Student conduct and discipline
This page provides you with access to the core regulations that apply during your time at the University and contact details for further information. Here you will find information and links relating to matters such as student conduct and discipline including harassment, your responsibilities relating to data protection, copyright, freedom of speech, and use of the facilities provided by the University (such as IT Facilities and library areas).
The University expects students to conduct themselves in a reasonable and proper manner at all times. These values are fundamental to the functioning of an academic community and the University will take appropriate action where a proven breach of its regulations has occurred.
Specific regulations apply to student conduct where Fitness to Practise applies.
Read the University's Student Conduct Regulations (PDF, 251kB)
At Edinburgh Napier University we expect all students show respect for, and courtesy to, each other, staff and the wider University Community at all times. The Student Charter and Student Professional Standards clarifies behaviours falling outside the acceptable standard.
More information on student conduct
Regulations guidance
All students at Edinburgh Napier agree to comply with the various regulations, conditions and policies of the University that pertain to students from time to time. All students are members of the University Community and as such, are bound to abide by each set of regulations in full. It is, therefore, important that students take time to become familiar with the regulations pertaining to them.
Find out more about our Academic Regulations and the Student Charter and Student Professional Standards.
If you have a query with regard to any regulation and would like some advice/guidance then please email complaints@napier.ac.uk in the first instance.
Alternatively, independent advice and support is provided by the Edinburgh Napier University Students Association (ENSA).
Reporting an incident
We recommend anyone who wishes to report assault, abuse or harassment (if possible, before making their report) reads the information in our Reporting Assault, Abuse and Harassment document (PDF, 464 kB). This is where you can find details of the process you can expect and details of the advice and support available to you.
There are a few options to choose from if you have cause for concern regarding the actions or behaviour of an Edinburgh Napier student.
You can make anonymous reports or identify yourself as part of the reporting process via our Report and Support webpage.
Here you can report a wide range of concerns including, but not exclusively, those relating to the following:
- Sexual assault
- Relationship abuse
- Hate crimes
- Bully and harassment
- Sexual harassment
- Discrimination
You may also, at your earliest convenience, report to the Complaints Team on 0131 455 2396 or complaints@napier.ac.uk.
Please note, however you chose to report an incident, we will listen to you and handle the issue as fairly and as quickly as we can but we cannot guarantee that we will not take action even if you request us not to. We will usually be led by the wishes of the person making the report but in certain situations, particularly where we believe there is a potential risk to the safety of one or more individuals, then we may have to take action which could include making a report to the police. If we elect to take further action then we will fully advise you that we are doing this and outline the rationale for doing so.
Full details of our support services can be found on the Wellbeing, Support and Inclusion pages.
Fitness to practise regulations
Edinburgh Napier Students who are undertaking a Nursing, Midwifery or Veterinary Nursing course should familiarise themselves with the Fitness to Practise Regulations (PDF, 188kB).
Fitness to Practise cases are coordinated by the School in which the student studies. Advice and guidance on policy, procedure, and process can be sought from your Personal Development Tutor (PDT).
Students who are subject to action under the terms of these regulations are recommended seek representation from the ENSA Advice.
Referral to Conduct Committees
In cases of more serious breaches of University regulations, a student may be, where applicable, referred to a University Academic Integrity Committee (UAIC) or a University Disciplinary Committee (UDC). These committees will hear the case against the student and, if the allegations are proven, will impose a suitable penalty. Both committees can permanently expel students from the University if a breach is found to be serious enough.
Students who are asked to appear before these committees are recommended seek representation from ENSA Advice.
Please see below for details of how to make contact with your School’s Academic Integrity Officer in the event you are referred to a UAIC and have any questions:
- Health and Social Care - SHSCAcademicConduct@napier.ac.uk
- Applied Sciences - SAS.ACO@napier.ac.uk
- Business School - tbsacademicconduct@napier.ac.uk
- Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment - SCEBEAcademicIntegrity@napier.ac.uk
Bullying and harassment
Edinburgh Napier University is committed to ensuring the right of all students and staff to be treated with respect and dignity. The University operates on the basis of equal opportunities for all, and will not tolerate the harassment or bullying of any member of the University community by another, or the victimisation of anyone for reporting such behaviour. The University has a statutory obligation to protect its students and staff from harassment. Anyone who suffers such treatment will have the support of the University management, the trade unions and the Edinburgh Napier Students' Association in taking action to stop it.
All reports of bullying and harassment will be investigated and action may be taken against perpetrators if evidence suggests that any form of bullying and/or harassment has taken place. The term bullying and harassment covers verbal and physical as well as abusive postings directed at individuals on social network websites which could be construed as 'cyber bullying'. If you feel you are or have been a victim of cyber bullying, you may wish to view the support available at The Cybersmile Foundation website.
If you wish to report or discuss an incident or suspected incident of bullying or harassment, please contact the Complaints Team on 0131 455 2396 or complaints@napier.ac.uk if the incident relates to a student at the University (either as victim or perpetrator).
Students may wish to contact ENSA Advice, run by the Edinburgh Napier Students Association (ENSA), to discuss support available.
Reports can also be made as outlined in the Reporting an Incident section above.
If you are subject to a report of non-academic misconduct
Contact us
To report an incident or suspected breach of regulations:
Security (in Emergency)
0131 455 4444
Accommodation Services
0131 455 3713
If you are subject to Student Disciplinary proceedings or University Academic Conduct Committee proceedings:
0131 455 2396
To report bullying or harassment (Student related):
0131 455 2396
To report bullying or harassment against a member of staff:
Human Resources
0131 455 3362