Student discipline
Quick links:
Introduction
Effects of minor misconduct on studies
Effects of repeated or serious misconduct on studies
Misconduct in private accommodation
Misconduct in halls of residence
Discipline records
Police involvement in misconduct on University property
Receiving a police charge
University use of discipline fines
Introduction
All students of the University of St Andrews are subject to the Academic Appeals and Student Conduct policies.
Each student has the right and ability to make decisions about his or her conduct, and the responsibility to accept the consequences of their decisions. Where necessary, and in the event of misconduct, the University has the authority to take disciplinary action. Every member of the community has a responsibility to report misconduct. Students, staff, residents and visitors can all report misconduct to the appropriate staff.
Persistent or serious misconduct will be dealt with via the University Academic Appeals and Student Conduct. Penalties are determined on an individual basis and in the most serious cases, students may have their residence contracts reviewed, or may be expelled from the University. In short, serious misconduct could result in withdrawal of accommodation and/or the University place.
Effects of minor instances of misconduct on studies
In the majority of cases, minor instances of misconduct will not be disclosed to academic departments. Only major incidents, which may pose a potential risk to staff and students within the University will be disclosed. However, there are some cases where relatively minor offences can hamper or even stop your progress:
Medical students: Please refer to your guidelines with reference to Fitness to Practice. The University must disclose any misconduct which may affect Fitness to Practice to the General Medical Council
Students receiving services scholarships (Army, Navy, etc): These scholarships are often dependant on good behaviour, and evidence of misconduct may result in scholarship money being withdrawn, and in some cases students can be asked to pay back previous scholarship payments.
Students receiving other scholarships (Charitable, Sporting, personal): Please check the Terms and Conditions regarding your funding.
International Students: Although minor offences within the University are unlikely to affect your progress, criminal offences must be declared to apply for a visa extension.
Effects of repeated or serious misconduct on studies
Cases of repeated or serious misconduct may result in one, or any combination of the following sanctions:
- Suspension from University privileges for a stipulated period
- Temporary or permanent exclusion from a specified part or parts of University premises
- Expulsion from the University
Misconduct in private accommodation
If your actions as a resident of St Andrews negatively affect any other residents or visitors this is classed as ‘behaviour outside of the University which brings the University into disrepute’. The University works hard to maintain ‘Town-Gown’ relations between the students and the residents of the town and will investigate any reports of poor behaviour believed to involve students.
Misconduct in Halls of Residence
Any instances of non-academic misconduct that also occur in your hall of residence could result in you being asked to find alternative accommodation. Please see the full terms and conditions for students in residence for further information.
The University take the health and safety of their staff and students very seriously, and therefore there are penalties for ignoring health and safety requirements. Any conduct which breaks the terms and conditions of let will be reported to Residential and Business Services.
In addition to this, other cases of misconduct by residents will be handled by the residence staff. As such, the residence staff are able to fine students, to require them to make good the cost in whole or part of any damage caused and, in serious cases, to recommend expulsion from the residence. These will be recorded on the non-academic misconduct register.
Discipline records
Discipline records are kept on file throughout your University career, and multiple breaches of conduct are likely to result in increased penalties.
Police involvement in misconduct on University property
The University has an information sharing protocol with the Police meaning that serious offences may be reported to the Police. It also means that the Police notify the University of any significant Police involvement with any student of the University. Any member of staff or student has the right to involve the Police in matters where they feel it is required, for example, if there is a genuine concern for the well-being of a student or for others who may be affected.
Receiving a police charge or being considered under a criminal process
If you are charged by the Police whilst a student, or you are being considered under a criminal process, you must inform the Student Conduct Officer by emailing studentconduct@st-andrews.ac.uk as soon as possible. They will make a risk assessment of your case and provide you with guidance where appropriate. Disciplinary action may also be considered. Further information can be found at Non-Academic Misconduct Policy (Students) or contact the Student Conduct Officer studentconduct@st-andrews.ac.uk for advice.
Use of discipline fines
These are handled separately by the University. All money paid as discipline fines is passed to the Students’ Association Charities Campaign, with the exception of fines issued as a result of a breach of Covid-19 health and safety guidelines, which will be allocated 50:50 to the Discretionary Fund and the University Community Fund. Any bill for damages will be used to restore the area/item damaged to its original condition.