The visitor has been called in to Nottingham University to investigate allegations of staff bullying, as union leaders launch a university-wide probe into the problem, writes Tony Tysome.
An academic in the School of Nursing appealed to the visitor after her case was thrown out by an internal inquiry.
She claimed that bullying in her department had led to stress-related illness and that she was entitled to compensation.
The university dismissed the allegations following an investigation. Union leaders have asked the visitor to consider whether Nottingham followed its own procedures in dealing with the case.
The visitor has given the university until the end of this month to comment on the allegations.
A university spokesman said: "The visitor is going through the normal procedure of asking us to respond to this petition."
Union leaders have launched a survey into staff bullying, which they believe is affecting at least two departments.
Examples of bullying and harassment identified at the university included denying individuals access to support and facilities, bombarding them with memos and trivial tasks, as well as verbal abuse.
A network of harassment advisers has become depleted over the years and has not been replaced.