Our procedures
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 have a contractual agreement with us and are bound by the terms and conditions of your lease. View your lease at any time via the Accommodation channel in MyEd.
There may be times students breach the terms and conditions of their accommodation lease, or health and safety regulations, and therefore the Code of Student Conduct. For example:
Please note this list is not exhaustive, so please check the terms and conditions of your lease and our Accommodation Policies and Guidelines. You can also find information relating to these procedures in the online induction, which is sent to residents before 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 been launched. Please note that we will always use your University email address to contact you. In this email, you will have information about how to respond, either accepting or denying responsibility, the opportunity to provide your recollection of events, and you 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. For certain offences, an Investigating Officer may request this.
Once the investigation is completed, you will be advised whether or not the matter is to be referred to a Student Discipline Officer for disciplinary action.
The role of the Student Discipline Officer is clearly defined in the Code of Student Conduct. The disciplinary action 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 the next steps to take.
The Code of Student Conduct states that Accommodation, Catering and Events may terminate the occupancy of University-Managed accommodation by any resident with one month’s 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 Sheriff 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. There are several areas of support available to you within the University, details of which can be found on the University website.
The right to order the termination of occupancy within 24 hours will be taken only in exceptional circumstances.
Gross misdemeanour and/or 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 the students are provided with a temporary alternative, if required, to ensure the students are not rendered homeless. In this case, the Student Discipline Officer will ensure contact is made with The Advice Place to ensure that independent advice is available for the students concerned.
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
