The university takes non-academic disciplinary offences very seriously, and sets out the procedures for dealing with any such allegations in the Non-Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure and Non-Academic Misconduct Guidance.
As a member of the King’s community, you are expected to adhere to our regulations, procedures, and policies, to show respect for the persons within and for the property of the King’s community, and to behave in a way that does not interfere with the proper functioning or activities of the university.
Where there is reason to believe that the behaviour of any student falls below the expected standards and/or where regulations, procedures, and/or policies have been broken, the Non-Academic Misconduct Policy will be instigated.
Important to know:
- The Non-Academic Misconduct Policy extends to alleged misconduct by a student occurring on or off King's premises (including via electronic means, such as email and social media) where the alleged victim is King’s itself, a member of the King’s community, or a visitor to King’s.
- Any criminal offence committed whilst on university premises or whilst engaged in university activities also falls within the university's definition of misconduct.
In all cases, a student will be presumed to be innocent, unless and until proven otherwise on the balance of probabilities.
Bullying & harassment
King’s College London is committed to providing and promoting a positive environment for all members of the King’s community, which is free from all forms of prejudice, discrimination, harassment and bullying.
To find out more about reporting and getting support for incidences like this, please visit our Dignity & Inclusion category.
What happens with suspected non-academic misconduct?
Instances of suspected 'non-academic offences' of student on student behaviour will normally be considered and investigated by Student Conduct & Appeals, who will conduct a preliminary enquiry into the allegation.
As part of the enquiry, it may be deemed necessary to interview the student against whom the allegation has been made.
The Head of Student Conduct & Appeals (or nominee) will determine, normally within 10 working days of the conclusion of the investigation, whether:
- There is insufficient evidence to form a charge of misconduct;
- There is sufficient evidence to form the basis of a charge of misconduct that can be resolved at the preliminary enquiry stage or;
- There is sufficient evidence to form a charge of major misconduct
If the case is deemed to fall under (1) above, the decision will be communicated in writing to the student, and any other persons involved in the case, where appropriate.
If the case is deemed to fall under (2) above, a penalty may be issued to the student.
If the case is deemed to fall under (3) above, the matter will be referred to a Misconduct Committee.
Important to know: Where the alleged misconduct could also constitute an offence under the criminal law, the university’s procedures may be delayed until the police and/or courts have completed their investigations and proceedings.
What happens if I have a criminal conviction?
If you are convicted and imprisoned for a period of 21 days or more, you may be automatically withdrawn from the university. You may submit written representations against this withdrawal, within 21 days of the date of notification of the decision to withdraw, or the date of the conviction being overturned.
What happens in the Misconduct Committee?
Where a Misconduct Committee is convened:
- You would receive at least 10 working days' notice, and will be invited to present your case to the Committee.
- An appropriate staff member will present the case against you on behalf of the university.
- The Committee will determine whether the charge(s) of misconduct have been substantiated.
- Where the Committee concludes that the charge(s) is/are upheld, it may order one or more of the measures available to it under the 'Outcomes' in the Non-Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure and Non-Academic Misconduct Guidance.
Following the Committee's findings, if you are studying a programme with professional or statutory registration, your Faculty may deem it necessary to refer the case for further review through the university’s Fitness to Practise Policy.
The decision of the Misconduct Committee will normally be communicated to you and the examiners within 7 days of the decision.
Is it possible to appeal against the outcome of a Misconduct Committee?
You may appeal against the findings or order(s) of a Misconduct Committee. An appeal must be submitted on a Misconduct Appeal Form to Student Conduct & Appeals within 10 working days of the written notification of the Misconduct Committee's decision.
In accordance with the Non-Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure, the Principal will allow an appeal to be heard, if they are satisfied that one or all of the following grounds are met:
- That there is new evidence that could not have been, or for good reason was not, made available at the time of the hearing, and sufficient evidence remains that the appeal warrants further consideration.
- That evidence can be produced of significant procedural error on the part of the College before or during the hearing, and sufficient evidence remains that the appeal warrants further consideration.
- Any other grounds, including grounds of compassion.
The Principal will determine whether the criteria for an appeal have been met.
Where they have:
- An Appeal Committee will be convened; otherwise the appeal will be dismissed.
- This decision will normally be communicated within 30 working days of receipt of the appeal.
What happens if an Appeal Committee is convened?
- You will normally receive at least 14 days' notice of the hearing, and will be invited to present your case to the Panel.
- The Committee will determine whether there is sufficient reason to challenge the decision of the original Misconduct Committee.
- Where the Committee concludes such reason is present, they can modify or reverse the findings or order(s) of the Misconduct Committee.
- The decision of the Committee will normally be communicated to you and the relevant staff within 7 days of the decision
Can I get an independent review of my case?
The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA) is an independent body set up to review student complaints. It is free to students and deals with individual complaints against Higher Education Institutions in England and Wales.
Provided your complaint is eligible under the rules of the OIA’s complaints scheme, the OIA will look at whether King's has applied its regulations properly and followed its procedures correctly. It also considers whether any decision made by King's was fair and reasonable in all the circumstances.
