Six students who occupied a building at Sussex University are due to appear before an independent panel this week.
The six students were suspended and excluded on Friday 5 March.
They were accused of occupying Sussex House at the university’s Falmer campus on Wednesday 3 March.
A week later, on Wednesday 10 March, the university agreed to allow the students back on campus – but only to continue their studies.
Their suspensions and exclusions were lifted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Farthing on Thursday 18 March – a day before the end of term.
Since the occupation of Sussex House, the university authorities have been undertaking a disciplinary process in relation to each of the six students.
Professor Chris Marlin, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are going through a fair and properly constituted disciplinary process, in accordance with standard university procedures.”
The student disciplinary process includes the right to a hearing and representation in front of an independent panel, chaired by a senior Sussex academic.
The case against each student will be presented to the panel this week and each student will be able to present a defence of their actions.
If the panel finds in favour of a student, there is no further action.
If the finding of the panel goes against a student, the panel has open to it a range of sanctions.
Students can appeal against decisions of the panel.
The six students remain free to continue their normal studies and activities at Sussex subject to the outcomes of the panel this week.
