Imperial introduces revised student disciplinary procedure

The College has recently carried out an externally led review of the way it handles student disciplinary cases and supports all those involved.

The review considered the College’s experience with student disciplinary cases over the last two years, best practice across other universities, and guidelines published by external bodies.

Chaired by Jennifer Sewel, Secretary of Durham University, the review group brought together those with relevant experience from across the College, including staff and student representatives, as well as hearing the views of those who had been involved in student disciplinary cases.

Jennifer said: “This is a complicated and fast-moving area and it’s to Imperial’s credit that it wants to deliver best practice. We were very grateful to everyone who shared their experiences with us through our call for evidence.”

The review looked at:

• improving the support and guidance available to all who become involved in student discipline cases
• for the most challenging cases, using specialist expertise for investigations and for advising the disciplinary panels which consider them
• improving the training available to panels and advisers to ensure high quality and consistent decisions

The action the College will now take as a result of this review will ensure that Imperial’s approach represents leading practice across the sector.

Imperial’s Provost, Professor Ian Walmsley, commissioned the review in July 2019. He said: “We want Imperial to treat all students and staff involved in disciplinary cases fairly and with dignity and respect.

“I’m very grateful to the review group and those who helped by sharing their experience for making sure we are doing our very best in this challenging task.”

The revised student disciplinary procedure [pdf], which reflected the review’s recommendations, was approved by Council in November.

New guidance and support for those involved will be published in the New Year.