Support for study

Support for study process

Stage 1 - Initial or low-medium risk concerns

When initial or low-medium risk concerns arise about a student’s health and its adverse impact on other members of the University community, these should be dealt with locally by the appropriate member of staff (for example Student Advisers, Wellbeing Advisers, Directors of Students or Research Supervisors). Where concerns arise in the University’s residential accommodation, the relevant member of staff in the Residence Life team should respond to them.

Stage 2 - Continuing or more serious concerns

If the student is unable or unwilling to discuss the concerns at Stage 1, or there are continuing and/or more serious emerging concerns despite any actions agreed during Stage 1, the case may be referred to the College Dean of Students (or nominee) for consideration under Stage 2.

The Dean of Students can either refer the case back to the School (and may meet with the School to discuss further support and adjustments that could be implemented), or they will arrange a Stage 2 student meeting.

The purpose of a Stage 2 student meeting is to assess what further solutions, plans and intervention can be put in place to support the student to study and/or reside as a member of the University community and address any adverse impact that their behaviour might be having on other members of the University community. The student can attend the meeting, or make written representations. The student has the right to be accompanied at the meeting by a supporter from within the University community, including a member of the Students' Association staff, or a specialist provider of health or wellbeing support.

The Stage 2 student meeting will either decide that no follow-up action is necessary, or will agree a time-bound action plan.

Stage 3 - Persistent and serious concerns

If concerns persist following the end of any time-bound action plan agreed at Stage 2, or if the student does not engage with the recommendations arising from the meeting, or if more serious concerns emerge, the relevant Dean of Students can refer the case to the Deputy Secretary, Students. The Deputy Secretary, Students or other Deputy Secretary can either refer the case back to the College (and may meet with them to discuss further support and adjustments that could be implemented), or ask the Director of Student Wellbeing (or deputy) to prepare a formal risk assessment regarding the student and the wider community.

If the Deputy Secretary concludes that the risks of adverse impact on the wider University community can be adequately managed or mitigated without further formal action, they will conclude the formal process of this policy. If the Deputy Secretary concludes that the risk assessment and other information provide evidence that the student's behaviour is causing significant risks to the wider University community, they will convene a Stage 3 meeting to consider a student's case. The student can attend the meeting or submit written representations. The student has the right to be accompanied by a supporter from within the University community, including a member of the Students' Association staff, or a specialist provider of health or wellbeing support.

The Panel will either decide that no follow-up action is necessary, or will agree one or more of the following:

• The School/Residence Life team will be required to introduce further adjustments to support the student (defining who is responsible for reviewing progress and on what timescales);
• The student will be supported to apply in the normal way for an appropriate change to their programme status (e.g. interruption of studies or a transfer to part-time study);
• A plan will be made for the student to address specified aspects of their behaviour (defining who is responsible for reviewing progress and on what timescales), including assistance in accessing relevant services which may support the student in making these changes;
• The student is required to interrupt studies for a specified period that does not exceed 12 months, with a requirement to subsequently demonstrate that they are fit to return to their studies.
• The student is recommended to withdraw from studies; with the option to be reinstated at a later date to permit completion of a degree under the relevant study degree regulations;
• In very limited circumstances, the student will be required to leave University accommodation;
• In exceptional circumstances, exclusion of the student by the University if it is considered to be in the best interests of the student. In the case of this exclusion, all other options must have been exhausted or must not be feasible. The University will offer support during this transitionary period such as support with accommodation or advice on visas and finances.

More information

Support for Study Policy

For cases commenced before 1 August 2025, please refer to the previous policy below:

Contact

For further information on the policy contact: