Code of Student Conduct
All students are bound by the Code of Student Conduct. The code also outlines the processes to be used by staff whether as a Conduct Investigator or Student Discipline Officer.
As residents, you also have a contractual agreement with Accommodation, Catering and Events (ACE) and are bound by the terms and conditions of your lease. Students can view their lease at any time via the Accommodation channel in MyEd.
There may be times that student breach the terms and conditions of their accommodation lease, health and safety regulations and therefore the Code of Student Conduct for example;
- Misuse of fire equipment e.g., covering of smoke detector head.
- Non-evacuation or delayed evacuation of a building during a fire alarm activation.
- Smoking or vaping in any University accommodation.
- Use of candles
Please note this list is not exhaustive so please check the terms and conditions of your lease and the Accommodation Policies and Guidelines on the accommodation website. You can also find information relating to these procedures in the online induction which is sent to residents prior to arrival. This can also be viewed at any time via the Accommodation channel on MyEd.
If you are reported to have allegedly breached the terms of your contract you will receive written notification of the offence and that an investigation has launched. Please note we will always use your university email address to contact you.
In this letter you will have information about how to respond either accepting or denying responsibility, the opportunity to provide your recollection of events and will be informed what support is available and what possible outcomes there are.
If you would prefer to meet with an Investigating Officer you can request this and for certain offences an Investigating Officer may request this.
Once the investigation has been completed you will be advised of whether or not the matter is to be referred to a Student Discipline Officer for disciplinary action.
Role of Student Discipline Officers
The role of the Student Discipline Officer is clearly defined in the Code of Student Conduct. The disciplinary action, which ACE will usually take, is to apply a reprimand or a fine up to a maximum of £250 plus any associated costs associated with the incident.
You will be notified of the outcome in writing, again via email to your university email address and next steps to take.
The Code of Student Conduct & Termination of lease
The Code of Student Conduct states that Accommodation, Catering and Events may terminate the occupancy of University Managed accommodation by any resident with one months’ notice. In the case of a gross misdemeanour, the Student Discipline Officer may order the termination of occupancy with 24 hours’ notice.
The student/s must receive written notification of the intent to terminate the lease and this must be delivered by Sherriff officers or by recorded delivery. The Operations Manager for the property will prepare the appropriate paperwork & arrange for the notice to be served.
If you receive notice to vacate the property, we would advise that you seek independent advice from The Advice Place as soon as possible.
You should also make your Student Adviser or Academic Supervisor aware of the action being taken. Please remember there are a number of areas of support available to you within the University details of which can be found here https://www.ed.ac.uk/students/health-wellbeing
The right to order the termination of occupancy within 24 hours will be taken only in exceptional circumstances.
Gross Misdemeanour/ misconduct arises where a resident/s behaviour impacts negatively on the wellbeing and academic achievement of other residents or where it is considered that there is a risk of harm to others should they remain in residence.
You will be asked if you have accommodation to move to. If not Accommodation, Catering and Events will take care to ensure that the student/s are provided with a temporary alternative, if required, to ensure the student/s are not rendered homeless. In this case, the Student Discipline Officer will make sure contact is made with The Advice Place to ensure that independent advice is available for the students/s concerned.
Again, full information on the Student Code of Conduct can be found here https://www.ed.ac.uk/academic-services/students/conduct/code-of-student-conduct and if you have any questions specific to conduct in accommodation you can also reach out to the Residence Life Project Manager for Administration, Conduct and Education by emailing accom.conduct@ed.ac.uk