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Student Behaviour

The University College is committed to encouraging students to respect our neighbours in Strawberry Hill, and we have a number of measures in place to try and minimise disturbance to local residents that are discussed and reviewed regularly.  These include:

• Induction briefings for students when they join St Mary’s, reminding them that our campus is located in a residential area and urging them to act in a considerate, respectful manner (particular emphasis is placed on behaviour, litter and parking issues). 
• Reinforcement of these notions throughout students’ time at the University College through notices on the internal student portal and Students’ Union website, messages on our student radio station, posters around campus, hall meetings for resident students and guidance from Senior Residents and Wardens living in halls.
• A training day held for all our sports clubs’ and societies’ officers, run by the Students’ Union and in discussion with local residents
• Acceptable behaviour guidelines for both on and off campus outlined in our handbooks, social responsibility charter and Students’ Charter.
• More campus CCTV to be installed on completion of our new sports village (unfortunately the police have advised us that CCTV cameras facing off campus are not permitted).
• Cooperation with the licensing authorities and legal compliance with licensing laws by the Students’ Union bar.
• Regular partnership meetings between the local Police (including the Safer Neighbourhood Team), a core group of University College and Students’ Union staff, and a Vice-Principal.
• Regular meetings between Senior Management and the Strawberry Hill Residents Association.

In January 2011 the University College initiated “Street Patrols”, which are additional St Mary’s Security staff that patrol the surrounding streets on the nights of big events. These patrols are essentially a preventative measure to remind students of their responsibilities regarding minimum noise levels and good behaviour, but can also be used reactively if quick deployment is needed. These Street Patrols have proved very effective and have been welcomed by students, residents and the police. These Street Patrols will therefore continue for 2011/12.

As a result of these measures, the vast majority of our students behave in a respectful manner when leaving or returning to the campus.  However, in the event that we or others are able to identify people engaging in anti-social behaviour or criminal damage in the local area as being our students, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken by St Mary’s and the Students’ Union (at the conclusion of any criminal proceedings), which can lead to expulsion from the University College.

In our discussions with the local Police we are also aware that other groups of young people move through the neighbourhood and are not distinguishable from St Mary’s students.  Identifying those responsible for anti-social behaviour and criminal damage is always difficult and unfortunately without evidence of those responsible we are unable to take any action, which is very frustrating for all concerned.  Nonetheless, we will continue our commitment to our neighbours in doing all we can to prevent disturbance or damage to property.

Feedback About Student Behaviour

If you would like to tell us about student behaviour, please email comment@smuc.ac.uk and we will endeavour to respond to you promptly.

Alternatively, please call 020 8240 2330.