11. Investigation by University Panel

11.1 The University shall establish a Standing Panel to investigate suspected cases of Unacceptable Academic Practice. Each Faculty shall nominate members of academic staff to serve on the Standing Panel.

11.2 On receipt of an allegation of Unacceptable Academic Practice from the Chair of an Examination Board, the Academic Registry shall arrange for a University Panel to be convened. The Chair of the Examination Board shall submit a written report relating to the case, along with all relevant written evidence.

11.3 The University Panel shall consist of three members selected from the Standing Panel, one of whom shall be designated as the Chair. No member of any University Panel shall be drawn from the student’s Department(s) and where possible should not have been involved with previous cases of UAP for the same students.

11.4 The Secretary to the University Panel shall inform the student of the date, place and time of the panel meeting, and that they have the opportunity to attend the meeting. The student should be notified as to the identities of panel members in advance of the meeting and can raise conflicts of interest prior to the meeting.

11.5 The student shall have the opportunity to submit written evidence in advance of the panel meeting, including evidence of special circumstances.

11.6 Documentary evidence shall be sent to the student before the date of the meeting and circulated to panel members. Any further evidence made available on the date of the meeting may be presented to the panel, but only with the express permission of the Chair.

11.7 The student may be represented by an advisor from the Students’ Union. Representation by other persons will be at the discretion of the Chair, and any requests for such representation should be made in writing to the Chair in advance of the panel meeting. Legal representation at the meeting will not normally be permitted.

11.8 Where a student, without good reason, fails to attend a panel meeting, the meeting may proceed in their absence.