The University of Cambridge’s disciplinary body held zero hearings for cases of sexual misconduct in 2024. This means no accused person faced “serious sanctions,” including expulsion from the University, for their actions in this time.

Freedom of Information Requests show that the Office of Student Conduct, Complaints and Appeals (OSCCA) – the University’s disciplinary body – held zero disciplinary committee meetings for sexual misconduct in Lent, Easter, and Michaelmas term last year. During this time the body received eight reports of sexual misconduct.

OSCCA is the University’s central disciplinary body for complaints, the review of examination results, fitness to study, harassment and sexual misconduct. In cases of sexual misconduct it can hand out minor sanctions without a hearing – which are authorised by a student discipline officer (SDO). For a student to face serious disciplinary sanctions, such as being temporarily or permanently withdrawn from the University, a disciplinary committee meeting must be held.

Minor sanctions without a hearing for sexual misconduct can include the perpetrator attending a consent course or writing a letter of apology to victims.

While OSCCA deals with both academic misconduct and non-academic misconduct, its role in academic misconduct is largely to provide procedural advice unless a complaint reaches a disciplinary committee.

OSCCA’s remit for disciplinary actions falls under “sexual misconduct,” with more serious allegations, such as sexual assault or rape, intended to be dealt with by the police. Victims of potential sexual assault claimed they were applauded for choosing the supposedly “kinder” process of reporting through OSCCA.

Last year (19/01),Varsity reported on allegations that the Cambridge Colleges have ‘actively discouraged’ students from reporting sexual assault allegations to the police, instead refering them to OSCCA.

A spokesperson for the University told Varsity that “There is no place for sexual misconduct at the University of Cambridge. While disciplinary action may vary depending on the circumstances of a particular case, we always take allegations seriously, providing support for those affected and clear systems for reporting incidents.”

These findings have been criticised by activist group End Sexual Violence Cambridge who said: “Sexual misconduct encompasses sexual harassment, assault, and violence. However, based on the information we have gathered, the University’s Office for Student Conduct, Complaints, and Appeals did not give the opportunity for a single one of these cases of reported sexual misconduct to be heard by more than one person, or for sanctions beyond minor consequences to be administered following a hearing (should it be decided that it is more likely than not that a breach of the Rules of Behaviour occurred).”

They added: “The investigation of sexual misconduct cases is often slow, intense and re-traumatising for those involved. Many reporting students desire to feel they have been listened to, understood and respected within the process. By not offering a hearing, not only may students feel the scope of justice is limited, but the opportunity for them to feel heard and wholly respected is once again compromised.”

“Whilst we understand that the university’s disciplinary process assesses potential breaches of the institution’s Rules of Behaviour, not criminal offences allegedly committed, we question why sexual misconduct is still considered by the same system as other forms of misconduct, a system that in this context can have such devastating an impact on those involved. Please view our full statement and guidance for those affected by these cases @endsvcambridge on Instagram,” they continued.

Cambridge is also set to adopt new OfS regulations, which stipulate that Universities must ensure “that investigations undertaken and decisions made in respect of incidents of harassment and/or sexual misconduct are credible, fair and otherwise reflect established principles of natural justice”.

A spokesperson for the OfS told Varsity that “We know that harassment and sexual misconduct are significant issues for students, and our new regulation in this area seeks to ensure universities and colleges can better protect and support them.”

“From 1 August, all universities and colleges registered with the OfS must publish and maintain policies and procedures that set out the steps they will take to prevent and address harassment and sexual misconduct. This includes enabling students to report incidents, providing support for those affected, and letting students know how incidents will be handled. They will also need to deliver understandable and evidence-based training for staff and students,” they added.

The University currently publishes an annual report summarising OSCCA cases, with the next report expected in Easter term.