At Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful community where all students and staff are treated with dignity. We expect all members of our community to take personal responsibility for their behaviour and to contribute to a positive learning and living environment.
 

Our Expectations

The Student Conduct Procedure outlines the standards of behaviour expected of all students, both on campus and online, and sets out how the University addresses non-academic misconduct. This includes incidents of harassment, sexual misconduct, and other behaviours that may negatively impact individuals or the wider community.

These expectations are supported by the Student Prevention of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy, which aims to raise awareness, promote a respectful culture, and provide clear pathways for students to disclose or report concerns.

What BNU expects from our students:

• Act with integrity and respect toward others
• Comply with University policies and the law
• Behave in a way that supports a safe and inclusive environment
• Treat University property and facilities responsibly
• Follow reasonable instructions from staff and security
• Feel empowered to speak up if you witness or experience behaviour that doesn’t seem right or align with our shared values

We are committed to ensuring that all students engaging with the Student Conduct Procedure are treated fairly, respectfully, and with care. You can expect us to:

• Provide a clear, fair, and transparent process
• Treat all information shared with appropriate confidentiality
• Offer access to support services throughout the process
• Communicate with you in a timely and respectful manner
• Make reasonable adjustments if you have a disability or health condition
• Take a consistent, sensitive, and student-centred approach to all reports of harassment or sexual misconduct
• Offer restorative or educative options where appropriate to support learning and resolution
• Foster a safe environment where students feel supported to report misconduct

The procedure also explains how reports of misconduct are investigated and the possible outcomes, including educative, restorative, or disciplinary actions.
 

Our Commitment

BNU is dedicated to preventing harassment, sexual misconduct, and other forms of non-academic misconduct, while fostering a culture of safety, respect, and accountability. We take all reports seriously and will respond through education, support, and appropriate sanctions when behaviour breaches our policies.

• View the Student Conduct Procedure
• View the Student Prevention of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy
   

Reporting Misconduct

If you experience or witness unacceptable behaviour, we encourage you to report it. You can do this in several ways:

• Submit a report using our Online Misconduct Reporting Form below
• Use the University’s Report + Support platform to disclose an incident and access support
• Contact the Resolution Team directly via resolution@bnu.ac.uk

All reports are handled sensitively and in line with our commitment to fairness, confidentiality, and student wellbeing.

Support Available

We understand that being involved in a conduct case whether as a reporting party, reported student, or witness, can be challenging. A range of support is available to help you throughout the process.

You can access:

• The Student Hub for wellbeing and mental health support via students@bnu.ac.uk
• Students’ Union Advice Centre for independent advice and advocacy via SUAdvice@bnu.ac.uk
• Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) for confidential support in cases involving sexual misconduct via safeguarding@bnu.ac.uk
• Inclusion Diversity & Disability advice and support via inclusion@bnu.ac.uk
   

Learning Partnership Agreement

The University is committed to continually improving the quality of its provision. Our Learning Partnership Agreement, developed jointly by students, the Students' Union, and the University, reflects our shared commitment to creating a positive and successful learning experience.

This agreement highlights the importance of working together in partnership and outlines what students can expect from the University, and what is expected in return. It encourages all members of the University community to treat one another, including academic and support staff, with courtesy, respect, and professionalism, in line with our shared values.

By fostering mutual respect and open communication, we aim to build a learning environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.