Facing a disciplinary allegation at university or college can be an extremely stressful time for a student, with their academic career - and indeed their entire future - hanging in the balance. There are also a great many reasons why students might find themselves asked to prepare to face a disciplinary panel, some of the most common of which we will examine shortly. However, it is important to remember that no matter what the background to your situation, it is vital that you prepare your case meticulously.
Reasons you might have to defend yourself before a disciplinary board
Clearly, there are many possible scenarios that may lead to you being asked to appear before a disciplinary panel at university or college. Here are some of the most common:
- bad behaviour - you are alleged to have behaved in such a way as to have brought the university into disrepute
- you are alleged to have repeatedly and without adequate reason failed to attend lectures and/or seminars
- it has been alleged that you have had some kind of altercation with a university staff member or another student
What are your rights when facing disciplinary allegations?
You have the right to defend yourself against any and all allegations. All UK universities and colleges, as well as other educational institutions, have procedures put in place to manage disciplinary issues as and when they arise. These procedures are there to ensure that your rights to fair treatment under the law are respected and protected. What this means in practice is that you have the right:
- to prepare and mount a defence of your case
- to be fully informed of the specific details of the allegation that have been made against you
- to be able to examine all evidence that exists and has been collected to use to support the allegations against you
- to have an independent and wholly impartial decision-maker present at your hearing - this must be someone capable of arriving at a fair and completely independent adjudication, based solely on the evidence
How can Match Solicitors help you win your case?
Match Solicitors have an excellent track record in helping students put their side of the story across in the most professional manner possible.
Whatever the particulars of the allegations that have been made against you, Match Solicitors can advise, guide and support you through the whole process.
If allegations have been made against you, call Match Solicitors to discuss your case in complete confidence today. Your academic career is too important to leave this situation to chance.
So if you need help dealing with a dispute, give us a call today to discuss your case in confidence.
