Dealing with the matter informally and formally
Unacceptable behaviour can be addressed in a number of ways and the most appropriate course of action will vary according to the particulars of the behaviour.
Informal processes
When the behaviour of others causes you upset, fear or humiliation, addressing the issue can feel overwhelming. Talking it over with somebody will provide you with support and can also help you determine how you want to deal with the issue. It is important consider the best way of preventing the issue escalating.
You may decide to approach the individual directly, either in person or in writing. It may be that the individual isn't aware of the impact of their behaviour and this director approach may be a quick and effective method of remedying the situation. Bear in mind that the tone of any written communication may be misinterpreted so it is best to consider the wording carefully before sending.
You may choose to raise the issue informally within your School, with your Personal Tutor, Supervisor, Head of School, Residence Management Team or other member of staff. They will then work towards resolving the issue using means including (but not limited to):
- holding an informal meeting between the parties and any others who might help to resolve the situation (such as a Tutor or Supervisor)
- speaking separately to the individuals involved
- using restorative approaches to increase awareness of the impact of behaviour and rebuild relationships.
You can seek guidance from the Student Support and Wellbeing team and the Student Advice Centre in the Students' Union on which informal processes to use.
Formal procedures
Where you elect to make a formal complaint to the University regarding harassment, bullying or victimisation this should be raised with the Student Cases team in the Department of Academic Support and Student Services under the following procedures:
- the Student Complaints Procedure - where your complaint relates to the behaviour of a member of Cardiff University staff. When an allegation of harassment, bullying or victimisation is upheld disciplinary action may be taken against the member of staff and in severe cases the matter will be reported to the police
- the Student Behaviour Procedure - where your complaint relates to the behaviour of a fellow Cardiff University student. Where appropriate to do so, the Academic Registrar, in conjunction with the Head of School, may decide to investigate the allegations under the Fitness to Practise Procedure. Where the allegation is upheld, penalties or sanctions will be incurred in accordance with the Student Behaviour or Fitness to Practise procedures as appropriate.
External procedures
During your time at University it is likely you will come into contact with third parties who are neither students nor members of staff.
Contractors or suppliers of goods
The University communicates its position on expected standards of behaviour to its contractors and suppliers of goods and services.
Where you wish to raise a formal complaint against the behaviour of a contractor or supplier of goods and services, please get in touch with local University staff (e.g. within your School, residence, Campus Services or Students Services) and they will provide you with support and guidance.
Work or study placements
Where you wish to raise an issue within your work or study placement providers this should be done through their organisation's procedures.
If the placement has been organised by the University we may be able to help explain issues that you are experiencing to your provider and discuss steps to address these issues. We may be limited in what can be achieved, particularly for overseas placements where legal frameworks are different to the UK's.
In any event you can seek support from the Disclosure Response Team or Student Support and Wellbeing Team.
Students' Union
Where you wish to make a complaint relating to the behaviour of Students' Union staff, this should be done via the Students' Union Complaint procedure.
Confidentiality
In accordance with the University's Confidentiality Policy and Guidelines, we will not share personal information save for "where the vital interests of any person are threatened and the disclosure is made to a relevant, appropriate person". You are also reminded of their responsibilities under this policy.
You may wish to note that making allegations public, whether verbally or online, may be counter-productive and hinder the resolution of the issue. This type of behaviour may also in itself be classed as bullying under the University's Dignity at Work and Study Policy, particularly where allegations are found to be unsubstantiated.
This information can also be viewed on the Cardiff University Student Intranet