When representation may be appropriate

Having a Students’ Union officer attend a meeting with you can be helpful where the situation is complex, serious, or feels overwhelming.

Representation is subject to availability and we ask for a few working days’ notice wherever possible.

Before confirming support, an adviser from the Advice and Representation Centre will discuss your case with you to assess whether representation would be beneficial.

What support looks like in the meeting

Your representative is there to support you, not to speak on your behalf.

This is because:

• The University is not a court of law
• Students are expected to speak for themselves
• You are best placed to explain your own situation

Your representative can:

• Help clarify questions asked during the meeting
• Prompt you if you forget to raise an agreed point
• Ensure procedures are followed fairly
• Act as an independent witness

They may also take brief summary notes for you, but not full minutes.

Who can attend with you

You are usually allowed to take one person with you to a University meeting.

This could be a Students’ Union officer, a friend, a fellow student, or a relative. Many students choose an officer because they are trained in University procedures and student casework, but the choice is always yours.

What happens next

1. Submit details of your meeting, including the date, time, and purpose, via the online enquiry form.
2. An adviser will contact you to discuss your situation and whether representation would be helpful.
3. If appropriate, your request will be passed to the duty officer, who will contact you a few days before the meeting to arrange to meet, usually 10 to 15 minutes beforehand.
4. If representation is not suitable or not available, you will be informed and alternative options can be discussed.

If you have not heard from an officer within 24 hours of your meeting, please contact the Advice and Representation Centre.

Please note that the officer attending your meeting cannot provide academic advice or appointments. Any detailed advice about your case should be discussed with an adviser beforehand.

Further guidance on academic misconduct, appeals, and complaints is available on the Academic Advice pages.