Disciplinary meeting

I was caught vaping at university flat party at about 4am and now have to have an electronic disciplinary meeting online to explain myself (for the vaping, not the flat party). I genuinely thought vaping inside was allowed as on terms and conditions for accommodation it specifies smoking only, and not specifically vaping. I thought this would make vaping okay, becasue it’s illegal to smoke inside, not vape. I understand that this may be my error, but if I say this in the meeting will it help my cause? Any tips? Email talks about a student union representative being able to come, is this worth me looking into? Does anyone have any idea of any punishment? Anyone had similar?

Reply 1

martin7

20

Original post

by Anonymous

I was caught vaping at university flat party at about 4am and now have to have an electronic disciplinary meeting online to explain myself (for the vaping, not the flat party). I genuinely thought vaping inside was allowed as on terms and conditions for accommodation it specifies smoking only, and not specifically vaping. I thought this would make vaping okay, becasue it’s illegal to smoke inside, not vape. I understand that this may be my error, but if I say this in the meeting will it help my cause? Any tips? Email talks about a student union representative being able to come, is this worth me looking into? Does anyone have any idea of any punishment? Anyone had similar?

Yes, you should discuss this with the student union and ask for their support. (It's pretty standard in any kind of formal disciplinary process for you to be accompanied by someone; in employment that's typically a colleague or a union representative.)

You should familiarise yourself with the processes around the disciplinary meeting. Make sure you've carefully read the regulation that you're alleged to have breached. If the regulation isn't sufficiently clear that "smoking" includes vaping, then you could claim that in mitigation. You might advance the argument that vaping isn't new, and that the university could have made specific reference to it as being treacyed as "smoking" but didn't. But you need to be sure as to what the rule does say before making that argument.

I would suggest that whatever happens, it would be best to be contrite and apologise; don't go in all guns blazing with the legalistic argument about vaping vs smoking.

But definitely talk to the SU.

Reply 2

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

13

Original post

by Anonymous

I was caught vaping at university flat party at about 4am and now have to have an electronic disciplinary meeting online to explain myself (for the vaping, not the flat party). I genuinely thought vaping inside was allowed as on terms and conditions for accommodation it specifies smoking only, and not specifically vaping. I thought this would make vaping okay, becasue it’s illegal to smoke inside, not vape. I understand that this may be my error, but if I say this in the meeting will it help my cause? Any tips? Email talks about a student union representative being able to come, is this worth me looking into? Does anyone have any idea of any punishment? Anyone had similar?

Hey,

I totally get why you’re feeling anxious about this, disciplinary meetings sound serious, but for something like vaping, it’s usually not as bad as it feels right now. From what you’ve said, it sounds like an honest misunderstanding rather than you deliberately breaking the rules. A lot of students make the same assumption, since most accommodation policies specifically say smoking is banned but don’t always mention vaping clearly.

In your meeting, it’s best to be calm, polite, and honest. Explain that you genuinely thought vaping was allowed since it wasn’t clearly specified in the terms, and that you understand now it falls under the same policy as smoking indoors. Emphasize that it was a one-time mistake, you’re aware of the rules now, and it won’t happen again. Showing that you understand and take responsibility goes a long way.

You can definitely ask for a student union representative to attend with you if that makes you feel more confident. They’re used to these situations and can help you phrase things clearly and keep the meeting fair. It’s completely your right to have one present.

As for the outcome, most universities treat vaping indoors as a minor disciplinary issue, especially if it’s a first offence. You’ll probably get a warning or a note on your record, but it’s very unlikely to escalate further unless there’s been damage, repeated issues, or you were ignoring previous warnings.

Don’t worry too much! Just go in prepared, stay respectful, and be honest about your misunderstanding. It’ll likely be resolved with a reminder or warning, and you can move on from it.

Good luck 😊
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

Disciplinary meeting

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