Community code of conduct

Community Code of Conduct

The University of Huddersfield is a community brought together by a common focus on education, where staff, students and employers work together to advance teaching, learning and the quest for knowledge. We maintain a commitment to freedom of expression and the exploration of complex and sometimes sensitive issues informed by the diverse nature and background of our members. To ensure an accessible and supportive environment, we aim to foster an atmosphere of respect and understanding which embraces the diversity of our members and promotes respect for individuals.
To help maintain and develop good relations within our University community, this Code of Conduct draws together the principles which underpin appropriate behaviour. The Code applies to all staff, students and employers when on campus, online within a teaching environment in addition to any social media interactions, on placement, study visits or in other circumstances where the interests of the University of Huddersfield are affected.

The following four principles form the foundations of acceptable conduct:

Respect and courtesy You should exercise consideration for others. You should be respectful and courteous, and act towards others and their property as you would want them to act towards you and your property. You should arrive to classes and meetings on time. You should also be mindful about the use of electronic devices in classes, your social media usage and how this may impact on others.
Professionalism You are accountable for your actions and should behave professionally and apply ethical standards to your work.
Self Control You should follow established regulations and procedures, use language appropriate to the circumstance, and be assertive rather than aggressive when attempting to resolve disputes.
Community You should show commitment to the University, its mission and aims and, to that end, adhere to its rules and regulations, contribute to its academic and social life, and protect its good name. This includes your actions within the wider community when you are not on campus and any additional measures or restrictions which the University puts in place. Previously, this has included adhering to measures in line with government guidelines to manage Covid-19.

Breaching the Code of Conduct 

If you display unacceptable or inappropriate behaviour you may be subject to disciplinary action. Please refer to Section 11 of the Regulations for full details on student disciplinary.

Examples of behaviours that breach the Code of Conduct

The following are examples of behaviour that we may consider to be unacceptable. Please note, that this is not an exhaustive list and these examples can happen both on and off campus or online and can involve members of the public:

Number Breach
1 Academic or research misconduct
2 Disruption of, or improper interference with, the academic, administrative, sporting, social or other activities of the University. This includes interfering with or intimidating other parties involved in disciplinary, or other, proceedings and/or breaching the confidentiality of a regulatory process 
3 Breach of the regulations which students accept as a condition of enrolment
4 Behaviour which, in the reasonable opinion of the University, brings the University into disrepute
5 Breach of professional conduct
6 Conduct which may be regarded as a breach of the criminal law
7 Misuse of alcohol, drugs and legal highs
8

Bullying, harassment or discrimination, including the use of discriminatory language (we use the definitions of discrimination formally adopted by the UK government, and other associated legal advice). This Behaviour can make a person feel offended, intimidated or humiliated if it occurs because of, or connected to, protected characteristics. Examples include, but are not limited to;

  • Humiliation to a person owing to a protected characteristic e.g. their religion 
  • Unwarranted physical contact or threatening gestures
9 Physical, written, or verbal abuse or intimidation, including in communications via social media or within an online teaching environment
10

Sexual misconduct which relates to all unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. This includes sexual harassment or sexual violence. Examples of sexual misconduct include, but are not limited to; 

  • Unwanted conduct which creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment (as defined by the Equality Act 2010)
  • Assault (as defined by the Sexual Offences Act 2003) 
  • Physical unwanted sexual advances (as set out by the Equality and Human Rights Commission: Sexual harassment and the law, 2017)
  • Intimidation, or promising resources or benefits in return for sexual favours (as set out by the Equality and Human Rights Commission: Sexual harassment and the law, 2017)
  • Distributing private and personal explicit images or video footage of an individual without their consent (as defined by the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015).
11 Fraud, deceit, deception or dishonesty 
12 Action likely to cause injury, impair safety or raise false alarm on University premises
13 Damage to property, including the placing of posters and signs, caused intentionally or recklessly, and theft or misappropriation of such property
14 Misuse or unauthorised use of University premises or items of property
15 Dropping litter of any description on University premises whether inside or outside buildings or smoking in unauthorised areas
16 Vexatious, reckless or malicious allegations against other students, staff or members of the public
17 Misuse of a student ID card
18 Failure to give your name and student ID card to a member of staff when asked
19 Failure to comply with a previously imposed penalty or instruction under any University regulation, policy or procedure
20 Unacceptable behaviour or actions as set out in other policies, procedures and regulations of the University.
21 Unacceptable behaviour when representing the University