Varndean College Policies and Procedures

Transcription

1 STUDENT MANAGEMENT POLICY Last updated: July 2007 SLT Approval: May 2011 Curriculum & Standards Committee: June 2011 Corporation: July 2011 Updated: September 2013 Next Review date: May 2015 Varndean College Policies and Procedures

2 A CONTEXT College Values 1. The staff and governors of the College believe that students are the focus of all our work and that they have the right to study and achieve their goals in a safe environment that promotes learning and is free from harassment and intimidation of any kind. Scope and Purpose 2. This document sets out the procedures to be followed where a student breaches or allegedly breaches the Student Contract. The main objective will always be to help students to remain on their chosen courses and at College, wherever possible. Breach of the Student Contract may lead to disciplinary action being taken against a student and repeated breaches or a single very serious breach may result in a student being excluded from the College. 3. These procedures apply to all students of the College, at all times, on and off the College site, whether full-time or part-time, whether or not their course is validated by, or associated with, any other institution, and at all times during the year, whether or not during College terms. College Policy 4. The aim of Varndean College is to enable all students to achieve their maximum potential. Every effort will be made to resolve difficulties informally and at an early stage to ensure students remain on course and achieve their course qualifications. 5. All members of the College have responsibilities for students successfully completing their course. Students are responsible for abiding by and fulfilling the requirements placed on them by their Student Contract. The Student Contract is set out in full in Annex A to this document and states clearly the obligations of students, including their express consent for the College to contact home if they are involved in disciplinary proceedings. 6. Formal disciplinary procedures for managing students will only be used when informal strategies have failed or in the case of a particularly serious breach of the Student Contract. Authority 7. The Articles of Government (Article 21. (3)) requires that: After consultation with representatives of the students, the Corporation shall make rules concerning the conduct of students, including procedures for their suspension and expulsion (including expulsion for an unsatisfactory standard of work or other academic reason). Page 2

3 8. The Principal has responsibility, within procedures approved by the Corporation, for student management, and can suspend or exclude students on disciplinary grounds. 9. In addition to the Principal, the following members of the Senior Leadership Team: Vice Principal Teaching and Learning Vice Principal Students and Learning are empowered to suspend a student under these Procedures and the Scheme of Delegation approved by the Corporation. B INFORMAL STUDENT MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES 10. The efforts of all staff at the College are directed towards helping students. To this end every attempt will be made to resolve difficulties informally, and at an early stage, to ensure students succeed in the qualification aims of their courses. 11. If a student demonstrates an inability to do academic work of the required standard despite his/her best efforts, the College will provide appropriate support and guidance. 12. As part of the informal student management procedures, students will receive: Clear guidance on the effort and behaviour expected of them at the beginning and throughout their course, e.g. by reference to the Student Contract, during induction, in class, at regular intervals during tutorial periods and parent consultations. A timely and clear indication on each occasion when their effort or behaviour is not appropriate or sufficient, in order that they are aware of what is expected of them and what they need to do to remedy the situation. This support can begin at any stage but usually there will be a progression through the following steps: (a) Discussion or quiet chat Staff should manage cases of minor misconduct or failures to keep to the student contract informally by a clear, but informal, chat with the student to indicate to the student that their progress or behaviour needs attention making clear to them how they are expected to improve. This should be recorded in a CFC on STS to the student. In the case of attendance issues a Cause for Concern will be sent to the student. (b) Informal Warnings Where misconduct or failure to keep to the student contract is repeated or is considered to warrant stronger, but still informal treatment, staff should give an oral warning to the student concerned. This should be recorded in a Page 3

4 CFC on STS using a Cause for Concern sent to the Student. In the case of attendance issues a Cause for Concern will be sent to the student. (c) Formal Warning In slightly more serious cases, or where behaviour is repeated despite the informal warning but where the actions are not sufficient to warrant formal staged procedures, this should be recorded on STS using a Cause for Concern sent to the student. This represents the final stage of the informal process C FORMAL DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES 13. Wherever possible, informal processes will always be used before employing the formal procedures. This is always the case for stage 1 procedures, except where student absence has prevented the informal process from taking place. 14. The Formal Disciplinary Procedures involve meetings, interviews and hearings at three stages. Action may begin at any stage according to the severity of the case, but usually there will be a progression through the stages. 15. The College has the right to enter directly into a Stage 3 student management hearing in cases of gross misconduct and where, on investigation or during the early stages of the disciplinary procedure, it becomes apparent that the alleged misconduct is more serious than initially suspected. 16. It is College policy that if disciplinary action is to be taken against a student, it should follow the principles of natural justice and therefore: be undertaken only in cases where good reason and clear evidence exist and in accordance with College Procedures ensure that, at all stages of the procedure, the student will be advised of the nature of the complaint and will be given an opportunity to state his/her case appropriate and timely notice of the date, time and place of a Stage 3 hearing together with a statement regarding the allegations against the student; a statement of the student s rights to be accompanied, will be given the student will be allowed to be accompanied by his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) or a family representative (but not generally a legal representative see Definitions, below) be appropriate to the nature of the issue and consistent with cases of a similar nature a student will be allowed the right of appeal against disciplinary sanctions Stage1 warning(s) will expire after 6 months and stage 2 warnings at the discretion of the College. In determining the outcome of a disciplinary hearing, the appropriate member of staff will evaluate the body of evidence and will decide whether or not there is sufficient evidence to support the reasonable belief that the accused student Page 4

5 acted as described. This is a lesser burden of proof than that required in criminal law (beyond reasonable doubt). No staff member should be solely responsible for hearing the case at stage 3 if they have had significant prior involvement in a particular disciplinary matter against that student. 17. Before making contact with home, staff should make every effort to ensure that the student has provided their express consent to this and, where appropriate, check with STS in order to be made aware of any relevant background information. Copies of all letters must be sent to the Core Studies Tutor, and the Heads of School. 18. There are separate processes at Stages 1 and 2 for: (i) (ii) In-Class behaviour or conduct: unsatisfactory behaviour and in-class misconduct Out-of-Class behaviour or conduct: general student misconduct around the College In-Class Behaviour or Conduct: unsatisfactory behaviour and in-class misconduct (Stages 1 and 2) Stage 1: Formal Student Management Meeting with Subject Tutor, Course or Programme Leader 19. Where a Subject Teacher feels that the normal informal processes have not resulted in an improvement to the behaviour and efforts of a student, they may take action at Stage 1. This constitutes a one to one discussion with the Subject Teacher or the Course or Programme Coordinator where appropriate, that is expressly identified as a formal meeting. All situations arising within the classroom should be dealt with in this way; this includes: attendance, behaviour, noncompletion of home work or coursework 20. The outcomes from a Stage 1 Student Management meeting may include: No further action is necessary or appropriate A formal written warning that the student's performance must improve.* Agreeing a contract for the student to implement, which may include a range of actions and/or appropriate sanctions, and arranging support where necessary.* In * above, a letter being sent home to inform parents/guardians that Stage 1 procedure has been completed. 21. The Core Studies Tutor and Subject Tutor will provide suitable support including the monitoring of any agreed action plans. 22. A student should not normally receive more than one Stage 1 warning in one subject or more than two in different subjects. Further unsatisfactory behaviour or Page 5

6 conduct should be recorded via STS using Cause for concerns and dealt with at Stage If the issue is the student s non attendance then a stage 1 warning can be issued by letter; the letter should make clear why it was not possible to issue the warning in person. Stage 2: Formal Student Management Interview with Assistant Head of School or Head of School 24. This can arise in two ways: A further problem with the same subject relating to work issues, which will be dealt with by the appropriate Assistant Head of School A further problem with the same subject relating to attendance or behaviour which will be dealt with by a Head of School. Where there has been Stage 1 action in more than one subject and where further problems develop, the Head of School (Students) Or Student Progress Leader will arrange a Stage 2 interview. 25. The outcomes of a formal Stage 2 Student Management Interview may be one or more of the following: No further action is necessary or appropriate A formal written or verbal warning that the student's behaviour must improve.* Agreeing a contract for the student to implement, which may include a range of actions and/or appropriate sanctions, and arranging support where necessary.* In * above, a letter being sent home to inform parents/guardians that Stage 2 procedure has been completed. 26. A student should only have one formal Stage 2 interview in any given subject. If matters do not improve or there is a reoccurrence of misconduct, this should be recorded via STS using a Cause for Concern and the student should be referred to the appropriate Heads of School or Student progress Leader for Stage 3 action detailing the actions taken so far and the reason for referral to Stage 3. Out-of-Class Behaviour or Conduct: general student misconduct around the College (Stage 1 and 2) 27. This includes all misconduct outside the classroom that is in the Learning Resource Centre, Cafeteria, public areas of the College, the field and entrances to the College, etc. This process should also be followed in the case of general absence concerns relating to tutorial. In certain circumstances, for example the College may take action for gross misconduct which takes place off College premises. Stage 1: Formal Student Management Meeting with Core Studies Tutor Page 6

7 28. A formal Stage 1 disciplinary procedure should only be used when informal student management processes have been ineffective or are inappropriate to the situation. There may be referral by any member of staff to a Core Studies Tutor or Head of School (depending on the severity of the issue) by Cause for Concern. 29. The outcomes from a Stage 1 Student Management meeting may include: No further action is necessary or appropriate A formal written warning that the student's performance must improve.* Agreeing a contract for the student to implement, which may include a range of actions and/or appropriate sanctions, and arranging support where necessary.* In * above, a letter being sent home to inform parents/guardians that Stage 1 procedure has been completed. 30. A student should not normally receive more than one Stage 1 warning for the same offence. Further unsatisfactory behaviour or conduct should be recorded on STS and dealt with at Stage 2. Stage 2: Formal Student Management Interview with Head of School (Students) or Student Progress Leader 31. Where the conduct is of a more serious nature or where previous misconduct has been repeated after a Stage 1 procedure the student will be required to attend a Stage 2 Disciplinary interview with the Head of School (Students) or Student Progress Leader. 32. The outcomes of a formal Stage 2 Student Management interview may include: No further action is necessary or appropriate A formal written warning that the student's performance must improve.* Agreeing a contract for the student to implement, which may include a range of actions and/or appropriate sanctions, and arranging support where necessary.* In * above, a letter being sent home to inform parents/guardians that Stage 2 procedure has been completed. 33. A student should normally have only one formal Stage 2 interview for the same misconduct. If matters do not improve or there is a reoccurrence of misconduct, the student should be referred to a Vice Principal for Stage 3 action. Stage 3: Common Student Management Procedure 34. There is a common process for the final stage, Stage 3, which constitutes a formal hearing with a panel of two College managers, one of whom will be a Vice Principal. This can arise in two ways: (i) In-Class behaviour or conduct: unsatisfactory behaviour and in-class misconduct Page 7

8 Further problem with the same subject No improvement across two or more subjects (ii) Out-of-Class behaviour or conduct: general student misconduct around the College Where further misconduct has taken place following a Stage 2 Interview, or Where the alleged offence is gross misconduct of sufficient seriousness to warrant referral to Stage There will normally be a review of the case before moving to a Stage 3 hearing undertaken by the Head of School or Student Progress Leader. A hearing will normally take place as soon as it is practicable after the completion of the review. 36. At a formal Stage 3 hearing, parents/guardian or family representative (See below for Conduct of Disciplinary Interviews & Definitions) of students under 18 and vulnerable adults will normally be required to attend. A record of the outcome of the meeting and the matters taken into account in reaching the decision will be kept on the student s file. 37. The outcome of a Stage 3 hearing may include: No further action is necessary or appropriate A final written warning that the student's performance must improve together with an action plan/contract for the student to implement, which may include a range of actions and/or appropriate sanctions, and arranging support where necessary Withdrawal from a particular course A decision by a Vice Principal to temporarily exclude (10 College days maximum). A recommendation to the Principal by a Vice Principal to permanently exclude. Financial Penalties related to actual damage or loss sustained by the College, members of the College or other persons, which may have regard, where appropriate, to the costs of investigation of the offence. Failure to pay any such penalty by the due date will, in itself, constitute gross misconduct and the student may be excluded. The student agrees to withdraw from the college 38. The decision will be confirmed in writing to the student and parent/guardian together with a statement of the reason(s) for the decision. (Copy for student, Heads of School or Student Progress Leader, Core Studies Tutor). This will normally constitute the record of the outcome referred to in 36. Page 8

9 Recommendation to Exclude Permanently 39. The recommendation to exclude permanently should be made to the Principal and can arise: Directly from a stage 3 hearing Where a student fails to meet the conditions of the contract agreed at the stage 3 hearing. 40. The recommendation to exclude permanently should be made within 3 working days of the stage 3 hearing or review. The Principal will receive: an account of the stage 3 hearing to include all contributions considered at the hearing and, where the recommendation is made following a review, copies of the final warning and contract. In both cases the Vice Principal will submit a written explanation of the reason for their recommendation. A copy of these documents will be given to the student 41. The student will be informed of their right to appeal to the Principal against the recommendation to exclude within 3 working days of the hearing or review. Normally this will be done verbally at the hearing or review. The student will be given copies of any information to be considered in The Principal s decision will be confirmed in writing to the student and parent/guardian within 10 working days of the stage 3 hearing or review together with a statement of the reason(s) for the decision. D REVIEWS AND INVESTIGATIONS 43. Reviews to gather information will normally take place prior to any Stage 3 disciplinary interview under these procedures. The review should include a meeting with the student and it will be made clear to students that the review is for investigatory, not disciplinary purposes. 44. All staff who teach the student can contribute in writing to the review using STS. Only contributions via STS will be included. 45. After the review is complete the Head of School will decide whether or not to progress the matter from the investigatory phase to the disciplinary hearing. 46. Where a procedure is initiated at stage 3 in response to alleged gross misconduct, all those with a significant involvement in the incident may be interviewed and any statements will be given in writing and signed. The student will be given the opportunity to give a written statement. E SUSPENSIONS PENDING INVESTIGATION 47. A student may be suspended from the College, pending a Stage 3 investigation, by a Vice Principal (acting on behalf of the Principal) where there is reasonable belief that the student has committed an act of misconduct or gross misconduct and that the continued attendance of the student at College could: Page 9

10 a) Interfere with an investigation b) Constitute a continued threat to persons or property c) Cause undue disruption to the normal operation of the College d) Not be in the student's own interest. 48. Suspension pending investigation is not a form of disciplinary action, but may be appropriate to particular circumstances whilst the facts of a possible disciplinary matter are being investigated. It may (or may not) lead to disciplinary action or a Stage 3 hearing. If a student wishes to contest a suspension pending investigation, this should be determined by another member of the Senior Leadership Team not previously involved in the matter. 49. If the student is present at the moment of suspension, the College manager will normally give the student a standard letter, signed by the Principal or Vice Principal, explaining the reason for the suspension and the process for investigation. The students will normally be escorted from the campus and their ID card retained by the College until the outcome of the proceedings. 50. Where the student is not on site, the Principal or Vice Principal will send a letter to the student within three working days of the suspension. Copies of the letter will be sent to: The Heads of School or Student Progress Leader and the student s Core Studies Tutor The parents or guardians of the student, if the student was under 18 at the commencement of his/her course. 51. The student may be invited to an investigatory interview with the Head of school or Student Progress Leader investigating the matter. Such an interview should normally take place within five working days of the suspension. If the student is under 18 or a vulnerable adult, normally his/her parents should be notified that an investigatory interview will take place and be invited to attend. 52. A student who has been suspended may not enter College premises except with the express permission of the Head of school or Student Progress Leader or as required for related proceedings. Where a Stage 3 student management panel hearing is adjourned pending further investigation, any student who has been suspended under this provision will remain on suspension until the interview is reconvened. F CONDUCT OF DISCIPLINARY AND APPEAL HEARINGS 53. At the start of all hearings, the Vice Principal will explain the purpose of the hearing and that the hearing is a two stage process. First, that the College can either dismiss or uphold an allegation made against the student, and then once a decision has been taken as to whether the allegation should be admitted or upheld, Page 10

11 the process will move to a second stage by considering the imposition of sanctions. At that point it would be appropriate to consider any previous live issues on file and any matters of mitigation. Any appeal to the Appeals Panel represents the final stage of the Student Management Procedures. 54. At a Stage 3 hearing the appropriate College Manager will take the student through the allegations that have led to the complaint. He or she will explain the purpose of the hearing and the extent of his/her delegated powers and the disciplinary penalties which are possible outcomes of that hearing. The student, or a representative, will be given the opportunity to ask questions, to state his or her case and asked to state whether the alleged facts are disputed and, if so, which facts. 55. The Vice Principal conducting the proceedings may determine the procedures, including the length of time that any part of the proceedings should take, and ensure that there is a written record of the outcome sent home. Such instructions must be fair and observe the rules of natural justice. 56. If material facts in the student s case are disputed, the student will be asked to identify any sources of evidence supporting his or her case. Any evidence will normally be written evidence. Witnesses will not normally be asked to attend. However, witnesses may be called by the Vice Principal if there appears to be a dispute of facts in the written evidence by either the College or the student. Written statements which do not reveal the name of the witness will not normally be considered, other than in the most exceptional cases, where it is felt that disclosure may expose the witness to personal danger of assault or intimidation. 57. The Vice Principal conducting the hearing may exclude from the proceedings any person (including the student or the student s friend, representative or relative) who behaves unreasonably or who disregards the instructions of the member of staff with regard to the interview. G Temporary Exclusions: 58. The decision to exclude will require the panel to consider: whether or not the College has followed the correct procedure the evidence available; those facts which can be regarded as undisputed and material facts which are disputed by the student. whether or not there is sufficient reasonable belief that the judgement is unbiased and based upon the evidence available whether or not the punishment is proportionate to the act. 59. The decision of the Vice Principal will be confirmed in writing together with a statement of the reason(s) for the decision; this will be kept on the student s file. Page 11

12 60. Only the Principal has the power to permanently exclude a student from the College (i.e. expel) as a disciplinary sanction. Subject to the principles of natural justice, no student will normally be excluded without the right to a Stage 3 hearing. In appropriate circumstances, the relevant College Manager may decide to impose a sanction of temporary exclusion pending an investigation. 58. In exceptional circumstances, the Principal may summarily exclude a student. This means that the exclusion is immediate and without a disciplinary hearing. This will only occur where there is clear, incontrovertible evidence of an act of such serious gross misconduct that could only result in permanent exclusion, for example, a physical assault upon a member of staff or other students. 59. A student who has been summarily excluded may lodge an appeal to the Clerk to the Governing Body, who will arrange for a Panel of Governors to hear the appeal. H THE APPEALS PROCESS (other than permanent exclusions) 60. The College reserves the right to determine whether or not an appeal falls within its appeals framework and should be allowed to proceed. The College also reserves the right to not hear a case afresh at appeal stage. 61. The grounds of appeal are: (a) (b) (c) (d) That the there was a serious breach of the College s procedures that may have adversely affected the outcome That new evidence has come to light that was not available at the original disciplinary hearing and could be expected to materially influence the original outcome. Where this occurs, the evidence must be provided to the College together with an explanation as to why it was not provided earlier That the findings were unreasonable in the light of the finding on the facts That the penalty imposed was too severe in the circumstances 62. The student will have the right of appeal to: a Head of School against a Stage 1 outcome imposed by a Course/ Programme Coordinator or Subject Tutor a Head of School or Student Progress Leader against a Stage 1 outcome imposed by a Core Studies Tutor a Vice Principal (normally the Vice Principal Student and Learning) for a Stage 2 outcome the Principal, against any outcome of a Stage 3 hearing, other than the recommendation to permanently exclude. 63. In all eventualities notice of appeal must be lodged with the appropriate College Manager within ten working days of the date of the notification of the outcome. Page 12

13 64. If a notice of appeal is lodged against an outcome at Stage 3 within the time allowed, an appeal hearing will be arranged to take place within ten working days of the notice of appeal being lodged. The student will be given notice of the time and place of the appeal interview and will be entitled to be accompanied by a friend, student representative or relative. Any documents considered at the final stage interview will be available for the purposes of the appeal. 65. If the appeal is upheld, disciplinary action lesser than that recommended by the relevant College Manager may be imposed, including a shorter period of temporary exclusion. The Appeal Hearing may also decide that no further disciplinary action should be taken. 66. If the appeal is dismissed, the panel may confirm or vary the penalty, including imposing a greater sanction. 67. The final decision will be confirmed in writing to the student within five working days of the appeal interview. I THE APPEALS PROCESS FOR PERMANENT EXCLUSIONS 68. The student will have a right of appeal to an Appeals Panel, against any decision made to permanently exclude. 69. Notice of appeal must be lodged with the Clerk to the Governing Body, within ten working days of the date of the notification of the outcome and must give the grounds and brief particulars of the appeal. 70. The College reserves the right to determine whether or not an appeal falls within its appeals framework and should be allowed to proceed. The College also reserves the right to not hear a case afresh at appeal stage. 71. The Appeals Panel will not normally exceed three governors. 72. The student will be given at least five normal College working days notice of the time and place of the appeal interview and will be entitled to be accompanied by a friend, student representative or relative. Any documents considered at the final stage interview will be available for the purposes of the appeal. This will also include a statement recording the allegation(s) against the student. Witnesses will not normally be asked to attend except in relation to any relevant new evidence that has come to light since the Stage 3 hearing. 73. At the appeal hearing the Principal will be required to present the case supporting the permanent exclusion of the student and the student will be invited to explain the grounds of the appeal. Page 13

14 74. Members of the Appeals Panel may ask any questions that will assist them in determining the final outcome of the appeal. The hearing will then close and the matter determined in private. 75. If the appeal is upheld, disciplinary action lesser than that recommended by the Principal may be imposed, including a period of temporary exclusion. The Appeals Panel may also decide that no further disciplinary action should be taken. If the appeal is dismissed, the panel may confirm or vary the penalty. 76. The final decision will be confirmed in writing to the student within five working days of the appeal interview. J MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Scheduled Hearings 77. If a student or his/her representative fails to attend a scheduled hearing, at least one further attempt to reschedule will be made as far as is reasonable and practicable. Failure by students or their representatives to attend any further meeting, interview or formal hearing under these procedures, without notice or reasonable cause will not prevent proceedings continuing and decisions being taken. This would not exclude the right of appeal where it exists. 78. While the College aims to meet all the time limits in these procedures, if circumstances arise which makes this impossible, the College will contact the student to explain any delay. Misconduct 83. Misconduct is defined as the improper interference with the proper functional activities at the College or those who visit, work at or study with the College, or actions which damages or is likely to damage the College or its reputation or its visitors, staff or students. Gross Misconduct 84. Certain actions by students may be so serious and warrant a permanent exclusion from the College. Criminal Offences 85. Where any member of staff has reason to believe that a student may have committed a criminal offence against the College, the College reserves the right to refer the matter to the police. If the College has reasonable belief that a student is in possession of drugs or weapons, the Police may be informed. Page 14

15 86. The College may continue disciplinary proceedings under this procedure, or suspend or permanently exclude the student, notwithstanding the outcome of police enquiries and any charges that may be brought against the student. When the results of any such enquiries or criminal proceedings are known, the College reserves the right to recommence proceedings under this procedure in relation to the matter. 87. Any disciplinary action relating to alleged criminal offences will be based on the genuine belief of the member of staff taking the action after a proper investigation and will not require a criminal conviction. It must be emphasised that in relation to the application of this procedure, the College is not bound by the results of any criminal proceedings against students. Students under 18 and vulnerable adults 88. If a student under 18 years of age, or a vulnerable adult is the subject of this procedure, wherever practicable, a parent, guardian or sponsor will be invited to attend any Stage 3 or appeal interviews (in addition to any friend see Definitions, below), unless in the view of the member of staff conducting the interview, such attendance would be prejudicial to a fair and effective interview. If a student under the age of 18 or a vulnerable adult is given a formal warning or excluded or suspended from the College, a parent or guardian will be informed in writing wherever practicable. Definitions 89. For the purposes of this document: a) "Students under 18" refers to students who have not reached 18 years at the date of the disciplinary meeting/interview/hearing. b) Vulnerable Adults are students who have reached the age of 18 years at the date of the disciplinary meeting/interview/hearing but lack the mental capacity to understand these procedures. c) "Working days" refers to days on which the College is open for business (i.e. not just the student academic year). d) Family Representative refers to any layperson that is able to support the student during the proceedings. This includes another student, a friend from outside the College, the Core Studies Tutor, parent, guardian or other relative. Legal representation will not generally be allowed unless prior approval is obtained from the College and as outlined below. e) All disciplinary meetings and hearings under these procedures are internal to the College and not normally open to legal or professional representation for either the College or the student. Legal representation will only be Page 15

16 permitted in exceptional circumstances, e.g. where the student cannot represent himself or herself effectively, perhaps due to disability, or where criminal proceedings may arise from the disciplinary hearing. This exception would only be allowed with the written consent of the Principal. f) Illegal drugs refers to any substance included under the provisions of the Misuse of Drugs Act. g) Correspondence related to any student disciplinary proceedings will be sent to the address of the student as indicated at enrolment, subject to any amendment given to the Registry. Variations and Amendments to These Procedures 90. In exceptional cases it may be necessary to make variations to procedural aspects of this Policy. The College may make such variations as it sees fit, subject to informing the student concerned and subject always to considerations of reasonableness and fairness. Without limitation, such variations may include disciplinary or appeal interviews being conducted by different persons, if the person who would otherwise be conducting the interview has previously had close personal involvement in the matter to be considered. 91. Whilst the College will aim to meet all of the stated time limits, in certain circumstances this will not always be possible. In such cases, the College will contact the student as soon as possible. Dr Philip Harland Principal Page 16