Student Code of Conduct

1. Purpose and Principles

BIG International College (BIGIC) is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, inclusive, and academically focused learning environment for all students. This Student Code of Conduct outlines the expected behaviours that support:

• The values of dignity, respect, professionalism, and integrity
• Compliance with Office for Students (OfS) regulatory expectations, especially Condition E6 on harassment and sexual misconduct
• Protection of lawful freedom of speech and academic freedom under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023
• Protection of the wellbeing, safety, and rights of the entire college community
• A culture in which students engage positively with staff, peers, and the wider community

The Code promotes:

• Positive citizenship
• Respectful behaviour
• Academic integrity
• Inclusivity and tolerance
• Lawful expression and constructive debate
• Personal responsibility and professionalism

Students are expected to uphold these principles throughout their time at BIGIC, both on and off campus, and in online spaces connected to their studies.

2. Scope

This Code applies to:

• All enrolled students at BIG International College, including full-time, part-time, online, and placement-based learners
• Applicants who have accepted an offer of admission
• Student behaviour off-campus where actions impact the safety, reputation, or community of the College
• Online conduct, including social media use, messaging, and digital learning platforms
• Students engaged in:

• Work placements
• Field trips or study visits
• Extracurricular events
• Activities representing the institution

The Code applies throughout the full student lifecycle—from offer to graduation.

3. Expected Student Behaviours

Students are expected to act in ways that reflect BIGIC’s values and responsibilities as a UK higher education institution. Expected behaviours include:

4. Unacceptable Behaviours that Breach this Code and May Constitute Misconduct

Behaviours that violate this Code and may constitute misconduct include, but are not limited to the following categories:

5. Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom

BIGIC upholds its legal duty to secure lawful freedom of speech and academic freedom for students, staff, and visiting speakers. The College supports open, robust, and respectful debate, including the expression of views that may be controversial or challenging.

The College commits to:

• enabling students and staff to express lawful views without fear of dismissal, disadvantage, or censorship
• providing safe and well-managed environments in which difficult or contested ideas can be explored
• ensuring that external speakers are treated fairly and assessed through a transparent, risk-based process

Freedom of speech does not protect:

• harassment, targeted abuse, or intimidation
• incitement of violence, terrorism, or other criminal acts
• hate speech prohibited under UK law
• behaviour that prevents others from exercising their own lawful rights to speak or participate

6. Disciplinary Procedures and Consequences

Referral Pathways

Breaches of this Code will normally be referred into the procedures under the Non-Academic Misconduct Policy, unless BIGIC determines that other action, such as referral into alternative procedures (eg Support to Study), is appropriate.

Sexual Misconduct Cases are managed under the Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Allegations that lawful freedom of speech has been restricted are managed under the Freedom of Speech Policy and Code of Practice

Prevent Concerns are referred through the Safeguarding and Duty of Care Policy for appropriate assessment and action.

6.2 Possible Outcomes

Where concerns are upheld, a range of sanctions may be applied depending on the nature and seriousness of the conduct. Sanctions may include:

• Written warning - A formal notice outlining the concern and required improvement.
• Behavioural contract - An agreed plan setting expectations for future conduct.
• Required training or supervision - Mandatory participation in support, training or monitored activity.
• Restrictions from facilities or events - Temporary or permanent limits on access to specific spaces or activities.
• Suspension from studies - A defined period during which the student is removed from academic engagement.
• Termination of enrolment - Permanent removal from the College where conduct breaches are serious or repeated.
• Notification to external agencies - Referral to bodies such as the police or safeguarding authorities where required by law or regulation.

Measures will always be applied in a way that is proportionate, fair and consistent with due process under OIA and OfS guidance.

7. Policy Implementation

• The Code is included in student handbooks, highlighted during induction and orientation, reinforced through programme-level briefings, and supported by staff training sessions to ensure consistent understanding.
• Staff involved in conduct matters receive annual training, including E6-compliant training on harassment and sexual misconduct, guidance on lawful freedom of speech obligations, and support for delivering academic-integrity education to students.
• Student representatives contribute to periodic reviews of the Code to ensure it remains relevant, fair and reflective of the student experience.

8. Monitoring and Review

This Code is reviewed annually, or sooner if required by regulatory changes. BIGIC collects and analyses data on misconduct cases, outcomes and emerging trends, and provides an anonymised annual summary to the Board of Governors. Internal audits are carried out to ensure compliance with OfS and OIA expectations, and both student and staff groups are consulted as part of the review process to ensure the Code remains effective and relevant.