Misconduct is acting in a way that breaches a King's College London rule, regulation, policy, procedure etc.

Get in touch with us at academic.advice@kclsu.org. We will advise you as to the best way to proceed and help you through the hearings process.

If you have mitigating circumstances, those which may have affected your academic performance such as illness, collect relevant documents such as doctor’s certificates.

Don’t let it take over your life. Relax, don’t neglect other aspects of your life.

What will happen at the hearing?

You will be interviewed by a panel of four people - three members of College staff and a KCLSU representative. Firstly, they will ask a representative from your department to outline why you have been brought to a misconduct hearing, i.e. they will say what you've done wrong. The panel might then ask questions, usually to clarify matters, e.g. they might ask how many marks a piece of work is worth, or ask what guidelines a department issues on plagiarism. They will then ask you to explain what happened, and will ask you questions if they are not clear about something. They will then ask for a recommendation from the board of examiners representative as to what penalty they should give you. This will not necessarily be the penalty the board decides upon, but generally influences their decision.

When will I be told the board's decision?

After the board is satisfied it has heard everything it needs to know they will ask you to go back to the waiting room. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes for the board to reach its decision. They will then call you back and explain their decision. This will be confirmed in writing within a couple of weeks.

Do I need to take anything with me to the hearing?

On a practical note, you might like to take something to read or some work to do while you are waiting: several students are usually called to misconduct hearings at once and if you are unlucky enough to be one of the last people to be seen you may have to wait for up to a couple of hours. It is also useful to bring any relevant information - e.g. doctor's notes if you have mitigating circumstances - though this is better submitted prior to the hearing: the VP Education and Representation and the Academic Affairs Co-ordinator will advise you on how to do this.

Can someone from KCLSU come to the hearing? Can they do the talking for me?

If you want to be represented by KCLSU then a representative will come with you, either to advise you before you go into the hearing, or to accompany you when you go in. We advise the student to talk for themselves as it is the student the board wishes to hear from. However, your representative can speak as well, perhaps to clarify something or to bring up points you have forgotten to mention. Sometimes the board will ask specifically if the representative has anything to add. If you find you can't speak, for example if you are very upset, then your representative can help. Finally, if you cannot attend a hearing, e.g. if you are unwell or out of the country, it is sometimes possible to send a written statement to the board and have your representative go on your behalf.

What other help does the KCLSU Academic Advice Service provide?

As well as attending the hearing, we will help you to submit supporting documents such as medical certificates, written statements etc. We can also provide information on the regulations, advice based on our past experience and advice on how the hearing will work. We can also offer you support on related issues, referring you on to other services if necessary.

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