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All students enrolled in a programme at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ are bound by the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Code of Conduct. This is a condition of enrolment.

Under Section 6.1 of the Code of Conduct, the Discipline Committee is responsible for handling all alleged breaches of discipline, except where the University Advocate has already reached a voluntary agreement with the student.

You can find the Code of Conduct in the Handbook of Academic Regulations and Procedures on the 

In line with Sections 2.1 and 2.2 of the Code, the University Advocate and/or the Discipline Committee also deal with reports of breaches of the Dignity and Respect Policy and Procedures for Students, as well as Level 3 and Appeal-level allegations under the Academic Integrity Policy.

When an allegation is received, the University Advocate—or, for academic misconduct, the Academic Integrity Unit—will review the case and decide whether the student has a case to answer. The Advocate may either:

  • reach a voluntary agreement with the student that includes an appropriate penalty, or
  • refer the matter to the Discipline Committee if the alleged breach is considered a major offence.

The Discipline Committee is made up of four members:

  • a nominee of the President (who serves as Chair),
  • a nominee of Academic Council, and
  • two nominees from UL Student Life.

At the hearing, the Committee considers the evidence presented by the University Advocate and the student. It then decides whether a breach of the Code has occurred. If a breach is found, the Committee reviews submissions from both sides before deciding on an appropriate penalty. Decisions of the Discipline Committee may be appealed to the Discipline Appeals Committee.

The Discipline Committee does not gather or identify evidence. That responsibility lies solely with the University Advocate. The Committee bases its decision, and appropriate penalty, only on the evidence presented during the Discipline Hearing.

The UL discipline process falls under the Office of the Provost & Deputy President and is administered by the Complaints, Discipline & Vetting Unit (CDV Unit). For further information on the Discipline Committee and the roles of staff and students within the process, please visit the . 

The UL Discipline Committee process is managed by the Complaints, Discipline & Vetting Unit (CDV Unit), Main Building, Room A1-084, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland.

Email: ULDiscipline@ul.ie

Discipline Committee FAQs

If you accept that you broke the Code, you must inform the CDV Unit. You should also send them any statements or evidence you want the Committee to consider. Make sure you send this as soon as possible, and definitely before the hearing.

If you cannot attend, you can request to move the hearing to another date. Write to the CDV Unit explaining why you need a new date. The Chair of the Discipline Committee will decide.

You may also send a representative to speak for you.

Please note: the Committee may still hold the hearing without you.

Go to the location provided to you.

Arrive at least 30 minutes early so you can check in.

Hearings are private. The people in the room will be:

  • The Discipline Committee (Four people: Two faculty members and Two Students’ Union sabbatical officers)
  • A University staff member acting as secretariat
  • The University Advocate, who presents the case for the University

Yes. You can bring:

  • A representative
  • A friend, relative, or support person

However:

  • Witnesses you plan to call cannot stay with you during the whole hearing.
  • Some people may not be allowed if there is a conflict of interest.
  • There is a limit to how many people can attend with you.

If you're unsure, contact the CDV Unit for approval before the hearing.

You’ll be introduced to everyone present. You’ll be asked if you understand the charge and the process. Then you’ll be asked whether you accept or deny the charge.

If you accept the charge:

  1. The Advocate will tell the Committee what sanction the University thinks is appropriate.
  2. You can then speak, present evidence, or call witnesses.
  3. You may be asked questions.
  4. You and the Advocate will leave while the Committee makes a decision.
  5. You’ll be called back in and told the decision.

If you deny the charge:

  1. You’ll be asked if you accept the facts as the University describes them.
  2. The Advocate will present the University’s case and may call witnesses.
  3. You may question any witnesses the Advocate calls.
  4. The Advocate finishes their case.
  5. You then present your case, evidence, and witnesses.
  6. The Advocate may ask your witnesses questions too.
  7. Both sides make closing statements.
  8. You and the Advocate leave while the Committee decides.
  9. You return to hear whether the Committee finds you in breach of the Code.

If you are NOT found in breach, the hearing ends and you may leave.

If you ARE found in breach:

  1. The Advocate will recommend an appropriate sanction.
  2. You can speak again or submit evidence to mitigate the sanction.
  3. You may be asked questions.
  4. You both leave while the Committee decides.
  5. You return to hear the final sanction.

You can have a solicitor if you want, but you don’t have to.

If you hire legal representation, you must pay for it yourself. The University does not cover legal costs.

It depends on your situation:

  • If you disagree with the facts, bring evidence or witnesses that challenge what is alleged.
  • If you accept the facts but wish to bring mitigating factors to the attention of the Discipline Committee, you should bring supporting evidence or witnesses

All evidence should relate directly to your case.

Nothing. You will get written confirmation that the matter is closed.

The University will keep a record for the legally required amount of time.

You will receive written notice of the outcome and information about how to appeal.

You must decide whether to accept the decision or appeal it.

If you accept the outcome and have questions, contact the CDV Unit.

If you want to appeal, follow the official appeals process in the Code of Conduct.

The University is aware that this is an upsetting time for you. In that regard, it offers the services of the Counselling section of the University who may help you deal with the emotional aspects involved. In addition, Student Academic Administration will assist you in every way possible to explain in full the consequences of any sanction and to chat your next step. Help is also available from UL Student Life, the PSU or your Student Adviser.

No—unless your enrolment has been terminated.

Once you meet the sanction requirements, you can continue with your studies.

Voluntary agreements made with the UL Advocate are not recorded.

However, outcomes of Discipline Committee hearings are part of the public record.