What did I do wrong?

I received a letter from my university saying that they had suspended me because I had breached the disciplinary code on the 21st of December 2023. The disciplinary code says: Violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening and offensive behaviour
Sexual misconduct (which includes assault, sharing sexual images and making inappropriate sexual comments)
Abusive, threatening or offensive language (verbal or written) including the misuse of social media
Theft , fraud, deceit, deception and bribery
Bullying and harassment
Action likely to cause injury or impair safety on university premises
Possession, supply and production of drugs
Bringing the university in to disrepute. I don’t remember doing any of these things so, there must have been a misunderstanding from some girls who complained about me. They became upset, distressed and harassed because of my behaviour. One of these girls left the university because of how I made her feel. The university are still looking for an independent investigator who has expertise in autism and investigations. This is all I know.

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Original post by mjhmichael18

I received a letter from my university saying that they had suspended me because I had breached the disciplinary code on the 21st of December 2023. The disciplinary code says: Violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening and offensive behaviour
Sexual misconduct (which includes assault, sharing sexual images and making inappropriate sexual comments)
Abusive, threatening or offensive language (verbal or written) including the misuse of social media
Theft , fraud, deceit, deception and bribery
Bullying and harassment
Action likely to cause injury or impair safety on university premises
Possession, supply and production of drugs
Bringing the university in to disrepute. I don’t remember doing any of these things so, there must have been a misunderstanding from some girls who complained about me. They became upset, distressed and harassed because of my behaviour. One of these girls left the university because of how I made her feel. The university are still looking for an independent investigator who has expertise in autism and investigations. This is all I know.

You say you don't remember do anything listed within the disciplinary code. One of the criteria you list from that code is "harassment". You also say that one of the girls "became upset, distressed and harassed because of my behaviour."

If she was "harassed because of my behaviour" then how can you say that you aren't in breach of a policy which prohibits harassment? :confused:

She must have felt very harassed if she left the university as a result. What was the behaviour which made the girls feel "upset, distressed and harassed"?

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Original post by DataVenia

You say you don't remember do anything listed within the disciplinary code. One of the criteria you list from that code is "harassment". You also say that one of the girls "became upset, distressed and harassed because of my behaviour."
If she was "harassed because of my behaviour" then how can you say that you aren't in breach of a policy which prohibits harassment? :confused:

She must have felt very harassed if she left the university as a result. What was the behaviour which made the girls feel "upset, distressed and harassed"?

I agree with this.

Reply 3

mike23mike

16

In university proceedings there has to be an appeals process - they cannot boot you out without you appealing the decision. Certainly get your union rep involved.

Unis will have a 2-tier appeals process. The first appeal is to your school appeals board then the next appeal is to the university Senate. Thus if you are studying Biochem, then the first appeal will be to the School of Science appeals board. This board is made up of senior staff from across the School - Head of the different departments in the School. If they find you 'guilty' you still have the right to appeal to the University-wide appeals board (Senate). This board is made up of senior staff from outside your School - professors from HASS, School of Engineering, Business School etc. If the Senate appeals board agree that you should be exited then there is no other recourse.

Before all of that, there should have been a Disciplinary hearing where you are interviewed by the Academic Disciplinary officer for your School. Again, if this interview did not take place the university is in breach of not following due process and your case will be thrown out by the School Appeals board or if not them then the Senate Appeals board. A person is innocent until there is reasonable evidence otherwise. Also a person has the right to respond to the things they are accused of doing. The university rules state that there does have to be guilt 'beyond reasonable doubt' as in the law courts but there is reasonable grounds that the actions you have been accused of are valid.

I have strong personal opinions of what you have been accused of but I am giving you my professional opinion.

Reply 4

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

21

Just noting that the OP hasn't posted for about 5 months now, it's very possible any investigation has been concluded.

What did I do wrong?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you