Student Discipline Committee

DISC04-M3

Minutes of the Seventh Meeting of the Student Discipline Committee held on 9 December 2004

Members: Dr J E Davies (Chair), J B C Blood, G Chivers, Dr H P Drake, D Green, R M King,
S A Mason, R H Mayo, J E Mutton, J Roberts, J Scott (ab), M Shuker (ab), Professor J B Thomas

By invitation: R J Kennedy, J Thomas

In attendance: D L Wolfe

Apologies for absence: J Scott and M Shuker

18. Membership and Terms of Reference (DISC04-P1)

The Chair welcomed new members.

It was AGREED to invite the recently appointed Registrar’s Case Officer, Mr Tom Cartwright, to attend future meetings.

19. Minutes (DISC04-M2)

The minutes of the Sixth Meeting of the Committee held on 14 July 2004 were confirmed.

20. Matters Arising from the Minutes

.1 Relationship with the Police (DISC04-M2, Min. 15.3 refers)

The Security Manager reported a further useful meeting with the Police, one outcome of which had been an undertaking to implement the Road Traffic Act on campus when appropriate. There had been an agreement to exchange information and to ensure better communication.

Members asked that the Security Organisation look to enforcing on campus the ban on the use of mobile phones whilst driving, perhaps initially through a poster campaign, but thereafter through the Disciplinary Procedure.

There was some discussion in regard to car insurance on the campus. The Secretary was asked to elicit the formal position from the Finance Office.

.2 Hall Committees (DISC04-M2, Min. 15.5 refers)

The Committee noted Regulation XIX, Hall Committees, as made by the University in August 2004.

.3 Issues Arising from Recent Hearings (DISC04-M2, Min. 16 refers)

The Secretary reported that discussions on possible amendments to the Ordinance were continuing.

21. Matters Arising from the Meeting of 12 May 2004

.1 LSU Disciplinary Procedures (DISC04-M1, Min. 5 refers)

It was reported that LSU had changed its disciplinary procedures to address the concerns raised by the Committee. A copy of the revised procedures would be circulated to members shortly.

.2 Vehicles on Campus (DISC04-P13)

The Committee noted a minute of Estates Management Committee.

22. Traffic and Parking Offences (DISC04-P14)

The Committee was advised by the Deputy Security Manager that concerns raised at a recent Disciplinary Hearing suggesting that the procedure for issuing “tickets” for traffic and parking offences were not compliant with Ordinance XVII were well-founded. It was AGREED that procedures be amended as suggested in the Deputy Security Manager’s paper, and that the situation be kept under review.

The Committee reiterated that its priority was to ensure a safe, well-regulated campus in so far as the use of motor vehicles was concerned.

The Committee further noted steps being taken by the Security Organisation to ensure compliance with new legislation on the clamping of vehicles.

23. Medical Reports

In the light of concerns raised subsequent to a recent Hearing, the Committee was invited to consider whether Panels should be formally entitled to seek medical reports, or to impose medical requirements as a condition for continued registration as a student.

One member reminded the Committee that the University already had a comprehensive Code of Practice on Mental Health, and that a holistic response in the context of that Policy was desirable. Accordingly the Secretary was asked to raise the issue with the Director of Student Guidance and Welfare.

24. Community Service

It was reported that the newly appointed Case Officer had agreed to follow-up Community Service Orders to ensure that they were properly carried out.

25. Use of the Hall Net Service

It was RESOLVED to authorise the Director of Computing Services to withdraw access to the Hall Net Service as a disciplinary measure in appropriate circumstances.

26. Minor Offences (DISC04-P15)

The Committee received and noted a summary of offences reported up to 11 November 2004.

Some concern was expressed at the apparent imbalance in offences between Halls, with 75% of penalties being imposed in a single Hall. A number of possible reasons were suggested, but the Committee was concerned not to speculate. Accordingly it was AGREED to seek the views of the Head of the Wardens’ Service. The Committee noted that under the new Regulation on Hall Committees, each Hall would have its own constitution, vetted by the Registrar: it was hoped that this would ensure an even-handed approach to discipline whilst maintaining the distinct personality of individual Halls.

It was AGREED that the database should in future include the date (rather than simply month) of offences.

27. Date of Next Meeting

To be determined.