When the University receives a report about one of its students, this will be investigated in line with the Code of Student Discipline. This sets out the detailed procedure that will be followed by the member of staff carrying out the investigation (the investigative officer).
The first step in an investigation is for a meeting to take place with the person who has made the report. This is to provide an opportunity for discussion to ensure that the investigative officer has as much detail as possible on what has happened and how the person making the report has been affected.
A meeting would then take place with the person against whom the report has been made to advise them of the report and to provide them with an opportunity to respond. An investigation may also include meetings with other individuals who witnessed what happened or who otherwise can contribute information to inform the investigation. Students are always entitled to bring someone with them for support when they attend a meeting that is part of a disciplinary process. You can see a list of who this can and can’t be in the Code of Student Discipline.
Once an investigation is concluded, the member of staff responsible for making a decision on the matter will consider the investigation report and decide if any further action is required, and on any penalty to be applied.