Code of Student Conduct

SU Advice is a confidential, independent and impartial service that is not part of the University.

They will provide a named advisor who will meet with you and support and guide you throughout the process, and can help you prepare for meetings with the Conduct Investigator and/or with the Conduct Committee, and attend with you if you choose. They will also provide you with advice and support following the conclusion of a case, including, where applicable, information about whether you may have grounds for appeal, and support relating to any ongoing impact of any penalty imposed. They will aim to ensure that procedures are followed and that all students involved are given a fair opportunity to present their case.

At the point at which the Conduct Investigator initiates an investigation, they will provide the name and e-mail address of the student(s) involved in the investigation to SU Advice who will make contact. No details of the case will be shared. You are strongly encouraged to respond to this initial contact and make use of this service at all stages of the process.

All students involved in procedures under this Code can obtain confidential advice and assistance from the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS).

If you are involved in an allegation that falls under the University’s Zero Tolerance Policy that may result in a breach of Regulations A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6, at the point at which the Conduct Investigator initiates an investigation, they will provide the name and e-mail address of the student(s) involved in the investigation to a member of SWIS who will make contact with you. No details of the case will be shared. You are strongly encouraged to respond to this contact and make the most of this service at all stages of the process.

The incident report form will be passed to the Conduct Investigator for review. All allegations are considered seriously and action will always be taken where it is possible to do so.

Before the investigation begins, an assessment of risk will be undertaken through a formal risk assessment process. This enables decisions to be taken about any temporary orders that may need to be put in place to safeguard students while an investigation is underway. Precautionary measures that could be put in place include non-contact orders between those involved in a complaint or, where this is warranted by the circumstance of a complaint, the temporary exclusion from some or all parts of our campuses of students about whom complaints have been made. Such measures are not used as a penalty and are put in place to safeguard the interests of the members of our community, including those involved in the complaint.

Any party involved in a case may be subject to a temporary order while an investigation is underway. A temporary order may involve a non-contact order, for example between the reported student and complainant, or full or partial exclusion from the University. A partial exclusion may involve exclusion from a University campus at certain times of day, or exclusion from certain specified areas, such as accommodation. The precise terms of the exclusion are determined through the assessment of risk. More information on temporary orders is provided in Appendix 3 of the Code of Student Conduct (.pdf) 

The Conduct Investigator may decide to issue an informal warning; use the Early Resolution Procedure; or carry out a formal investigation. 

If the Conduct Investigator decides to carry out a formal investigation they will normally arrange a series of formal meetings to discuss the allegation with the person or persons who made the allegation and anyone else who was involved.

It is important that you attend any meetings that are arranged as part of your conduct case, including when they clash with a teaching event or other University commitment. Through avoiding delays, such as the rescheduling of meetings, the University hopes to minimise the impact of the case on the students involved. In arranging meetings, the Conduct Investigator will take into account periods of time when your availability may be limited.

If you are unable to attend, you must inform the Student Progress Team at studentconduct@essex.ac.uk immediately and agree an alternative.

If you do not agree an alternative time in advance or fail to attend meetings and/or engage with these procedures, the Conduct Investigator will proceed without you. A decision on whether to proceed will be made based on the circumstances of the case, ensuring the safety of members of the University community, and the interests of all parties involved.

During an investigation, the Conduct Investigator will keep those involved regularly informed of progress in relation to the case. The frequency and nature of the communication will depend on the circumstances of the case and your role in it.

You should contact the Student Progress Team at studentconduct@essex.ac.uk if you have any questions about the status of your case.

The complainant will be notified when the case has concluded, what information was considered, informed whether the case was substantiated and advised of any relevant penalties which have a direct impact on you. You will also be informed of your right to appeal. Due to the rules around confidentiality further information cannot be provided.

If an allegation is made against you, you will be notified of the outcome, the rationale for the decision and where applicable any potential consequences of a penalty being applied. You will have the opportunity to seek clarification from the Conduct Investigator if you are unclear about any aspect of the outcome, but this would not alter the decision. You will be informed of your right to appeal.

The University’s conduct procedures are not intended to replace criminal proceedings and if the allegation you have made may also constitute an offence under criminal law, you are expected to report the matter to the Police. Where the allegation constitutes a breach of this Code, the University will initiate procedures to consider the allegation in accordance with the Code. Where this Code is initiated alongside criminal proceedings, it will be kept under regular review and may be suspended if there is a clear reason to do so. Further details are set out in Appendix 2 of the Code.

You are required to notify the Academic Registrar immediately by e-mailing the Student Progress Team at studentconduct@essex.ac.uk if you receive a formal police caution or if you are convicted in a court of law for any relevant criminal offence irrespective of whether the allegation is also being considered under the Code of Student Conduct.

Further guidance on what constitutes a relevant criminal offence can be found in Appendix 7 of the Code.

The Code of Student Conduct (.pdf) outlines the accepted grounds for appeal and the process that will be followed once an appeal has been submitted.

Completed appeal forms should be submitted to the Student Progress Team at studentconduct@essex.ac.uk within ten working days of the date on the letter containing the outcome of the conduct proceedings.

• Appeal form (.doc)

Students told us they’d like an improved online guide that explains how to make a report, what happens during the conduct process, and provides answers to common questions.

Action taken: New website content to answer FAQs and provide clearer information to those considering making a report.

Students asked if they could request a non-contact order without starting a formal investigation.

Action taken: Students can request a non-contact order without opening a formal complaint.  Further information on this process can be found on our guidance pages.

Students asked for cases to be concluded quicker.
Our published timescales for cases to be completed is 40 working days, which is in line with sector guidelines. In 2024-25, 96% of cases were completed within 40 working days. However, some cases do take longer, which can be due to the seriousness and complexity of the investigation, the need to manage University processes alongside criminal proceedings, delays in the investigation due to requests to reschedule meetings, non-attendance at meetings, or reports being withdrawn after they’re made, the time taken to convene hearings, and the capacity of the investigation team.

Action taken: To reduce delays, the conduct team acts early to manage risks and prevent issues from escalating. Students can help by using this time to gather and submit supporting evidence promptly, which makes the process smoother and faster. We’re also working on giving clearer updates when delays happen, sharing more conduct data so students understand the bigger picture, and streamlining processes wherever possible. Your role matters: by engaging with the process, attending meetings, and providing evidence quickly, you help us resolve cases fairly and efficiently — protecting the wellbeing and safety of our whole community.

Behaviour that is disorderly, threatening, or violent goes against the values of our community and can make others feel unsafe. Trends in this type of behaviour are volatile and following a fall two years ago, increased again in 2024-25.  At times, incidents have involved aggression or threats towards staff, including Campus Security, which makes it harder for them to protect and support us all. That’s why visible security measures are in place, and why the University takes a strong stance against violence or threats of violence.

Antisocial and disruptive behaviour also continues to be a concern. To help prevent this, we are developing clearer guidance for departments on managing student behaviour, including exploring the use of behavioural agreements. By working together, we can make sure our campuses stay a safe, welcoming place for everyone.

While reports of bullying and harassment remain relatively low, there has been a slight increase, especially in accommodation where everyday disagreements can sometimes escalate. In many cases, bullying overlaps with harassment, and some incidents have involved threats or intimidation. Most of these situations happen face‑to‑face rather than online, and they can be particularly disruptive in courses with small groups or where students work closely together. Students play a vital role: if you see or experience bullying, harassment or antisocial and disruptive behaviour, speak up. Reporting concerns helps us respond quickly and build a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.

Respect for one another is at the heart of our community. Each year, only a small number of hate incidents are reported on our campuses, and there was a slight increase in 2024-25. Most of these cases are racist in nature, reflecting national trends, and they usually occur in person during arguments or confrontations. The University takes these incidents seriously, monitoring patterns closely and working with Campus Security, Student Services and Wellbeing, Accommodation, and the police to respond effectively. Students can make a real difference by challenging hate when they see it, supporting peers who may be affected, and reporting incidents so they can be addressed. Together, we can stand against discrimination and ensure our campuses remain a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Incidents of dangerous driving have been reported in Colchester on Boundary Road and at the Pastures. As a community, we all share responsibility for keeping our roads safe. Choosing to drive responsibly protects not only you but also your friends, peers, and staff. By respecting speed limits, being mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, and avoiding reckless behaviour, we can ensure our Colchester campus remains a safe environment for everyone.

We’ve noticed a small but clear pattern emerging where some students make a report and then later choose not to continue with the investigation. This doesn’t happen often, but it’s something we’re keeping an eye on. Usually, this is because the situation has calmed down, resolved itself, or the people involved have decided to move on without seeking formal disciplinary action. These are often issues that can be resolved more quickly via informal means.

To support students in these circumstances, the conduct team is exploring more opportunities for informal resolution. Remember, if you want to raise a concern without starting formal conduct proceedings, the Report & Support platform is always available. By speaking up, whether formally or informally, you help us build a safer, more respectful University community.

Thanks to the efforts of our community, there has been a clear reduction in cases where no further action could be taken — for example, when no person was identified or there wasn’t enough evidence. Improved reporting, better CCTV coverage on campus, and students stepping forward as witnesses have all made a real difference, leading to a 66% drop in cases where no one could be identified.

This shows the power of collective responsibility: when students speak up and engage, it helps us address issues more effectively and keep our campuses safe. We will continue to monitor these trends, but it’s your involvement that makes lasting change possible.

Reports of sexual misconduct slightly decreased in 2024-25, but remain a serious concern. A small number of cases involved sexual harassment directed at staff — something new that will be closely monitored.
We work with CARA who are able to offer specialist support and advice. If you know someone who has experienced sexual violence or harassment, SWIS and/or CARA can provide guidance on what action you can take, including information on making a report to the police.

We’ve seen a drop in reports linked to smoking or lighting candles in accommodation, drug possession or supply, noise, and theft. By continuing to respect shared spaces, follow community guidelines, and act responsibly, we can keep building campus environments where everyone feels safe, supported, and able to thrive.