A new office has been formed to provide advice, case handling and oversight of the University’s student conduct, complaints and appeals procedures.
Launched this term as part of the Unified Administrative Service, the Office of Student Conduct, Complaints and Appeals (OSCCA) offers guidance on a number of student-related issues including discipline, fitness to study and examination appeals.
It works directly with students - managing their cases and ensuring that appropriate information is available throughout any process - and acts in an advisory capacity to staff.
Sarah d'Ambrumenil, Head of OSCCA, said: "We monitor developments in national guidance set out by the external ombudsman, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator, Universities UK and other higher education bodies, and work with committees when changes to our procedures may be required to ensure they are fit for purpose.
“We will also be collaborating with staff who work directly with students to ensure that the existing frameworks and guidance are continuously improved to reflect their needs.”
Since joining in September, Mrs d'Ambrumenil has met with representatives from across the University, and is in the process of organising informal networks for staff and student representatives who would like to reflect on current practice within the sector and input into future procedures.
She added: “We are setting up a group to consider the information provided when there is a concern that a student may not be fit enough to study – this might be because of a health, personal or a family problem. In addition to the guidance itself, the group might consider hypothetical situations, so that we can ensure the University has appropriate processes and guidance in place.”
"The aim of the office is to make procedures as straightforward as possible for everyone, and to fill gaps where there is limited guidance in place. If anyone is unsure of how to initiate or handle matters relating to a student procedure about conduct, complaints or appeals they should get in touch.”
Further information about the office, including contact details for the team, can be found on the OSCCA website.