Non-academic misconduct is defined as a behaviour which interferes with activities of functions of the University, with those who work or study at the University, or as an action which otherwise damages the reputation of the University in the community and more widely.
Low-level concerns can be disputes with your housemates, messy kitchens, requests to move accommodation. All low-level concerns are dealt with by the Student Welfare Team. Please chat to a Student Welfare Officer for support and guidance.
Report + Support is the University’s confidential reporting tool for students who have experienced sexual misconduct and assault, stalking, hate incidents, discrimination, physical harm and verbal abuse, domestic abuse, spiking, or harassment and bullying.
You can report any incident of misconduct which occurs on University property or campuses, at a University event, or which impacts on the harmony of the University community.
You can report using the online Student Disciplinary Form, via email to accoffice@kent.ac.uk, in person with an Appeals, Conduct and Complaints Officer, or via Report + Support.
Meetings: During the investigation, the Appeals, Conduct and Complaints Officer will meet with the Reporting Student, then the Reported Student, and witnesses where necessary. Meeting notes will be taken throughout. All students can be supported during meetings with an Investigating Officer.
Evidence: Documentary evidence such as photographs, copies of social media, emails, etc. may be provided to the investigation and shared with the reported student prior to any formal meeting. Additional parties may be consulted to obtain any evidence required.
Outcomes: Outcomes are decided based on the balance of probabilities. The Investigating Officer will determine whether the evidence indicates a breach of the Student Discipline Procedure. Should the evidence not indicate a breach of the Student Discipline Procedure, the case will be dismissed, however should the evidence indicate a breach has occurred, a sanction or further action is required.
Students can submit an appeal of the Investigating Officer’s decision based on specific grounds outlined in the Student Discipline Procedure. The Head of Appeals, Conduct and Complaints, or nominee, will determine whether the appeal is made on appropriate grounds, and whether the appeal is upheld. Where no appropriate grounds are identified, the appeal will be dismissed, and the student will be notified within 28 calendar days.
The most serious disciplinary issues will be considered by a Student Disciplinary Panel. A Student Disciplinary Panel will normally be formed within 20 working days of the recommendation being agreed by the Head of Appeals, Conduct and Complaints. The Panel can issue any sanction described in the Student Disciplinary Procedure, and a financial sanction up to £500. The outcome of the Panel will be provided to the student within 5 working days and may be advised verbally ahead of being received in writing. The outcome can be appealed on grounds described in the Student Discipline Procedure.
The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA) provides an independent scheme for the review of the student discipline or complaints. Once all internal stages of the Student Disciplinary Procedure have been completed, a student will be issued with a Completion of Procedures letter within 28 calendar days. Students can submit an independent review application to the OIA within 12 months of the issue of the Completion of Procedures letter. More information is available on the OIA’s website.
