Code of Conduct

UCL enjoys a reputation as a world-class university. It was founded on the basis of equal opportunity, being the first English university to admit students irrespective of their faith and cultural background. It was the first university in England to admit women.

UCL expects its members* to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that does not bring UCL into disrepute, this includes conduct whilst not on UCL premises.

Good conduct means:

In general

  • Realising that you are an ambassador for UCL and behaving accordingly. This applies anywhere and at anytime but is particularly important in the local community around UCL, whilst on fieldwork, whilst on other study away from UCL, on the sports field and whilst engaged in any other UCL-related activity;
  • Recognising the diversity of the UCL community and not discriminating against others on the basis of their: age, ethnic origin, race, nationality, membership of a national minority, culture, language, religious faith or affiliation or lack thereof, political affiliation or opinions or lack thereof, sex, gender, gender identity, sexuality, sexual orientation, marital status, caring or parental responsibilities, illness, ability or disability, mental health status, medical condition, physical appearance, genetic features, parentage, descent, full or part-time student status, socio-economic background, employment status, trade union affiliation, spent or irrelevant criminal convictions or any other irrelevant distinction;
  • Acting responsibly;
  • Being honest;
  • Being considerate, respectful and courteous towards others;
  • Behaving in a respectful manner towards others so that they do not feel that they are being harassed or bullied;
  • Abiding by the law.

Whilst learning

  • Following the rules laid down by UCL for academic activity, the use of the Library, Information Services and other services;
  • Being punctual for classes and other appointments;
  • Informing the relevant person if you are going to be absent or delayed for an activity where you are expected to attend;
  • Being aware of the advice and assistance available on academic and other matters from sources such as personal, programme and departmental tutors;
  • Seeking help for yourself when you need it.

Around UCL

  • Showing respect for UCL property;
  • Informing yourself of UCL health and safety policies and following them;
  • Playing your part in maintaining security and being prepared to produce your identity card when requested;
  • Caring for the environment at UCL by:

    • respecting buildings, spaces and facilities;
    • recycling and disposing of litter responsibly;
    • being aware of UCL's advice for saving energy;
    • showing consideration for others regarding noise (e.g. switching mobile phones off in classes).

Social and sporting behaviour

  • Showing good sportsmanship whilst taking part in sporting activities;
  • Refraining from exhibiting displays of drunken or loutish behaviour;
  • Ensuring that any activity you engage in using the internet, including virtual learning environments (e.g. Moodle), social networking sites (e.g. My Space, Faceboook, Twitter etc ), blogs or other web resources, refrains from causing offence and could not be regarded as bullying or harassment;
  • Respecting the right of freedom of speech provided it is within the law .

Awareness and caring for others

  • Being aware of the help and support available at UCL from sources such as the Student Counselling Service, Disabilities Advice, the Dean of Students (Welfare) and the UCL Union Rights and Advice Centre;
  • Showing consideration for the welfare of your friends and peers and, if appropriate, providing advice on seeking help.

Links to other UCL policies that relate to conduct

Discipline Code and Procedure - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/silva/academic-manual/part-g/g19
Race equality - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/docs/race_equality.php
Harassment and Bullying - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/docs/harassment_bullying.php
IS regulations - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/is/regulations.html
Library regulations - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/Library/regs.shtml
Student Accommodation General Regulations - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/accommodation/applications/conditions
Academic regulations - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/registry/ucl-staff/academic-regulations-students/
Examinations and Awards - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students/exams_and_awards
Health and Safety - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/efd/safety_services_www/
Security - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/efd/security/
Guidelines for Good Practice on Fieldwork - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/efd/safety_services_www/guidance/fieldwork/acop.pdf
Freedom of Speech policy (tbc) - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/academic-manual/part-c/c20
Links to sources of advice and assistance

Dean of Students' Office - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/dean-of-students/
Student Counselling Service - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/student-counselling/
Student Disability Services - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/disability/
Student Support - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students/support
UCL Union - http://www.uclu.org/
UCL Union Rights and Advice Centre - http://www.uclunion.org/get-advice/
Energy saving information - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/youhavethepower/

*Note - UCL members includes staff. Matters related to the conduct of staff are covered in their contracts with UCL; relevant UCL policies are accessible on the Human Resources website - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/policy_procedure/#C


This information is also available as a .pdf document

Page last modified on 23 sep 10 15:36 by Paul D Greening