Behaviour management in accommodation

As a student and a resident of university accommodation, you are expected to live and behave in ways that reflect our values – inside and outside the institution. This includes treating others in a respectful and considerate manner.

If you behave in a way that has a negative impact on others, breach any of the terms and conditions of residence, or commit a criminal offence, there are a variety of penalties that may be imposed. Each incident will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on its severity.

The University’s disciplinary rules and procedures are available through the Student conduct policy (PDF).

If you breach the terms and conditions for anti-social behaviour, drugs or fire you will be dealt with accordingly. If you breach the terms and conditions more than once in that category you will escalate to the next level of discipline.

Example

For example, if you are on a final warning for fire tampering with a smoke detector and you are then found to have propped open the kitchen fire door you will be issued with a notice to quit your accommodation. Notice to quit gives you 28 days to leave the accommodation but you are still liable for your rent until the original end of your contract.

Rules

• Where it is not known who is responsible for misconduct within a flat/house, each resident within that flat/house will be liable for the full penalty unless the person(s) responsible comes forward.
• Where damage is caused within a flat/house, the cost of repair will be split equally between all residents within that flat/house unless the person(s) responsible comes forward.
• Towards the end of your contract, if a relevant awareness course is not available you will be liable for the full penalty charge.
• Depending on the nature of the breach in terms and conditions, spot checks may be conducted on your room or flat/house.
• Where disciplinary action is taken and alcohol is involved, you may be required to attend an alcohol awareness course. Failure to attend this course will result in you being charged for your place.
• We reserve the right to confiscate any items that are causing a nuisance to others, eg laser pens, strobe lighting or any items that breach the terms and conditions. In instances where a notice to quit is served, referral may also be made to Student and Academic Services for consideration in respect of University disciplinary procedures.

In all cases of discipline, penalties will be balanced with information about getting help, advice and support.

Referral

Depending on the nature of the breach of licence, we reserve the right to refer the matter to the Director of Student and Academic Services for consideration in respect of University disciplinary procedures. If you wish to make serious allegations about the behaviour of other UWE Bristol students you should contact the Student Casework Team in Student and Academic Services via studentcasework@uwe.ac.uk.

In all cases of disciplinary action, we recommend you contact The Students’ Union at UWE Advice Centre. Their representatives are welcome at any meeting regarding a disciplinary matter. Contact them via +44 (0)117 32 82676 or advice@uwe.ac.uk.

Following disciplinary action by Accommodation Services you have the right to appeal the decision made. An appeal should be addressed to the Head of Accommodation Services and received within seven working days of the date of the written notification from Accommodation Services. You should clearly state the grounds in which you are appealing.

The below outlines the full delivery, possession or use of drugs which will not be tolerated and the consequences that will occur dependent on your actions.

Class A, Class B, Class C and Psychoactive substances (including nitrous oxide)

1. Final warning with a mandatory place on a Drugs Awareness Session* plus sanctions up to referral to the police, referral to student conduct panel and/or professional suitability.
2. Notice to quit UWE Bristol accommodation.

*Awareness sessions

Awareness sessions are subject to availability at the time of booking. You will only have one opportunity to attend an awareness session.

Supply or production of any class or any substance

1. Notice to quit UWE Bristol Accommodation, referral to the Police and referral to student conduct panel and/or professional suitability, possible expulsion from UWE Bristol.

Possession of drugs paraphernalia 

1. Confiscation or disposal with advisory letter.

Below outlines behaviours which will not be tolerated and the escalation that will occur dependent on your actions.

Aggressive behaviour – physical, bullying or discrimination (including social media)

1. Notice to quit UWE Bristol accommodation, possible expulsion from the University, referral to the student conduct panel and a referral to the University Police Officer

Aggressive behaviour – verbal

1. Final warning letter, referral to student conduct panel, plus referral to the University Police Officer
2. Notice to quit UWE Bristol accommodation

Noise disturbance

1. Verbal warning
2. First warning letter
3. Final warning letter, confiscation of equipment and agree to acceptable behaviour contract (ABC)
4. Notice to quit UWE Bristol Accommodation

Housekeeping (cleaning) issues

1. Accommodation Services issue advice and guidance (noted by Accommodation Manager)
2. Mediation followed by cleaning rota and weekly inspections for one month
3. First warning letter plus an accommodation cleaning charge, cleaning rota and weekly inspections for one month
4. Final warning letter plus an accommodation cleaning charge, cleaning rota and weekly inspections for one month
5. Transfer and/or acceptable behaviour contract (ABC) and weekly inspections
6. Notice to quit UWE Bristol Accommodation

General anti-social behaviour (nuisance, damage, streaking, urinating etc)

1. First warning letter
2. Final warning letter
3. Notice to quit UWE Bristol Accommodation

Below outlines breaches of our Fire Safety Policy and the disciplinary action you will face as a result of your actions.

Tampering with smoke or heat detectors

This includes covering over, removing, tampering or interfering with or malicious activation of fire alarm

1. Final warning with attendance on a Fire Awareness Session* (you will be charged for your place if you do not attend)
2. Notice to quit UWE Bristol accommodation

*Awareness sessions

Awareness sessions are subject to availability at the time of booking. You will only have one opportunity to attend an awareness session and failure to attend will result in a charge of £103.42 for your place on the course.