Accommodation Handbook Section 14 - Anti-Social Behaviour and Disciplinary Procedures
Index to section 14
14.1 General
Information relating to conduct, behaviour, discipline, and student complaints can be found in the Christ's College Information Handbook. In general terms, College members should conduct themselves in a fit and proper manner at all times, having consideration for their neighbours, be they fellow students or the local community. Internal disciplinary procedures exist for more minor infringements. Additionally, the University has a number of sanctions for behaviour impinging on the image of the University, while the most serious breaches, including all criminal behaviour, will be referred to the local police.
14.2 College
The maintenance of discipline in College is the responsibility of the Senior Tutor, assisted by the Tutors. The Senior Tutor is generally involved only when he receives a complaint, but he also tries to head off trouble before it happens by, for example, discussing arrangements for parties with junior members, and by stipulating the Senior Tutor's Rules for the serving of alcohol at garden parties during May Week.
The Senior Tutor deals with general complaints himself, usually acting in consultation with the Tutors and occasionally with the Executive Committee of the MCR and JCR.
Disciplinary measures may include formal warnings as to future conduct, fines, requirements to desist from activities, prohibition from use of College facilities (such as the Bar), expulsion from College accommodation and expulsion from the College for short periods.
The College takes a particularly serious view of student misbehavior which inconveniences other members of the College, members of College staff or its neighbours. For example, unruly, abusive or threatening behaviour or excessive noise will not be tolerated and those responsible can expect an uncomfortable interview and sanctions. All matters are recorded in the Senior Tutor's Book, a fact which will be unhelpful to anyone who has to see the Senior Tutor about a disciplinary matter on more than one occasion.
14.3 Disciplinary Committee
The most serious complaints or offences are dealt with by a Disciplinary Committee chaired by the Senior Tutor. The Disciplinary Committee comprises several members of the College Governing Body and may, at the request of the student who has been charged, include two junior members of the College nominated by the Master. Any person in statu pupillari who is charged before the Committee may choose a Fellow to represent him or her. Ordinarily, but not necessarily, the Fellow is the students' Tutor. The Disciplinary Committee is empowered to impose more severe sanctions, such as rustication (temporary suspension), for a Term or year, or even permanent expulsion from the University. A student against whom the Disciplinary Committee pronounces has the right of appeal to the Governing Body.
14.4 University
The University's Student Handbook also has its own disciplinary regulations. In addition there is the Student Complaint Scheme administered by the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education , and information can be found on its web site.
14.5 Student Complaints
Every attempt is made to deal speedily and effectively with any complaints made about any matter of concern to students. Any minor concerns of a domestic nature, which relate to accommodation faults or the non-functioning of other student facilities, should be reported using the on-line fault reporting system on the College web site; major domestic concerns should be referred to the Director of College services. Complaints about bills and other financial matters should be addressed directly to the Bursar.
14.6 Appeals
If students are not satisfied with the College response to any complaint they make then they should contact the Senior Tutor via the Tutorial and Admissions Office. See also the Student Complaint Scheme administered by the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education.
14.7 Care of Premises
Students should make every effort to ensure that their property and its immediate surroundings are used in a manner that maintains it in the highest condition.
