University Disciplinary Issues

It’s not uncommon for students to fall foul of university disciplinary codes. These can be surprisingly far-reaching. If university rules are breached, it’s not difficult for students to find themselves in situations that could lead to disciplinary action. If this happens, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

We only act on behalf of students, young people and their parents. We are 100% committed to helping young people.

University disciplinary action can have serious consequences and may even jeopardise a student’s right to complete their course. With students now taking on substantial financial responsibilities to complete university education, the consequences of disciplinary action can be long lasting.

If you face disciplinary action that you feel is unjustified or undeserved, then it’s advisable to seek legal advice as quickly as possible. At IBB Law, we work with students to challenge university disciplinary action and find a satisfactory outcome.

We can provide university disciplinary advice on matters including:

• Consistent poor timekeeping
• Unexplained absences
• Vandalism or misuse of university property
• Aggressive or offensive behaviour
• Breaches of safety procedure
• A refusal to comply with a reasonable management request
• Breaching of university trust
• Refusal to comply with university policy
• Drunken conduct
• Indecent behaviour
• Sexual misconduct
• Threat of violence
• Possession of drugs
• Possession of weapons
• Theft
• Free speech

With these matters, there is plenty of room for interpretation and misunderstanding. In some cases, students have been disciplined for absences, which can be accounted for or due to misunderstandings and lack of information. Our team are often able to swiftly clarify these matters and achieve a positive outcome that allows students to carry on with their university education unimpeded.

What is the cost of university disciplinary legal advice?

We offer a fixed fee initial consultation with one of our specialist education solicitors to discuss your needs and see how we can help. At that initial consultation, which takes place online at a time convenient to you, we will listen to your story, consider your documents, and advise you on the law and the steps that can be taken to challenge the university’s disciplinary decision, including its fairness.

If you require our further assistance, after the initial consultation, we then charge for our services based on the work to be undertaken and the time involved. We endeavour to provide certainty over the costs involved.

Types of university disciplinary issues with which our education law experts can help

Understanding your position and options

If your university has informed you that it intends to take disciplinary action against you, it is important to get expert advice straight away. This will ensure that you fully understand what you have been accused of, how this relates to your university’s rules and the potential outcome of any disciplinary action. You can then make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Our university disciplinary specialists can provide confidential advice on whether you may have breached your university’s rules and the best strategy for responding to disciplinary proceedings. We can give you the best chance of clearing your name, minimising any penalties and protecting your education.

Support for university disciplinary proceedings

Facing university disciplinary proceedings can be very stressful and confusing. Our education law experts can talk you through how the process works and what to expect, as well as make sure you have your arguments and any necessary supporting evidence clearly set out before the process starts. This can help you to present your case effectively and significantly boost your chances of a positive outcome.

Appealing disciplinary action

A university will usually have to follow a well set-out disciplinary process before action is decided upon. If a student is unhappy with the outcome of this process, then the next step is to request an appeal. An appeals process will usually be set out in the rules of the particular university provider. It should be fleshed out in a more detailed appeals process within the university’s disciplinary framework.

If you wish to appeal, you need to understand the university disciplinary process, the grounds on which you intend to appeal and any rights you might have to legal representation through an internal appeal. If an internal appeal is unsuccessful, you may still be able to take your case to an external review through the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (“OIA”). We regularly pursue cases with the OIA on behalf of university students.

Frequently asked questions about university disciplinary issues

What is disciplinary action at university?

Disciplinary action at university is a formal process designed to address alleged breaches of university rules or codes of conduct by students.

It typically involves investigating complaints or incidents that may include academic misconduct, such as plagiarism or cheating, or non-academic issues such as disruptive behaviour, sexual misconduct, physical assault, or breaches of accommodation rules.

The uni disciplinary process often includes procedures for gathering evidence, conducting hearings, and reaching decisions that may result in penalties ranging from warnings to expulsion, depending on the severity of the offence and university policy. We also deal with cases where students are expelled or withdrawn from university, as well as fitness to practise.

If you disagree with the way the process was carried out or with the result of university disciplinary action, you can make an appeal.  You may also be able to take action due to the unfairness of the process by pursuing judicial review legal proceedings.

When do university disciplinary proceedings arise?

University disciplinary proceedings arise when there are allegations that a student has violated university regulations or codes of conduct. These proceedings can be triggered by a range of issues, including:

• Consistent poor timekeeping
• Unexplained absences
• Vandalism or misuse of university property
• Aggressive or offensive behaviour
• Breaches of safety procedure
• A refusal to comply with a reasonable management request
• Breaching of university trust
• Refusal to comply with university policy
• Drunken conduct
• Indecent behaviour
• Threat of violence
• Possession of drugs
• Possession of weapons
• Theft
• Free speech

We are able to assist students with university disciplinary action in all these areas.  As an illustration of our work, we have helped a student who was withdrawn from their course due to non engagement, plagiarism, misconduct involving another student and sexual misconduct.

Here are case summaries showing a range of matters we can assist with at university and beyond.

What is the process for disciplinary proceedings at university?

The process for disciplinary proceedings will vary depending on the individual university’s policies. These will generally be published on the university website.

When someone within the organisation or a student reports an issue, you will be informed in writing that the university will be moving forward with a formal investigation.

If the alleged misconduct has been reported to the police as a potential criminal act and is under investigation, the university may pause its disciplinary process until the police investigation is concluded.

The university will then investigate the report internally and determine if the case needs to be escalated.

Following the investigation the alleged misconduct may be referred to a hearing, where you will have the opportunity to give a statement.

The university will then decide whether there has been a breach and what sanctions there will be.

You will generally receive the outcome of the investigation, including any sanctions applied and the appeals route, within 60 days.

What are my rights when facing university disciplinary proceedings?

If you decide to appeal your university’s disciplinary decision, the institution will have a published internal appeals process available on its website.

If you receive the results of your appeal and still believe they are unjust, inaccurate or unfair, you may be able to request an independent review from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education.

After completing the university’s internal review processes, you can ask the OIA to review the outcome of your disciplinary process. To escalate your review, we recommend submitting a complaint to the OIA as soon as possible.

Our specialist university lawyers can assist you in preparing and submitting a complaint to the OIA and a request for an external review, ensuring all necessary documents and submissions are in order.

What do others say about IBB’s Education Law Solicitors?

Here are a few comments of what others have said about our Education Law legal team.

“…………. was very quick and efficient. My matter was dealt and over with quite quickly with a happy outcome.’

“I wish give my heartfelt thanks to education team at IBB Law for assisting me through a very peculiar education matter, with specific regards to and commendation for Victoria Denis, the solicitor who had represented my matter.”

“We can’t thank you enough for your expert assistance throughout this case and we particularly appreciated the clarity and kindness you showed in every communication. The matter could have escalated very unpleasantly except for your intervention, for which we are extremely grateful.”

“From the outset they listened and guided me through my options. I have been struck by the consistency in their process, their professionalism and empathy. Their strengths have definitely been in their willingness to collaborate with other legal professionals in order to give you the best possible chance of success. They don’t shy away from meeting online and so I really feel understood and cared for.”

“Victoria successfully assisted me through an issue.”

“Very personal service where nothing is too much trouble. Prompt in all responses and no stone left unturned to advise thoroughly ensuring the best decision is made. Impressive high standards in all aspects of service. I can’t rate them highly enough.”

“I believe IBB Law Education Team have shown themselves to be true to their word. They have collaborated with me in terms of what to expect at each stage of my case. Their practice is transparent and open, also they are clear and concise regarding the fees.”

“Throughout the months Victoria represented my matter, Victoria always gave me clear and detailed counsel and helped me explore all the options in terms of what action Victoria and I myself was able to take.”

“The experience was excellent. I was able to sort out my issue in less than a month with the help of the team at IBB Law. Right from the beginning of contacting the firm, I was provided all the support and communication with the team was also very smooth. I am more than happy to have contacted the firm. I would definitely recommend IBB Law to anyone that is going through a similar situation as mine.”

“Victoria was attentive with keeping me updated in her correspondence.”

IBB offer unrivalled skill and expertise when it comes to education law matters. They are very well-placed to represent students in all types of public and private law claims against universities. They also do a lot of work in the schools sector, in particular when representing parents in claims against independent schools. They are knowledgeable in the main areas of law that cut across these and associated areas of the education sector. Given their level of experience in these areas, they also have a very good practical understanding of the education sector and are geared towards achieving good practical outcomes for their clients.’

“The gold standard team for higher education work. IBB is one of my main instructing solicitors and I always feel completely confident that they will do an excellent job for the client. The cases are meticulously prepared, and they are very client-focused and practical in their approach.”

“Ultimately, the expeditious success of the matter speaks volumes to Victoria’s ability to navigate a rare and perplexing matter, especially as the matter took place in a transnational context.”

“Very empathetic and attentive to each individual clients needs. I felt heard and understood for the first time by professionals. The team was easy and quick to communicate with and the whole process made me feel at ease”

“IBB offer an excellent education law service, with particular expertise in higher education matters.’

“Victoria empowered me to both move forward with my home life in the United States and to amicably resolve my affairs.”

“Celia Whittuck is a star individual. She has gained considerable experience in education law and has excellent strategic litigation strategy, particularly for civil claims against independent schools and universities, and internal complaints and appeal processes in relation to these institutions. She puts the clients outcome at the heard (sic) of what she does, and has a track record for achieving good results.’

“Growing education law team focusing on higher education law matters.”

‘Celia Whittuck is a phenomenally dedicated solicitor and a real delight to work with.’

‘Focused and determined education team.’

‘Celia Whittuck has growing reputation in the area.’

“Celia Whittuck has an excellent breadth of knowledge and is very responsive.”

“She is amazing.”

“Celia has taken a particular interest in ensuring that the appropriate educational outcomes are achieved. Her commitment has been unwavering.”

“Celia Whittuck has been helpful, understanding, respectful and responsive.”

“Celia Whittuck has an excellent breadth of knowledge and is very responsive.”

The Education Law Team at IBB is ranked by Legal 500. Legal 500 describe themselves as the leading guide to law firms and solicitors across the UK.

Celia Whittuck at IBB is ranked by Chambers and Partners. Chambers and Partners say of themselves, “Our rankings are the most thoroughly researched and independent on the market. Each one is assessed by our dedicated team of experienced researchers using our unrivalled research methodology, which includes tens of thousands of one-to-one interviews every year.

“If you are buying legal services in the UK and need reliable recommendations on the best law firms and solicitors, our rankings, editorial and analysis will provide you with the information you need to make the most well-informed decision when it matters.”

Our university disciplinary proceedings advice fees

We offer a fixed fee video call with one of our specialist education solicitors.

Should you wish to proceed after the initial consultation, we will provide a realistic cost estimate for dealing with your matter. Any work carried out will always be agreed upon with you in advance, giving you complete certainty and transparency over the costs involved.

The exact cost of our services will depend on the nature of your problem, including the amount of time and level of expertise needed to support you effectively. We will be happy to discuss this with you when you contact our team.

For more information on our education law pricing, please get in touch.

Get personal legal advice and support for university disciplinary proceedings and appeals

To find out more about how our university disciplinary solicitors can help, please contact Kinjal or Rachael, our education law legal administrators, on 01895 207 961, or by email at educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk. They can arrange a fixed fee consultation and send you a link to our online booking suite, where you can choose a day and time most convenient for your meeting with the specialist education solicitor.