Complaints, Appeals and Discipline

There are two categories relating to complaints, appeals and disciplinary procedures: (NB Academic Appeals or Appeals and Complaints regarding Plagiarism are not included here)

  1. Procedures initiated by the London School of Puppetry with regard to matters of:
    1. Discipline
    2. Student Professional Conduct
    3. Attendance
  2. Complaints and Appeals initiated by the Student

If the student wishes to make a complaint the following is possible:

  • Immediately the problem occurs informal discussion with any tutor to resolve problem.
  • FAILING THE ABOVE the student may initiate an investigation with the Director of Studies or nominee.
  • If the problem has still not been resolved then it can be taken to a panel made up of members of the Academic Board not connected to the case. A decision has to be taken.

If the London School of Puppetry wishes to initiate proceedings:

  • A tutor might have a discussion with the student concerned to resolve conflict.
  • Failing the above a written warning might be given and lodged in the student file.
  • Failing this a panel made up of members of the Appeals Panel would review the based on a student’s representation against the decision of the Director of Studies. Where a decision would put the student’s continued registration in jeopardy, or affect the outcome of a programme of study, there would be a hearing before a panel The panel would include two other members of staff not connected with the case drawn from a list approved by the Academic Board for membership of disciplinary and appeals panels.

School or Student procedures:

The purpose of the panel would be to determine whether the decision of LSP was reasonable, but not to consider the merits of case. Where a Panel decided the decision-making process of the Director of Studies was not reasonable, the Panel would refer the matter back to the Director of Studies to arrange a further review.

  1. Confirmation: Where the decision of a Review entails terminating or interrupting a student’s registration, or decision is that of an Appeals Panel
  2. Appeal: Where a student wishes to contest the decision of LSP the student is able to appeal to the LSP Committee in the person of the Appeals Officer in disciplinary matters where the penalty entails suspension, expulsion or exclusion of the student. The Appeals Officer would make the final decision.
  3. 'Completion of Procedures’ letter at the end of the process to be sent to the student and filed in the School.