Although the University Advocate is entitled to undertake investigations on his own initiative, the vast majority of investigations arise by way of a complaint made by an individual or organization.

Who may make a complaint?

Any individual or organization may make a complaint to the University Advocate: there is no requirement that the individual or organization making the complaint be a student, faculty or staff member of the University.

However, the University Advocate has limited jurisdiction and may only investigate complaints made against a member of the University Community as defined in the Code of Conduct. For the most part, the jurisdiction of the University Advocate is therefore limited to complaints made against students of the University.

On receipt of a complaint, the University Advocate will first establish whether or not he has jurisdiction. If he does not have jurisdiction he will refer the person or organization making the complaint to the appropriate authority within the University.

How is a complaint made?

Formal complaints should be made directly to the Office of the President which has responsibility for the management and administration of the overall discipline process within the University.

The University Advocate however realizes that the formal process can often deter individuals with valid complaints from coming forward. Accordingly, the Advocate is willing to deal with individuals or organizations on an informal basis. In all such cases, communications must be addressed initially via email to advocate@ul.ie

The purpose of such informal communications is simply to explore the discipline process involved with the individual or organization concerned, to make an initial assessment as to whether a complaint is warranted and to reassure them about the consequences of making a complaint.