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CASE SUMMARIES

Supervision arrangements - PI091513

Public interest case September 2015 | Justified

University of York

A postgraduate student at the University of York complained to us about the way the University had responded to complaints about her supervision.

Supervision: Importance of sharing information - PI091515

Public interest case September 2015 | Justified

University of Lincoln

A PhD student at the University of Lincoln complained of bullying and harassment by a supervisor. The student was dissatisfied with the University’s initial investigation because the University characterised the issues raised as "miscommunication" and proposed remedies after the first investigation that left the student feeling vulnerable. His complaint was considered at two subsequent stages of the University’s Complaints Procedure but the University’s final decision was not to refer it to a formal complaint hearing.

Supervision: Academic Judgment - PI091517

Public interest case September 2015 | Not Justified

University of Bath

A student who had withdrawn from a programme at the University of Bath complained that his lead supervisor did not have the necessary expertise to supervise his work.

Supervision: Responsibility of students - PI091518

Public interest case September 2015 | Not Justified

A student at the London School of Economics complained to us after the School dismissed her appeal against a decision not to upgrade her to PhD status.

Disciplinary issues (non-academic): Engagement with university procedures - PI051501

Public interest case May 2015 | Not Justified

University of Essex

A student at the University of Essex was reported for alleged participation in an incident in which drugs were found on the University campus. He failed to attend two meetings with the University Proctor and was fined for non-attendance. Following the second meeting the Proctor decided to consider the case in the student’s absence, and imposed a fine, suspended pending the student attending a drugs awareness course. The student was also fined for other offences, and refused future access to University accommodation. His appeal against these penalties was rejected. He complained to us.

Disciplinary issues (non-academic): Use of evidence - PI051502

Public interest case May 2015 | Not Justified

University of East London

A student at the University of East London appealed the decision of a disciplinary panel to exclude her from the University for gross misconduct, following a break-in on the campus during which examination papers were stolen.

Disciplinary issues (non-academic): Balance of probability - PI051503

Public interest case May 2015 | Not Justified

Buckinghamshire New University

A student at Buckinghamshire New University complained to us about the outcome of disciplinary procedures instigated by the University. The University concluded that he had committed major misconduct in relation to damage at his student accommodation. He appealed against that outcome, and the penalty applied, but his appeal was rejected on the grounds that he had not provided material evidence to support his appeal.

Disciplinary issues (non-academic): Case involving criminal proceedings - PI051504

Public interest case May 2015 | Partly Justified

University of Sheffield

Student A complained to us about the University of Sheffield’s handling of an incident involving himself and another student, student B. The incident took place on University premises, and student A suffered a significant injury. Student B was subjected to criminal proceedings but was discharged by the court. The University did not suspend him, or instigate disciplinary proceedings against him. Student A subsequently withdrew from the University. He complained that no action had been taken against student B and that the University had failed to communicate with him.