Student Code of Conduct 2025-26
Last published date: 24 October 2025
Purpose
At UEL we are committed to creating a culture where everybody has the right to work and study in an environment that enables everyone to succeed and reach their potential. To create and maintain this culture all UEL students are required to adhere to the expected behaviours outlined in this Code of Conduct.
This code is more than a list of things that we should and should not do: it reminds us that we should always consider how our behaviour affects others.
We are proud of our learning community and value the rich experiences gained through working and learning with colleagues and students from more than 120 countries. We are here to learn with, and from each other, to collaborate and to share ideas and perspectives. We value difference, respect the views of others, and uphold the right of expression of those views, even when they differ from our own.
Our Equality and Diversity Policy confirms our belief that we are committed to working together to build a learning community founded on equality of opportunity — a learning community which celebrates the rich diversity of our student and staff populations.
Discriminatory behaviour has no place in our community and will not be tolerated. Our equality and diversity policies promise equal treatment and opportunity for all regardless of gender, sexuality, race, colour, disability, religion, age, and ethnicity or nationality.
UEL is committed to fostering a positive working and learning environment where all staff, students, visitors, general public and contractors are treated fairly, with dignity, courtesy, respect and consideration.
We recognise that equality and freedom are precious and will not tolerate any behaviour or activity that is disrespectful, or may intimidate, provoke or harass others, or impede their learning and participation.
UEL takes any form of hate crime or sexual violence seriously. This should be read in conjunction with the Non-Academic Misconduct Policy which covers majority of behavioural breaches such as verbal/physical abuse, health and safety, theft and drug abuse, Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy and Academic Misconduct Regulations which can all be found under the Student Policies and Procedures tab on the UEL website.
As part of UEL’s commitment to your learning and development both personally and professionally, we encourage debate and discussion, some of which may be controversial and challenging. Being able to debate these topics while maintaining respect for your peers and staff is an important part of your development both during your time here and in your future. To support this we have adopted the Universities UK definitions of freedom of speech and academic freedom, and for guidance these are set out below:
Freedom of speech means everyone has the right to express lawful views and opinions freely, in speech or in writing, without interference.
Academic freedom means protecting the intellectual independence of academics to question and test received views and wisdom, and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, without placing themselves in danger of losing their jobs or privileges or reducing the likelihood of them securing promotion or different roles at the university.
Relationship to Other Policies and Procedures
In addition to the policies quoted above, we have adopted a range of policies and procedures to help promote good behaviour, and to identify the standards of behaviour that we are required to observe.
The University has published separate regulations and policies, including (but not limited to): the Campus Exclusion Policy, Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research (PGR) Degrees, Academic Integrity Policy, Non-Academic Misconduct Policy, Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy, the Attendance and Engagement Policy, and Fitness To Study procedure. Regulations which apply to our student residences, such as the Accommodation Agreement and the Residential Life Handbook may be utilised in conjunction with the Code of Conduct.
Scope
This Code of conduct applies
- To all students;
- At all sites throughout our estate, and;
- When we represent our University on business beyond our campus, both in real (face-to-face) and virtual environments.
Any breach of the Student Code of Conduct will be taken forward under the relevant University Procedure and can be treated as a disciplinary matter under the University’s Student Disciplinary Procedure.
The University has strengthened its commitment to establish restorative pathways, processes and elements throughout its disciplinary and support framework. Priority would be given to restorative justice where such processes may be applicable.
Expected Behaviour
We expect all of our students to adhere to the following principles:
- Treat other people with respect, and make sure you have consent for any actions you perform towards them.
- Treat other people with respect, appreciating difference and including people of all backgrounds.
- Treat other people with consideration and empathy, and avoid actions which are likely to cause them distress or harm.
- Respect other people’s physical and personal space, physical and intellectual property and private information.
- Respect the University’s campus, physical / intellectual property and confidential information.
- Act in such a way as to keep yourself and others safe.
- Comply with all applicable rules, regulations, policies, procedures and codes, both of the University and of local/national government, and act honestly, ethically, and in good faith.
- Act in such a way as to support the work of the University and uphold its reputation.
- Expectations (General, Health and Safety).
- Showing respect for UEL property.
- Informing yourself of UEL health and safety policies and following them.
- Playing your part in maintaining security and being prepared to produce your identity card when requested.
- Caring for the environment at UEL by respecting buildings, spaces and facilities.
- Recycling and disposing of litter responsibly.
- Ensuring that any activity you engage in using the internet, including virtual learning environments (e.g., Moodle), social networking sites (e.g., Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, etc.), blogs or other web resources, refrains from causing offence and could not be regarded as bullying or harassment.
- Not engaging in behaviour that could impair the engagement, learning or participation of others.
Expectations (Study Environments)
All students must follow the rules laid down by UEL for academic activity, the use of the Library, IT learning areas and other services. Examples of expected behaviour includes:
- The libraries, IT learning areas, classrooms and lecture theatres are intended as quiet spaces for learning and working, not as social spaces for meeting friends and chatting. Please respect other users at all times.
- Food and drink should not be consumed in any of these areas except where expressly permitted.
- While using the library, or other designated quiet study areas, mobile telephones must be either switched to silent mode, or be switched off.
- Mobile telephones should not be answered, or telephone conversations conducted, in the library, or in other designated quiet study areas.
- Headphones must be used in the library areas for study that involves listening to music, or for viewing audio-visual material, such as video clips or films.
- Personal stereos and other personal audio-visual equipment that is not used for study purposes should not be used in the library and in designated quiet study areas.
- Log out if leaving a personal computer unattended for more than a few minutes, so others may use them.
- Individuals whose behaviour prevents others from studying quietly, or from using library and IT facilities will be required to leave the premises, and action will be taken using the appropriate regulation or procedure.
Expectations (Teaching Environments)
All students are expected to adhere to the following principles to ensure an optimal environment for teaching and learning and avoid behaviour that may impede the learning and participation of others:
- Be punctual for classes and other appointments, late arrivals disrupt the experience of others;
- If you arrive late and are permitted entry, enter quietly without disruption.
- If you arrive late and are refused entry, leave immediately and without argument,
- It is not usually permissible to leave before the end of the session; if it is necessary to do so you must tell the lecturer/ teaching staff member before the session begins, and leave quietly.
- Do nothing to impair others’ engagement or learning; disruptive individuals will be required to leave immediately and without argument.
- Observe specialist guidance (e.g., in laboratory/clinical/studio sessions), and;
- Switch off mobile phones during lectures and seminars these may not be used, unless explicit permission has been given, during teaching.
People
The unacceptable types of behaviour listed below are not exhaustive. A full list of the sanctions that may be imposed by the University are set out in the Student Disciplinary Procedure and on page 14 of this document.
| Disciplinary Offence | Examples of Unacceptable Behaviour |
|---|---|
| Abusive Behaviour |
|
| Physical Misconduct |
|
| Sexual Misconduct |
|
| Operational Obstruction |
|
University
The unacceptable types of behaviour listed below are not exhaustive. A full list of the sanctions that may be imposed by the University are set out in the Student Disciplinary Procedure and on page 14 of this document.
| Disciplinary Offence | Examples of Unacceptable Behaviour |
|---|---|
| Reputational Damage |
|
Property
The unacceptable types of behaviour listed below are not exhaustive. A full list of the sanctions that may be imposed by the University are set out in the Student Disciplinary Procedure and on page 14 of this document.
| Disciplinary Offence | Examples of Unacceptable Behaviour |
|---|---|
| Causing a Health or Safety Concern |
|
| Unauthorised Taking or Use of Property |
|
A student who is found to have committed any of the above offences may receive one or more of the following sanctions. Where possible sanctions will be educational and restorative while also recognising the severity of the breach at hand. This is not an exhaustive list and the Student Conduct Team and/or a Disciplinary Panel may decide to implement other penalties not listed here.
- Written warnings
- Withdrawal of privileges, such as use of named facilities or events
- Educational requirements (e.g. fire safety, consent, respect)
- Reparations (e.g. written apologies, replacement of damaged or stolen property, financial reparations for damaged or stolen property)
- Behaviour Contract (with stipulations)
- No contact order with a named person
- Exclusion (full or partial)
- Suspension for a given period of time
- Expulsion
This is not an exhaustive list and the University reserves the right to bring action in relation to other unacceptable behaviour. Action may also include civil or criminal proceedings.
Academic Misconduct
| Disciplinary Offence | Examples of Unacceptable Behaviour | Examples of Sanctions |
|---|---|---|
| Breaches of Academic Regulations |
|
|
The list of examples noting Unacceptable behaviour and subsequent Sanctions is not exhaustive and the University reserves the right to bring action against any other unacceptable behaviour in relation to Academic Misconduct.
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Student Code of Conduct 2025-26
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