Student conduct

Statute XI on University discipline contains a Code of Discipline applying to all University members and to students who have a contract with the University who are not formally University members. It sets out the actions and behaviours that are unacceptable in the University context.

The behaviours which are prohibited by Statute XI include:

Academic misconduct (including plagiarism). Appendix A to the Academic Disciplinary Procedures provides a summary of the provisions of the Code of Discipline with examples of relevant behaviour and possible penalties.

Non-academic misconduct (including disruption to University activities, damaging University or college property, forging University documents, engaging in violent or offensive behaviour or language, harassment, sexual misconduct and the possession or distribution of drugs). Appendix A to the Disciplinary Procedure for Non-Academic Misconduct provides a summary of the provisions of the Code of Discipline with examples of relevant behaviour and possible penalties.

Complaints of student misconduct should usually be made within six months of the conduct complained about.

Students who are organising meetings or events should follow the guidance on meetings and events, and notify the Proctors.  

Rules Committee regulations, reviewed annually, concern student members’ conduct specifically.

The current regulations set out rules covering:

• Clubs, societies and publication
• Defacement of property and unauthorised advertisements
• Behaviour after examinations (supplemented by the Code of Conduct)
• Overseas activities
• Rowing on the river

Those responsible for managing University land and buildings, or operating University services and facilities, are empowered to draw up and publish local rules governing access and use.

Students using buildings, property or services are advised to familiarise themselves with any published rules, for example as displayed on noticeboards in or at the entrance to buildings or property or on the service’s website. Failing to abide by these rules may lead to a temporary or permanent ban.  An allegation of a breach of local rules may be referred to the Proctors for investigation as a possible disciplinary offence under Statute XI.

Students studying for awards that are also professional qualifications may also be expected to observe specific codes of conduct drawn up by the relevant regulatory body or the University in consultation with the external bodies concerned; your department will provide details where appropriate.

Please view the University Student Disciplinary Procedure: Non-Academic Misconduct for more detailed information. This procedure applies to reports of breaches of the Code of Discipline made on or after 1 September 2025. (For reports made before 1 September 2025, please refer to the prior University Student Disciplinary Procedure.)

The University is committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for all students, and there are a number of services available to students to provide support to them during their studies at the University. The Oxford student site offers a comprehensive overview of the welfare services and resources available to students, including a Single Comprehensive Source of Information on preventing and responding to harassment and sexual misconduct. Links have been provided under the "related documents" section of this page.

Please note: complaints about supervision, teaching or other University services should be pursued under the University Student Complaints Procedure, whilst complaint about misconduct by staff should be pursued under the Harassment Policy or, in other cases, made to the relevant Head of Department.

Please view the University Academic Disciplinary Procedure for more detailed information. This procedure applies to reports of breaches of the Code of Discipline set out in Statute XI made on or after 1 September 2025.

Procedure for the investigation of plagiarism can be found at Annex C of the Examinations and Assessment Framework. Referrals to the Proctors must be submitted using the plagiarism referral form.

For all other conduct please email [email protected] to seek advice.