NUS Disciplinary Structure

Discipline with Respect to Students

Discipline with respect to students is governed by the University’s Statutes and Regulations. Any student who is alleged to have committed or attempted to commit offences listed in clause 3 of NUS Statute 6 Discipline with Respect to Students, may be subject to disciplinary proceedings by the University.

Investigation

Investigation of non-academic offences against students is conducted by the Campus Emergency & Security whereas investigation of academic offences against students is conducted by the Faculty. Once the investigation is completed, recommendations will be made by the Office of Student Conduct to NUS senior management on the disciplinary measures to be taken, if necessary. These measures may include referral to the Faculty or the Board of Discipline (BOD).

Investigations carried out by the University are separate and distinct from Police investigations.

Faculty Adjudication

Heads of Academic and Non-Academic units are empowered to adjudicate any offences in relation to existing students of the University (clause 4 of NUS Statute 6 Discipline with Respect to Students). The Heads of Academic and Non-Academic units and the Deans are entitled to exercise disciplinary powers listed in clause 10 of NUS Statute 6 Discipline with Respect to Students against student offenders.

Students may appeal within fourteen days after receiving notice of the decision (clause 13 of NUS Regulation 10 Discipline with Respect to Students). Any appeal against a decision made by the Head of a Faculty-based Academic Unit shall be adjudicated by the Dean of the corresponding Faculty. Likewise, any appeal against a decision made by the Head of a non Faculty-based Academic Unit or the Head of a Non-Academic Unit shall be adjudicated by the Dean of Students (clause 5 of NUS Statute 6 Discipline with Respect to Students).

Board of Discipline (BOD)

The BOD is chaired by the Deputy President, Vice President, Senior Vice Provost, Vice Provost, Dean of Students, Deputy Dean of Students, or Vice Dean of Students and comprises two other members from the NUS Panel for Student Discipline and two student representatives, all of whom are appointed by the Provost.

The BOD is empowered to adjudicate any offences in relation to any student of the University as long as the circumstances giving rise to the disciplinary proceedings arose while the person was a student of the University or in connection with the person's admission into the University (clauses 8 and 2(d) of NUS Statute 6 Discipline with Respect to Students). They are entitled to exercise disciplinary powers listed in clause 11 of NUS Statute 6 Discipline with Respect to Students against any student of the University.

Disciplinary Appeals Board (DAB)

Students may appeal within fourteen days after receiving notice of the BOD's decision (clause 25 of NUS Regulation 10 Discipline with Respect to Students).

Appeals are heard by the DAB, which is chaired by a member of the NUS Board of Trustees (BOT) or the NUS Panel for Student Discipline appointed by the BOT Chairperson, and comprises two other members from the NUS Panel for Student Discipline appointed by the President.

Should the DAB decide to allow the student’s appeal, the DAB may discharge and/or vary any sanctions(s) imposed in the first instance in any manner that the DAB deems fit (clause 26(s) of NUS Regulation 10 Discipline with Respect to Students). A decision of the DAB shall be final and binding on the student.