Student Code of Conduct

Allegations about the conduct or behaviour of a student will usually be dealt with by Academic Registry.

If it is determined that the alleged concern meets the threshold for the Academic Quality Lead the relevant student(s) will be contacted to let them know that the allegations have been made and to invite them to a meeting to discuss these allegations in more detail.

In the most serious cases, the Academic Quality Lead may arrange a suspension from studies whilst the case is under investigation to safeguard all parties.

As part of an investigation students may be asked to provide more information about the allegations such as writing a statement outlining the circumstances and providing copies of any evidence that might support the case (for example copies of emails, text messages or other relevant documents).

The Academic Quality Lead may ask to meet with the student to discuss the allegations in more detail.

In most cases, FutureLearn will need to provide all of this information to the student against whom the allegation has been made, including the identity of the person(s) making the allegation. This is because the student should be provided with a fair opportunity to make a response to the allegations and sharing all of the information, including the identity of the complainant and any witnesses, is the fairest and most thorough way to undertake an investigation. If the student making the complaint wishes to remain anonymous they should speak to the Academic Quality Lead when initially contacted.

Following the investigation FutureLearn will decide if, on the balance of probabilities (i.e. whether it is more likely than not), there has been a breach of its expected standards of student conduct.

If FutureLearn decides that there has been a breach, it will then follow the student disciplinary procedure. Any outcome will be proportionate to the seriousness and circumstances of the case.

If a student believes that FutureLearn has not followed its procedure correctly when handling the initial complaint about a student and there is some evidence to explain this, the student may be able to submit a complaint under the Complaints Procedure.

Stage 1
During this initial stage a referral is made to the Academic Quality Lead (AQL) to quality@futurelearn.com. A chronological overview of events in support of the referral is requested and recorded within the Quality Department. During this initial stage a member of staff will communicate with the student and explore a resolution with the Code of Conduct as a reference point. This is an informal stage to resolve the situation.

If the conduct issues remain, the member of staff will refer and report the issue to their line manager. A record of this following the process above will also be submitted to the AQL. The manager will discuss the issue with the learner, referring to the Code of Conduct as a reference point. The discussion will be supportive and will communicate the cause for concern. The student will be able to submit mitigating evidence. As an initial resolve the manager and student could agree on an action plan to improve the situation. A letter outlining the conversation and agreements between the student and manager will be sent to the student within five working days. After the action deadlines are complete from the action plan, and if there are no more concerns the matter will be closed. If the conduct or issue continues the concern will be raised to the next stage.

Stage 2
Where the action plan has not achieved its goals or where the behaviour or conduct becomes more serious, stage 2 will be implemented. Trigger for this level of concern could include:

• Poor programme performance in one or more indicators.
• Persistent inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour.
• Refusal to engage with support or FutureLearn staff.

The meeting will be Chaired by the Head of Programmes, with the AQL and Student Services Team Leader present. The student will be given advanced notice in writing of the meeting and the offer to be accompanied by a representative. The invitation to the meeting will include the reasons for the meeting and the request to bring evidence to the meeting as appropriate, for example, medical evidence. If the student declines the meeting it will still be held and can consider any evidence submitted in advance by the student. The outcome of the meeting could include:

• No further action.
• Leave of absence.
• Change of study intensity.
• Escalation to other FutureLearn procedures.
• A further action plan.

The outcome of the meeting will be put in writing and shared with the student within five working days. If the student rejects the outcome or fails to meet the actions and deadlines on the action plan the case will then be moved to the final stage.

Stage 3

This stage is used for serious concerns relating to conduct. If the concern has been referred via the Student Disciplinary or Prevent procedure, then the concern will be reviewed at this stage only. The meeting will comprise of the learner, Director of Academic Affairs, AQL, Student Services Team Leader, Head of Programmes, and Academic Registrar. The student can be accompanied by a representative. Notification will be given to the student in advance and the evidence will be asked for. The meeting will be held still if the student declines or does not attend.

The panel will determine if a leave of absence is required, when it will begin and for how long. Specific dates and timings will be recorded. Any disciplinary issues will be referred to the Student Disciplinary procedure. A nominated FutureLearn member of staff will remain in contact with the student. The student will be notified in writing within five working days of the outcome of this stage.

If the AQL or Panel determines that misconduct has occurred, a note will be placed on the student file. This will not have an impact on their ability to continue with their studies or be awarded and graduate (unless the student has been expelled or is on a programme with very specific professional requirements) and this record will only be referred to again if the student is involved in another incident.

A student has the right to appeal the decision within ten working days of receiving written confirmation of the outcome of the stage 3 meeting. Appeals must be submitted in writing and sent to the Academic Registrar quality@futurelearn.com detailing the following:

• Where the procedure has been incorrectly followed.
• Where there is further evidence of material circumstances which were not reasonably considered by the panel.

The Academic Registrar will establish consultation with the Director of Academic Affairs and Managing Director for consideration as to whether to dismiss the appeal or review the case.

If the student is dissatisfied with the outcome of the appeal, they may wish to refer the matter to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) within three months of the conclusion of the procedure by FutureLearn. 

Address: OIA Third Floor, Kings Reach, 38-50 King’s Road, Reading RG1 3AA 

Email enquiries: enquiries@oiahe.org.uk  

Website: www.oiahe.org.uk