Student Code of Conduct

We are committed to promoting the highest standards of behaviour. To maintain our working, learning and social environment, we are committed to fostering a University experience in which everyone engages positively, with the University and local community, and treats others with respect, dignity and care. Where necessary, the University will take action to protect the wider University community.

We recognise and encourage the expression of lawful views, whilst noting that, on some occasions, parts of our and the wider community may find views shared to be offensive. The University has legal duties to secure, and to promote the importance of, freedom of speech, and academic freedom, within the law. Our Guide to Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom explains how we meet these obligations, and the Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom (the Free Speech Code) (PDF, 394kB) provides more information.

This Code of Conduct is governed by and will be interpreted and applied in a manner compatible with the Free Speech Code. In particular, no student will be subject to any sanction  by reference to this Code of Conduct without consideration of whether doing so would be an infringement of their right of freedom of speech within the law (in which case, no sanction shall be applied). That assessment will involve an objective assessment of the facts and context relevant to the case and consideration of the factors in paragraph 3 of the Free Speech Code.

We expect good conduct from each student. There are clear expectations around this.

Good conduct

Good conduct involves being aware of your own behaviour, knowing what is acceptable and taking responsibility for your own actions.

Good conduct includes

• acting responsibly
• being honest
• being considerate towards others
• not treating others in a manner which amounts to bullying or harassment (as defined in Regulation XXII: Regulations relating to the Discipline of Students)
• abiding by the law

Good conduct is essential to what it means to be a University of Sheffield student. In order to maintain these high standards of behaviour, all students on joining the University agree to adhere to the University's Regulations as to the Discipline of Students for the relevant academic year in the University Calendar.

Examples of unacceptable behaviour which breach the University Discipline regulations include

• violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening and abusive behaviour
• sexual misconduct (this includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual abuse and any conduct of a sexual nature that is without consent, to include conduct online or via social media)
• abusive, threatening or offensive language (verbal or written) including online or via social media.
• bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment. This includes
  • unwanted behaviour or conduct related to a protected characteristic (age; disability; gender reassignment; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation) which has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. When considering whether conduct has this effect, we will take into account the perception of the complainant, all the other circumstances of the case and whether it is objectively reasonable for the conduct to have that effect.
  • pursuing a course of conduct (more than one instance) which amounts to harassment of another, where the person carrying out the conduct knows or ought to know that it amounts to harassment. This kind of harassment may include causing alarm or distress to another person but the conduct in question, when considered objectively in all the circumstances of the case, be oppressive and unreasonable. A course of conduct will not amount to harassment if the person carrying it out can show that it was pursued for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime; it was pursued under any enactment or rule of law or to comply with any condition or requirement imposed by any person under any enactment; or that, in the particular circumstances, pursuing that course of conduct was reasonable.
• action likely to cause injury or impair safety to students and staff both off and on the University campus
• possession, supply and production of illegal drugs
• behaviour which damages the good name of the University eg inconsiderate or anti-social behaviour in the local community
• theft, fraud, deceit, deception and dishonesty

This is not an exhaustive list and more detailed information (including further definitions of harassment, bullying and sexual harassment) can be found in the University's Regulations as to the Discipline of Students for the relevant academic year in the University Calendar.

The University has a responsibility to investigate potential breaches of its Regulations.

Like many other universities across the UK, the University may use support from third-party companies for some investigations, as they offer a level of independence for all parties involved, as well as specialist knowledge. The tasks they assist with can include interviewing students and gathering and reviewing relevant information, for use in the University’s formal student disciplinary procedures.

These procedures can lead to expulsion, suspension, restrictions, fines and formal reprimands depending on the severity of the breach.

The behaviours described may also come within other procedures, such as the below: 

General Regulations relating to Student Fitness to Practise (PDF)

Regulations relating to the Library (PDF)

Regulations on the Use of IT Facilities (PDF)

When considering what action to take against a student the University will consider the severity of the breach, impact on other students and staff and any previous incidents of misconduct.

Students are also expected to exhibit appropriate standards of behaviour when undertaking placements or as part of a professionally accredited course.

The University is committed to supporting students who experience any kind of inappropriate behaviour or challenging times at University.

Last updated: 05/06/2026