STUDENTS supporting striking university staff in Stirling have been issued with a disciplinary warning after a group occupied management offices. 

The group, who call themselves University of Stirling Solidarity Network, have been hit with a “level two” notice of complaint from bosses, who say their takeover of a building violates the student code of conduct. 

The letter, sent to students at the weekend, claims that barricades put up by students in the Cottrell building contravene various regulations on health and safety, as well as fire regulations. 

Those taking part in the action have now been referred to the university’s disciplinary procedures, which could see them hit with anything from a £250 fine to exclusion for a whole semester.

In a statement, the group said: “The university would rather criminalise its students than support lecturers, improve mental health provision and provide affordable rents.”

Groups from across Scotland have expressed solidarity with the students over the issue. 

Students at the University of Edinburgh and University of Strathclyde also backed strikes by staff by occupying buildings. 

The incident comes alongside a huge rally on the streets of Glasgow in support of striking UCU members at universities across the UK. 

Members of the trade union were joined by students, NUS delegates and members of the public at a rally in Glasgow’s Buchanan Street. 

UCU general secretary Dr Jo Grady was among those speaking at the event, with the union’s Scottish branch saying employers had “misjudged the strength of feeling in this strike.”

The University of Stirling did not respond to the Star’s request for comment before the paper went to press.