students in Partner Institutions - The appropriate SCO/conduct proceedings for students registered or receiving tuition in partner institutions will be set out in the approved Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the University and the partner institution. Any issue of interpretation or application, or proceedings in instances where the management of conduct is not articulated in the MoA, will be determined by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Quality and Student Experience, informed by consultation with the Director/Principal of the relevant partner institution.

2.4. Further guidance on the scope of the SCO is available from the Student Academic Affairs Team at saat@ulster.ac.uk

3.1. Misconduct is deemed to be improper interference, in the widest sense, with the effective functioning or activities of the University, or those who work or study in the University; or behaviour which brings, or may bring, the University into disrepute. The SCO is in place to protect the wellbeing of students, staff and the wider community, together with the reputation of the University. It also incorporates the following:

• Sexual Misconduct and Violence - Sexual Misconduct and Violence includes both on- and off-campus conduct as well as that exercised electronically and through social media and other forms of communication. Under the SCO, Sexual Misconduct covers any unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature that is committed without consent or by force, intimidation, or coercion.
• Bullying and Harassment - Bullying is the use of force, coercion, hurtful teasing or threat, to abuse, aggressively dominate or intimidate. Harassment includes causing another person alarm or distress.  Harassment on the grounds of gender (including gender re-assignment), race, religion or belief, political opinion, disability, sexual orientation or age may also breach the University’s Equality Opportunities Policy where this involves discrimination against an individual in the way they are treated in relation to the provision of services, including teaching and supervision, assessment, progression and award, and support services.
• Potential Criminal Offences and Criminal Offences – Under the SCO, potential and actual criminal offences include any instance where a student has an unspent conviction for a relevant offence, or during the course of their studies they are convicted of a relevant offence, or where they become subject to an investigation for a relevant offence.
  
  
  Further information on the reporting requirements, including details of what constitutes a relevant offence in this area, are available in Schedule A and also within Section 5.5. of the approved Student Terms and Conditions.