This procedure should be read in line with Section 7 of the Conduct Regulations and the General Provisions.
1. Introduction
1.1 The University strongly encourages the resolution of issues informally where it is possible and appropriate to do so.
1.2 While the University has a role through the Conduct Regulations in investigating allegations of student misconduct, it is not always appropriate or desirable for the University to become involved in disputes involving students. The University is however keen to help support positive relationships between all members of the University community.
2. Scope
2.1 Concerns raised between students
2.1.1 In some cases, concerns may arise from a misunderstanding, a breakdown in a relationship, or a lack of appreciation of the perspective of the ‘other’ person. Often students do not want to go through a lengthy investigation, preferring simply for the behaviours to stop and to be able to focus on their studies. Often, students are not aware of the impact of their behaviour on others or how they may be able to amend their behaviour, and informal resolution is a way of having constructive conversations to agree a way forward for everyone.
2.1.2 In these circumstances, and where it is appropriate and safe to do so, the University is keen to support students to reach a resolution in an informal manner, without taking action under the misconduct procedure.
2.1.3 In order to proceed with informal resolution in these cases, the students involved will need to agree to resolve the matter in this way.
2.2 Concerns which the University becomes aware of
2.2.1 The University may become aware of, and be concerned about, the behaviour of a student which has the potential to give rise to an allegation of misconduct, but no allegation of misconduct has yet been received. In such circumstances, it may be appropriate to address behaviour on the part of a student informally.
2.2.2 In such cases, the matter should be raised with the relevant student at the earliest possible opportunity.
3. Role of the University
3.1 Where informal resolution is to be attempted, no investigation will be carried out by the University; no determination will be made on whether a misconduct offence has been committed, and the University will not have any role in making a decision on the matter. The role of the University will only be to support the students in resolving the matter informally.
4. Operation of the Procedure
4.1 Support can be requested from the University for informal resolution without a formal report being made to the University.
4.2 Where it is deemed appropriate, a concern may be dealt with informally by the relevant School or department. This may include:
i. Requiring the students involved to meet with relevant staff to discuss the concerns raised and to agree behaviours or standards going forward.
ii. Supporting a conversation between the students to encourage respectful, open and constructive communication.
iii. Communications to the students reminding them of appropriate policies, procedures or expectations the University has around conduct and institutional values.
4.3 If required to meet with relevant staff, students will be notified of the date and time of the meeting in advance, and will be advised of the purpose of the meeting. The staff conducting the meeting will ensure that a record of the meeting is taken; this may include having a note taker present.
4.4 Following the meeting, and where agreement is reached on behaviours or standards going forward, the students will receive written details of the Future Conduct Requirement by email to their University email address, within eight working days of the agreement being reached.
4.5 If informal resolution is not possible, then action may progress under the Conduct Regulations.