Strategy for Persons with Disability

LAU has implemented a reasonable accommodation policy in line with Lebanese Law 220/2000, which mandates the provision of accommodations for persons with disabilities. The policy aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to education, employment, and campus resources.

Key elements of LAU’s reasonable accommodation strategy:

Adherence to Lebanese Law: LAU complies with Law 220/2000, which protects the rights of persons with disabilities and mandates accessible facilities and services in educational institutions.
Tailored Support: LAU provides individualized support and academic accommodations based on students’ specific needs, including tutoring, additional exam time, and accessible learning materials.
Collaborative Approach: The Dean of Students Office (DOS) works closely with other university departments to implement accommodations, ensuring that students with disabilities have the necessary resources.
Faculty Coordination: Faculty are informed and work with the DOS to provide appropriate support for students with disabilities.
Funding and Resources: LAU allocates resources to support the implementation of reasonable accommodations, including the provision of assistive technologies and accessibility services in both academic and physical environments.

This policy is backed by LAU’s Personnel Policy, which outlines provisions for reasonable accommodations for faculty and staff, ensuring inclusivity in all areas of university life.

For more detailed information, you can review the full Personnel Policy and Lebanese Law 220/2000 regarding the rights of individuals with disabilities.

LEBANESE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
PERSONNEL POLICY - BENEFITS SECTION

Scope:

The University has two major categories of employees; Faculty whose contracts are subject to the provisions of the Lebanese Obligations and Contracts Law, and Staff whose contracts are subject to the provisions of the Lebanese Labor Law and National Social Security Law.

Both full-time faculty and full-time staff are eligible for fringe benefits and end of service indemnity as per the applicable provisions of this Policy.

Because of the applicable rules under which the two above-mentioned categories are hired, and because of the nature of their duties, their compensation, and conditions of work, are not always identical, as specified below.

Full-Time faculty and full-time staff of LAU having fulfilled the length of service criteria (if any) under each benefit are eligible to receive or participate in the fringe benefits outlined in the following sections. For these purposes, Full-Time faculty are defined as those teaching a full course load, and employees who are working for 40 or more hours per week on an annual basis subject to their respective employment contracts (Staff working on sponsored awards are excluded from this category and are not considered as full time staff pursuant to this Policy).

Fringe benefits related to insurance coverage are covered by group insurance plans which shall be based on the terms of the specific policies and agreements issued by the insurance companies involved. The coverage is subject to change as the conditions warrant, and the University assumes no liability for the failure of any such insurance company to pay specific claims.

Article I - Salary Classification System

The University applies a job classification and salary grading system coupled with clear job descriptions to each job position, which intends to reflect the staff grade category and the faculty rank and respective position at LAU.

In implementing the job classification system, the University takes into consideration the education, work experience, position, etc of the concerned individual

Wages of all employees are indexed to the US Dollar. Said wages shall not be less than the legal minimum wage set by the Lebanese Government.

Payment for overtime work performed by a staff member shall be compensated in accordance with the Lebanese Labor Law.

Wages and salaries are determined in accordance with a grading system, and a salary range set by the University. Each job is classified under the said schedule and a salary range is established for each classification.

The salary range corresponding to the different grades categories and ranks is issued annually by the University in a master list.

Article II - Leaves & Holidays

A. Annual Leave:

Full-time staff members who have completed one year of service shall be eligible to a paid annual leave based on their rank and seniority, as per applicable procedures.

Staff members are entitled to annual leave in accordance with the provisions of the Lebanese Labor Law pursuant to the following guidelines.

Staff in job categories “D” and “A”: Twenty working days plus a maximum of fifteen days of unused annual leave accumulated from the previous year.
Staff in job categories “P” and “M”: Fifteen working days and one additional day per year for each year over three years of service; for up to five additional days per year for a maximum of twenty working days per year. In addition, a maximum of ten days of unused annual leave accumulated from the previous year may be used.
Staff in job categories “O” and “S”: Fifteen working days. In addition, a maximum of five days of unused annual leave accumulated from the previous year may be used.
All accumulated and unused annual leaves beyond the specified maxima are forfeited.
Part time staff members working more than one year of uninterrupted service are allowed to take annual leave on a pro-rata basis as per the provisions of the Lebanese Labor Law.

The annual leave dates shall be approved by the University according to work requirements, but taking into consideration the wishes of the staff concerned, The University’s decision regarding annual leave dates, however, shall be final.

The University expects every member of staff to take his/her annual leave when scheduled.

In exceptional cases where a member of staff works part of his/her annual leave at the University’s request, the employee’s remuneration for such work shall be at the regular rate. No staff member shall be asked to work more than half of the annual leave period to which he/she is entitled.

In the event of termination of employment for any reason whatsoever, a member of staff with more than one year’s service shall be paid for approved accrued annual leave days accumulating up to the date of his/her termination in that year.

The University shall not terminate any staff during an approved leave, nor give notice of termination during such a leave.

Holidays:

The University shall observe the holidays considered official by the Lebanese Government for the private sector.

Staff working on holiday shall be given compensatory time off. If this cannot be arranged, they shall be paid for the day worked at their regular hourly rate.

Bereavement Leave

LAU will be guided by the principles specified in the Lebanese Labor Law with regards to bereavement leaves.

A compassionate leave of absence with full pay of three calendar days shall be granted to staff who are bereaved by the loss of their father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, child and two days for in-laws, uncles, aunts, grandchildren, child’s spouse and grandfathers or grandmothers.

Special consideration shall be given to additional compassionate leave on the death of the spouse or child of the staff.

Family Leaves:

Family Leaves are composed of three types of leaves that are granted to all full- time Faculty and full-time Staff members. These leaves are Maternity Leave, Paternity Leave and Family Care Leave.

i. Maternity Leave

The period of fully paid maternity leave applicable respectively to fulltime staff, full-time faculty and full-time faculty of Gilbert and RoseMarie Chagoury School of Medicine, as well as the corresponding rules are detailed below and in the “Family Leaves Procedure”.

The maternity leave period may be followed by post-maternity flexible work arrangements including reduced teaching load or working hours. These arrangements shall be set by LAU, taking into consideration at all times the academic and business/operational continuity as well as the job nature and its specificities.

The post-maternity flexible work arrangements shall be detailed in the “Family Leaves Procedure” upon which the post maternity arrangements shall become applicable and in effect.

a. Maternity Leave for Full-Time Female Staff Members

All full-time female staff members shall be entitled to Fifteen (15) consecutive calendar weeks, the equivalent of one hundred and five

(105) calendar days, of maternity leave with full pay.

Maternity leave shall not affect any entitlement to annual leave, and both may be taken sequentially if work requirements permit as determined by the University.

b. Maternity Leave for Full-Time Female Faculty members at All Schools in tenure and non-tenure tracks and Visiting Faculty.

Full-Time Female Faculty members at all Schools, in tenure and non- tenure tracks and the Visiting Faculty appointed under a 2 year contract and with at least 1 year of consecutive service as visiting faculty, are to be granted an extended time following or preceding delivery of their new-born, which consists of 105 days, the equivalent of 15 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, in addition to the remainder time of the applicable term.

▪ To preserve academic continuity, the maternity leave shall start at the beginning of a semester, accordingly the start of the maternity may follow or precede delivery as per the modalities detailed in the “Family Leaves Procedure”.

▪ For faculty on tenure track, eligibility for promotion will not be affected, the grace period for each pregnancy shall be a one-year deferral per pregnancy, not to exceed a 2-year maximum.

c. Maternity Leave for Full-Time Female Faculty members at the Gilbert and Rose- Marie Chagoury School of Medicine

All full-time female faculty, in tenure and non-tenure tracks, hired by the Gilbert and Rose- Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, shall be entitled to Fifteen (15) consecutive calendar weeks, the equivalent of one hundred and five (105) calendar days, maternity leave with full pay.

Eligibility for promotion will not be affected for faculty on tenure track, the grace period for each pregnancy shall be a one-year deferral per pregnancy, not to exceed a 2-year maximum.

ii. Paternity Leave

All Full-Time male faculty and staff members shall be entitled to ten (10) consecutive calendar days of paternity leave with full pay. The paternity leave modalities shall be detailed in the “Family Leaves Procedure”.

The paternity leave period may be followed by post-paternity flexible work arrangements including reduced teaching load or working hours. These arrangements shall be set by LAU, taking into consideration at all times the academic and business/operational continuity as well as the job nature and its specificities.

The post-paternity flexible work arrangements shall be detailed in the “Family Leaves Procedure” upon which the post paternity flexible arrangements shall become applicable and in effect.

Paternity leave shall not affect any entitlement to annual leave, and both may be taken sequentially if work requirements permit as determined by the University.

iii. Family Care Leave

All Full-Time Faculty and staff may be granted a Family Care Leave to

cater for a direct family member suffering from a critical medical condition. This leave allows flexible working arrangements and/or reduced teaching load or working hours as determined by LAU. These arrangements should at all times take into consideration the academic and business/operational continuity as well as job nature and specificities. Modalities of the family care leave, coverage scope, eligibility criteria and required documentation shall be detailed in the “Family Leaves Procedure” upon which the Family Care Leave arrangements shall become applicable and in effect.

E. Sick Leave:

▪ A staff unable to report to work due to sudden sickness will be eligible for up to three consecutive days without a medical report.

▪ The staff should ensure that the supervisor is informed of the sick leave as soon as possible and the supervisor must in turn notify the Human Resources Department of such absence.

▪ The staff whose sickness is confirmed by a medical report shall be entitled to sick leave and pay in accordance with the following schedule:

Staff’s Length of Service	Sick Leave and Pay Entitlement
a) 3 months to 2	15 days at full pay & 15 days at half pay
b) 2 years to 4 years	1 month at full pay & 1 month at half pay
c) 4 years to 6 years	1½ months at full pay & 1½ months at half pay
d) 6 years to 12 years	2 months at full pay & 2 months at half pay
e) 12 years and above	2½ months at full pay & 2 ½ months at half pay

▪ Holidays and weekends falling within sick leave period are considered as part of the sick leave entitlement.

▪ The University reserves the right to ask for a medical report by a University designated physician.

▪ The staff may be deprived of the sick leave and pay entitlement if he/she fails to comply with the requirements specified herein above.

▪ In the event that the sick leave taken by a staff, in accordance with this section, exceeds one month in any calendar year, the University may reduce their annual leave consistent with the provisions of the Lebanese Labor Law, provided that such leave shall not in any case be reduced to less than eight calendar days.

▪ The University shall not terminate any staff during their sick leave, nor give them notice of termination during said leave, if the staff is still in the probation period as specified by the Lebanese Labor Law.

▪ In the event of discharge on medical grounds due to sickness, as defined in this article, the date of discharge shall normally be the date on which the entitlements to paid sick leave and vacations are exhausted.

▪ Staff cannot claim sick leave during an approved annual leave.

▪ Staff during the probation period may benefit from 2 days of sick leave provided these two days are counted within their yearly sick leave entitlement.

All categories of staff at LAU are subject to the mandates of the applicable labor laws and regulations.

Article III – Insurance

A. Group Medical Insurance Policy:

All Full-Time faculty and Full-Time staff and their dependents (spouse and children) are entitled to benefit from Group Medical Insurance coverage on a voluntary basis. The terms and provisions of the Group Medical Insurance Policy will be communicated by the Human Resources Department to the University community at the beginning of each academic year.

Faculty and staff coverage in the Group Medical Insurance Policy is designed to meet medical expenses in accordance with the terms of the insurance policy and shall be for up to 60 days for each disability beyond which they shall start benefiting from the Long Term Disablement Insurance Policy.

Staffs are covered by the Medical & Maternity Branch of the Lebanese National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The University provides supplemental insurance coverage to the NSSF for staff and full coverage for faculty. The cost of the Group Medical Insurance Policy is shared by the University and the insured with the University paying 75% of the premiums and the insured paying 25%.

Staff who elect to purchase full insurance coverage or upgrade their coverage through the University may be entitled to do so provided the University pays 75% of the co-NSSF premium they are entitled to.

Life and Long-Term Disablement Insurance Policies:

LAU shall carry a Group Life and Long-Term Disablement Insurance Policy covering all Full-Time faculty (excluding continuing non-tenured faculty members), and all Full- Time staff in job categories “D” and “A”, all unclassified employees.

The Long Term Disability caused by sickness or accident provides (after a 60 calendar day waiting period) 75% of the basic salary up to age 65.

The Group Life Insurance Policy provides twice the annual salary in case of death up to age 70.

Unemployment Insurance Policy:

US Nationals are governed, for purposes of unemployment insurance by the provisions of the American Social Security act and applicable IRC sections.

Fringe Benefits after Retirement or Death:
1. The medical benefits shall continue to Full-Time faculty and Full-Time staff and their dependents after retirement and for their dependents in case of death, provided that he/she has served LAU for more than ten continuous years.

No fringe benefit shall continue to be provided if the dependent child would have:
1. completed undergraduate education;
2. attained age 22 and is not studying;
3. got married; or
4. become employed.

Premiums for insurance benefits post-retirement or death shall be paid by the University and the retired faculty/staff or the dependents of the deceased faculty/staff on the rate of 50% from each party.

Non-classified employees who retire prior to completion of ten years of service may be given a special consideration as to applicability of the continuity of the insurance benefits and all other post-retirement benefits, provided the Board of Trustees approves such exceptional treatment.

Worker’s Compensation:

All full-time faculty/staff members are covered for any accident befalling them while on duty for the University by an insurance policy carried by the University in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Worker’s Compensation Law in Lebanon.

Full-time employees of the University shall draw Worker’s Compensation in lieu of their regular salary for such time as they are absent from their work because of any accident befalling them while on duty. Whereas faculty, as well as staff in job categories “A” and “D” and above are entitled to continue on full salary; staff in job categories ”P”,“M”, “O” and “S” may only continue at full salary based upon approval by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees in which case payments from Worker’s Compensation insurance shall be turned over to the University by the staff.

All staff who suffer from a disability caused by an accident occurring during the course of or arising out of assigned work are covered by an insurance policy carried by the University in accordance with the Lebanese Laws and Decrees.

Family Allowance:

A family allowance is payable by the National Social Security Fund once a month to all eligible staff in accordance with the provisions of the Lebanese Social Security Law.

Relief contribution in case of death:

As a contribution to the funeral expenses for a Full-Time faculty/ staff who dies while still working at LAU, the University shall contribute an amount equivalent to two months’ salary provided that such contribution is not less than US$2000 and does not exceed US$8000. This contribution shall be dispensed to the spouse and/or children of the deceased faculty/staff. If the employee is not married, the postmortem pay shall be given to their legal heirs.

Article IV A– Educational Aid to Dependents

Dependents of Full-Time employees (spouse, children, and adopted children) are entitled to educational benefits up to three dependents, for a period not to exceed 13 school years each. Only a deceased dependent may be replaced by another dependent.

The starting date for eligibility shall commence when the dependent attains age 5 or is placed in KG2 (12eme) by his/her school, whichever comes first. If a dependent attains age 5 before the end of March of the academic year, he/she shall be considered eligible for full academic year benefits.

Educational benefits shall terminate upon the expiration of the 13 years of eligibility, notwithstanding the school grade attained by the concerned dependent at that time.

Educational benefits received by the spouse of an employee from his/her place of employment shall be deducted from the educational benefits specified above. In the case of staff in job categories “O” and “S”, the mandatory amounts stipulated in the Lebanese Labor Law shall not be deducted.

Disbursements of Educational Benefits:

Full-Time faculty and Full-Time staff will be entitled to a fixed amount for each of their three dependents. The amount designated for reimbursement for each employee category will be determined by the President’s Cabinet on a yearly basis, and it should not be less than the amounts provided for under the applicable laws. https://myportal.lau.edu.lb/sites/FS/myhr/Pages/SchoolingLimits.aspx
If a Full-time faculty and Full-Time staff is deceased while still employed and the continuous service at LAU was less than ten years, the educational aid to each of his/her eligible dependents shall continue for the academic year during which the faculty/employee’s death occurred.

If a Full-time faculty and Full-Time staff retires while having served at LAU for ten or more years, or is deceased while still employed and the continuous service at LAU was more than ten years, the educational aid to each of his/her eligible dependents shall continue until dependent(s):

complete undergraduate education;
attain age 22 and are not studying;
marry; or
become employed.

Article IV B- Educational and Other Allowance for University Personnel:

As an incentive to complete their first bachelor’s degree, University Personnel who have completed at least one year of service are entitled to take one undergraduate course each semester (not tutorial) free of charge. Only one additional undergraduate course may be taken but the hours must fall outside the working schedule and the staff member must pay for the course.

The staff member may be allowed to take an undergraduate course related to their field of work. This course shall be charged to the Department/Division upon the recommendation of the supervisor and the approval of the Administration.

Office hours lost in class attendance shall be made up under all circumstances.

Make-up hours shall have to be arranged with the Division Chair or the immediate supervisor.

The whole package must be approved by the Vice President for Administration, prior to registration.

University Personnel seeking a bachelor’s degree may take only one undergraduate course each summer session outside their working hours but must pay for the courses.

A staff member, who earns a university degree through utilizing Article IV B, is required to serve the University for a period of at least one year after earning an AAS degree, or for at least two years after earning a BA/BS degree. Those who do not serve for the above period have to reimburse the University the full tuition fees for the program taken.

Article V – Travel Benefit for Full-Time Faculty

Faculty members who are not citizens of Lebanon and/or who do not ordinarily live in Lebanon shall normally be given round trip travel reimbursement for themselves and their legal dependents (spouse and children under 18 years of age), such reimbursement to be specifically provided in their contracts. The University will provide such personnel return air travel to their country of origin every three years. An economy return ticket will be provided for those individuals whose contracts are not renewed or are terminated. And this is for direct round trip air passage, economy or tourist class including a baggage allowance of 10% of the price of their tickets for their first flight to Beirut and their final return flight to their home upon termination. Should the full contract not be fulfilled by the faculty, an amount proportionate to the time spent of the total round trip expenses will be reimbursable.

Article VI –Indemnity Provision and Pension Plan

VI.A The purpose of LAU’s retirement plan is to encourage LAU personnel to build and continue their careers at the Lebanese American University.

End of Service Indemnity and Ex-gratia in lieu of end of service indemnity The University notes that it observes for full-time faculty members their right to get one month pay for each year’s service at LAU, and One and a half month for each year over 20 years of service at LAU as ex-gratia in lieu of end of service indemnity.

Full time staff are entitled to end of service indemnity pursuant to the Lebanese National Social Security Fund laws and regulations.

Full time faculty members and staff who are US nationals or US permanent residents, are subject to the United States Social Security Act.

Pension Plan

Eligible LAU full time faculty members and Full-Time staff are eligible to participate in the University Pension Plan as specified hereunder as well as in the Pension Plan Documents.

A. Participation

Generally speaking, and subject to the provisions of the Pension Plan Documents as amended from time to time, full time faculty members and full-time staff eligible to participate in the university pension plan are as follows:

▪ Non-tenured faculty who are U.S. citizen or US permanent resident will be directly entitled to the University’s pension plan upon their appointment. They will become eligible to ex- gratia in lieu of indemnity from the University once they become tenured.

▪ Lebanese faculty and all other non-U.S. citizen, or non-US permanent resident, faculty will be entitled to ex-gratia in lieu of indemnity by the University upon their appointment. This category of faculty members will become eligible to the University’s pension plan once they become tenured.

▪ All full-time physicians will be directly entitled to the University’s pension plan upon their appointment. Additionally, physicians will become eligible to ex-gratia in lieu of indemnity from the University once they become tenured.

▪ Staff members at the Director Level and above (Job categories “D” and “A”) who are U.S. citizen(s) or permanent resident(s) are entitled to the University’s Pension Plan upon employment.

▪ Staff members, at the Director Level (Job categories “D” and “A”) and above, who are Lebanese and non-U.S. citizen(s), or non-US permanent resident(s), will become eligible to the University’s Pension Plan after 5 years of the employment date.

▪ All staff members below the Director Level (Job categories “D” and “A”) are eligible to participate in the relevant University’s Pension Plan without benefiting from LAU’s contribution pursuant to the applicable Pension Plan rules”.

Faculty assigned to non-academic directorship follow the eligibility rules of their administrative positions and not their faculty ranks.

B. Contributions

The date of eligibility to the University pension plan benefit shall be used as the baseline for computing the University contribution in 5-year intervals as follows:

5% for 5 years from date of eligibility;
7.5% for the second five years; and
10% for all years of service above ten years from the date of eligibility.

Only continuous uninterrupted employment shall be counted in calculating years of service, including approved unpaid leave time provided that the faculty/staff pays for his/her share of the pension premium for that period.

The University share in the Pension Plan is to be applied only on the basic monthly salary, plus the administrative duty percentages specified in Faculty contracts.

C. Pension Plan Documents

VI.B All types of extra compensation agreed upon in consideration of administrative duties to be provided by full-time faculty, are to be indemnified upon the termination of the administrative duty at the conclusion of each administrative assignment.

This corresponding ex-gracia in lieu of indemnity is calculated on the basis of the additional percentage of the last monthly salary multiplied by the years of service at LAU.

Article VII – Retirement

The University observes the mandates of the Lebanese Laws with respect to retirement age as previously detailed in this Policy.

Upon recommendation of the Vice- President for Administration and decision of the President, extensions of service beyond the retirement age for staff members may be made for definite periods not to exceed one year at a time. Such extensions shall not go beyond the end of the academic year in which age 65 is attained.

Article VIII – Campus Housing

Limited campus housing is available, with priority given to faculty members who are foreign nationals.

The apartments and rooms are available at a price less than off-campus housing. When campus housing is not available, the University shall pay new comers for an off-campus apartment the amount of rent exceeding twenty five percent (25%) of his/her annual salary, up to a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the contract per year and applicable for the first two years of service at LAU.

Article IX – Campus Entertainment and Recreation

Accessibility:

All University personnel and their dependents are encouraged to use the recreational facilities of the University at the time regularly scheduled for such activities.

Article X – Continuous Service Recognition

The University gives official recognition to staff’s continuous service and contribution through the presentation of appropriate service emblems and special awards.

This program covers all University Personnel, regardless of job or grade, who have at least completed ten years of service and contributed to the stability and continuity of the University’s operations.

Article XI- Benefits of Staff working on sponsored awards

Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary in the Personnel Policy- Staff Section and/or the Personnel Policy-Benefits Section, the staff working on sponsored awards pursuant to Article X of the Personnel Policy- Staff Section, shall solely benefit from one or more of the below, as mentioned in their contracts and taking into consideration their work schedule to be determined by the University:

Education allowance for their dependents pursuant to the applicable Lebanese laws and regulations;
Transportation allowance pursuant to the applicable Lebanese laws and regulations and any variation thereto as mandated by LAU.
Leaves and Holidays pursuant to Article II of the Personnel Policy- Benefits Section.
LAU Group Medical Insurance Policy, subject to the conditions and coverage limits as determined by the University on yearly basis and announced to the concerned.

Article XII – General Provision

The University shall provide the proper procedures to implement this Policy effectively. The University reserves the right to amend any provision in this Policy provided vested rights are protected.

Exceptions to policy related to salary, working conditions, or fringe benefits, to meet special circumstances, may be made by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees upon recommendation of the President.

Article XIII – Effective Date

The foregoing Personnel Policy-Benefit Section was amended by the Board of Trustees on September 8&9, 2022 and shall be effective as of September 9, 2022. This Policy was adopted on June 6&7, 2003 and amended on the following dates: March 9& 10, 2006; September 14&15, 2006; March 8&9, 2007; September 6&7, 2007; March 19&20, 2009; September 15 & 16, 2011; March 23&24, 2012; March 27&28, 2014; September 18&19, 2014; September 6&7, 2018; March 21&22, 2019; September 5&6, 2019 March 24&25, 2021 and March 23&24, 2022.

LEBANESE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Article I: Introduction

The Lebanese American University (LAU) Student Code of Conduct emanates from the institutional values, mission, and vision of a university committed to Student centeredness, the education of the whole person, the enhancement of Student leadership, the promotion of the highest ethical and moral values and aspirations, the safeguarding of academic integrity, the development of a deep sense of civic engagement, and the advancement of peace, democracy, and social justice.

In the context of a university operating as an extended family community, the Student Code of Conduct regulates the pedagogical and behavioral relationship between administration, faculty, staff, and Students. It describes the boundaries of acceptable Student behavior and considers the individual Student’s welfare as inseparable from the welfare of the University community. The Student Code of Conduct works in tandem with the Schools’ bylaws which address school-specific issues and concerns. While Students have the privilege to enroll at the institution of their choice, choosing to enroll at LAU requires them to become aware of and abide by the behavioral standards of the University.

The University respects the dignity of all individuals and in return expects each individual to have that same respect for others within the University community, so that all may achieve their full potential. Membership in the LAU community imparts to every Student a set of rights and responsibilities that are essential to the University’s educational mission. LAU Students enjoy the rights to freedom of thought and expression; freedom from discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, or family status; participation in the academic and non-academic opportunities offered by the University; and fair judicial process in the determination of accountability for conduct. In return, Students are expected to exhibit responsible behavior that complies with all provisions of the Student Code of Conduct and abstain from harming or threatening to harm any individual or group. The University will take appropriate disciplinary action in situations involving misconduct or demonstrating flagrant disregard for any person or property.

Disciplining Students is part of the learning process and, as such, its focus shall be educational for the individual and for the University community. This includes the possible use of suspension or expulsion and/or other penalties or remedies. Any query about the processes, rules, or policies, or any other concern not specifically covered by the Student Code of Conduct shall be decided by the University Student Affairs Council. Additionally, the Student Code of Conduct may be extended or amended to apply to new and unanticipated situations. Enrollment in the University does not protect Students from their obligation to behave in a manner consistent with Lebanese law.

Article II: Student Rights and Expectations

1.In General

Within the framework of the LAU Bylaws and applicable policies and procedures, including those pertaining to standards of conduct, LAU shall endeavor to provide a campus and institutional environment in which:

1.1. The opportunity for free inquiry, expression, and creed is protected;

1.2. Discrimination and harassment based on race, sex, age, color, national origin, religion, or disability are not tolerated;

1.3. Students are provided with shelter and security;

1.4. Student records are protected from improper disclosure; and

1.5. Opportunities are provided for Student engagement in the governance of the University through membership in appropriately designated councils and committees, provided such councils and committees meet requirements established by the University.

2. Academic Rights

LAU shall endeavor to ensure that Students are provided:

2.1. Clearly enunciated University expectations regarding academic integrity, policies, procedures, and sanctions pertaining to relevant violations;

2.2. Information by the faculty about course requirements (including amended requirements), evaluation procedures, and the academic criteria to be used in each course; and

2.3. Impartial evaluations on the basis of academic performance.

Article III: Proscribed Conduct

Jurisdiction of the University

The University exercises its jurisdiction over Student conduct that takes place on University Premises and at any University Sponsored Function. The University reserves the right to extend its jurisdiction to off-campus occurrences elsewhere when a Student’s behavior either negatively impacts the integrity or reputation of the University or threatens the health, safety, or property of any individual or group.

2. Conduct Rules and Regulations

LAU Students are expected to respect, abide by, and comply with the letter and the spirit of the University’s Student Code of Conduct on and off campus. Any Student found to have committed misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in Appendices A and B of this Student Code of Conduct.

2.1. Non-Academic Violations. The following proscribed activities are characterized as non-academic violations:

Violation of Lebanese Law

2.1.1. Violating any provision of the Lebanese law on University Premises or at University Sponsored Functions

Violation of University Policy

2.1.2. Violating any University Bylaws, policies, rules or regulations.

2.1.3. Failing to comply with the directives of University officials acting in performance of their duties.

Possession of Controlled Substances or Materials

2.1.4. Retaining or using any form of arms, explosives, dangerous instruments, dangerous chemicals or compounds on University Premises or at University Sponsored Functions.

2.1.5. Retaining, using, trafficking in, or distributing narcotics or other controlled substances on University Premises or at University Sponsored Functions.

Disrespect

2.1.6. Showing any form of disrespect towards a Student, faculty, or staff member.

2.1.7. Using foul language, gestures or ridicule towards any member of the University community.

Dishonesty

2.1.8. Knowingly providing false information to any University official, faculty member, or office.

2.1.9. Forging, altering, or misusing any University document, record, account, computer account, or instrument of identification.

2.1.10. Tampering with any Student election conducted by the University.

2.1.11. Acting as an agent of the University without authorization or unlawfully using its logo and tradename.

2.1.12. Using another person’s identity, password, identification number, University identification card or any other identification card, or assisting another in the preparation or transmission of false identification or credentials.

2.1.13. Giving or promising money, gifts, services or favors of any kind, in order to influence the judgment or conduct of another person and any other form of bribery.

Disruption

2.1.14. Disturbing, disrupting or interfering with, impeding or impairing any University activity or function, including teaching, research, and administrative activities, and interfering with the ability of other members of the University community to listen to an invited speaker.

2.1.15. Participating in an unauthorized campus protest or sit-in, or any initially authorized protest or sit-in that exceeds its authorized boundaries or permitted time.

2.1.16. Sloganeering for or against any religious or political figure or group.

2.1.17. Using cellular phones and other devices in classrooms, laboratories, or studios during classes or examinations without the permission of the course instructor.

Harmful or Threatening Behavior

2.1.18. Engaging in behavior which poses physical harm to others at University Premises or University Sponsored Functions.

2.1.19. Engaging in behavior which poses physical harm to the animals on campus.

Vandalism and Misuse of University Property

2.1.20. Engaging in behavior that causes damage to University Premises or property.

2.1.21. Misappropriation or removal of, stealing, or damaging property of the University or any of its constituents.

2.1.22. Littering on University Premises.

2.1.23. Placing notices, posters, or signs anywhere on University Premises without proper authorization.

2.1.24. Trespassing into unauthorized University areas.

2.1.25. Possessing, duplicating, or using keys, key cards, or other access or security devices without authorization.

2.1.26. Tampering with or misusing fire or safety equipment or disregarding, circumventing, or disabling any security or safety device or system.

Abuse of Computer Resources

2.1.27. Breaching or attempting to breach University IT network or computer security, invading or hacking or attempting to access or release confidential data or files.

2.1.28. Accessing, using, reading, deleting, or modifying a file without proper authorization.

2.1.29. Copying or distributing copyrighted computer software or other materials.

2.1.30. Using computer facilities to harass or to send, display or store abusive messages.

2.1.31. Using computer facilities to send unauthorized mass emails or chain emails.

2.1.32. Using computer facilities to interfere with the normal operation of any University computing system or network.

2.1.33. Failing to abide by LAU’s published IT policies, procedures and regulations, available at:

http://www.lau.edu.lb/about/governance-policies/policies/computer_network_policy.pdf

Harassment and Discrimination

2.1.34. Harassing, intimidating, threatening, or coercing (verbally or through any means of communication) a member of the University community. Reference: University Harassment Policy, available at:

http://www.lau.edu.lb/about/governance-policies/policies/harassment_policy.pdf

2.1.35. Bullying a member of the University community, including but not limited to bullying or harassment through any form of social media.

2.1.36. Using any form of media, including social media, to falsely accuse, libel, defame, or smear the reputation of a member of the University community.

2.1.37. Engaging in unwanted sexual behavior, including offensive or humiliating behavior that is related to a person’s gender or eliciting behavior of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating or offensive environment.

2.1.38. Discriminating against any member of the University community on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, or family status.

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

2.1.39. Smoking on University Premises except in designated areas or at University Sponsored Functions, unless specifically permitted by university officials.

2.1.40. Possessing, using, or distributing alcoholic beverages on University Premises or at University Sponsored Functions without the prior documented approval of the University.

2.2. Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity violations include all forms of academic dishonesty. The list, however, is not exhaustive; instructors and faculty members or University staff may report other cases as academic violations for investigation. The following proscribed activities are characterized as academic violations:

Cheating

2.2.1. Using material or equipment (including mobile phones, electronic tablets, i-pads, calculators, and other devices) that is not authorized by the instructor in an examination, project, or graded assignment.

2.2.2. Cheating, copying, collaborating with, or aiding another Student in a manner not permitted by the instructor on an examination, project, or other graded assignment.

2.2.3. Distributing or aiding in the distribution of previous exams without authorization of the instructor.

2.2.4. Stealing, reproducing, or circulating an examination or other graded assignment before it has been administered.

2.2.5. Impersonating another Student or allowing another Student to impersonate one’s self during an examination, presentation, or other graded assignment.

2.2.6. Impersonating an assistant, staff member or faculty member for the purpose of (a) proctoring examinations without proper authorization or permission or (b) obtaining confidential information regarding coursework or examinations.

2.2.7. Receiving, purchasing or selling a project, paper, or any academic document and presenting it as work other than that of the author.

2.2.8. Submitting identical papers or coursework for credit in more than one class without the permission of the instructor.

Plagiarism and Copyright Violations

2.2.9. Failing to attribute language or ideas to their original source by not crediting the original author with an appropriate acknowledgment or citation.

2.2.10. Using photocopied or electronic copies of textbooks, compact disks, films, music, online course materials and other content beyond the fair use policy within University Premises.

2.2.11. Using copyrighted materials, including in written research reports and papers, without obtaining required permission, if any, from the rights holder.

Unauthorized Sale, Distribution, or Use of Course Materials

2.2.12. Recording any lecture or presentation for personal use or public distribution without the prior consent of the course instructor. This applies to the unauthorized use of any medium including but not limited to mobile phones, electronic tablets, i-pads, recorders, films, and other devices.

2.2.13. Selling academic materials by any Student, club, or group. This includes but is not limited to lectures, course recordings, class notes, and previous exams.

3. Violation of the Student Code of Conduct and Lebanese Laws

University disciplinary proceedings will be instituted against any Student charged with a violation of this Student Code of Conduct. When governmental authorities charge a Student with any violation of the Lebanese laws, the University will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of his or her status as a Student.

Article IV: Disciplinary Proceedings

All members of the University community, including all Students, have a responsibility to cooperate fully and truthfully with the Dean of Students, University Student Affairs Council,

Appeals Committee, any Ad Hoc Disciplinary Committee and other University officials in connection with investigations of disciplinary complaints and related proceedings including appeal proceedings.

1. Reporting and Decision Procedure

1.1. Non-Academic Violations

Step 1: Report suspected misconduct. Any member of the University community may report alleged violations found in the “Non-Academic Violations” section of the Student Code of Conduct. A written complaint normally must be sent to the Dean of Students’ Office no later than seven (7) days after the occurrence. For incidents of harassment, a complaint must be submitted to the University Legal Counsel’s Office, as per the University Harassment Policy available at:

http://www.lau.edu.lb/about/governance-policies/policies/harassment_policy.pdf

In the case of sexual harassment incidents, and because of the severity and sensitivity of such cases, there is no set time frame for which incidents must be reported under. However, Students are encouraged in this case to report the incident as soon as possible to the University Legal Counsel, as per the University Harassment Policy.

Step 2: Process the complaint. All claims will be processed by the Dean of Students’ Office unless otherwise provided for in this Student Code of Conduct and applicable University policies. The Dean of Students and/or the Ad Hoc Disciplinary Committee shall gather pertinent information that shall include a meeting with the complainant and the accused Student. The Dean of Students may also meet with other concerned parties. The Dean of Students shall proceed in one of the following manners depending on the nature of the violation:

a. For offenses where the greatest sanction possible is a double warning (as defined in Section 2 below), the Dean of Students shall issue any appropriate sanction no later than seven (7) days after receiving the initial written complaint.

b. For offenses where a sanction may include a suspension or expulsion, the Dean of Students, in consultation with the Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management (the “VPSDEM”), shall form an Ad Hoc Disciplinary Committee to investigate the complaint, make a determination and issue any appropriate sanction. The Ad Hoc Committee shall consist of the Deans of Students, a Faculty Senate Representative, and the relevant campus Counselor. The decision and issuance of the sanction shall take place no later than thirty (30) days after receiving the initial complaint.

All sanctions must be in line with the set sanctions for non-academic violations defined in Appendix A. The Dean of Students or the Ad Hoc Disciplinary Committee shall review the accused Student’s record for prior offenses. If a Student is a previous offender of a non-academic violation, the Dean of Students or Committee normally shall increase the severity of the sanction. Any suspension or expulsion requires the prior approval of the University President.

Step 3: Inform the Student. When a final decision has been reached, the Dean of Students shall promptly inform the student both orally and in writing of the decision. The student has seven (7) days from the date the student is informed in writing of the decision to appeal against the decision in accordance with Article IV, Section 5 below.

Step 4: Maintain Student records. The designated staff at the Dean of Students’ Office shall update the Student’s record. The Dean of Students’ Office shall be responsible for coordinating all follow-up actions and maintaining the central recording system of all violations and respective actions.

1.2. Academic Violations

Step 1: Report suspected misconduct. The course instructor shall notify the accused Student that the instructor has identified an academic violation. The course instructor shall promptly inform in writing the relevant department Chairperson and the Dean of Students of the violation.

Step 2: Process the complaint. All claims will be processed by the Dean of Students’ Office. The Dean of Students shall form an Ad Hoc Committee that consists of the course instructor, relevant department Chairperson, and the Dean of Students. Additionally and depending on the severity and frequency of the violation, it may also include the VSDEM, a representative from the Faculty Senate, a representative from the Student Council and the University Legal Counsel. The Committee shall gather pertinent information and meet with the accused Student and any other relevant parties prior to issuing an appropriate sanction as per the Table of Sanctions for Academic Violations listed in Appendix B, no later than fourteen days

(14) after receiving the initial complaint.

If a Student is a previous offender of an Academic violation, the Committee normally shall increase the severity of the sanction. Any suspension or expulsion requires the prior approval of the University President.

Step 3: Inform the Student. When a final decision has been reached, the Dean of Students shall promptly inform the Student both orally and in writing of the decision. The Student has seven (7) days to appeal the decision, in accordance with Article IV, Section 5 below.

2. Sanctions

Sanctions may be imposed upon any Student who engages in misconduct in violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Sanction determination shall be based on the severity of the offense and the record of the accused Student. Multiple violations of this Code normally shall increase the severity of sanctions applied. Counseling may be recommended with any of the below sanctions.

All sanctions are administered by the Dean of Students’ Office, as per the provisions of this Student Code of Conduct. Following is a full and complete list of sanctions:

a. Verbal Reprimand

b. Citation: Written notice that specific inappropriate conduct is unacceptable. Two

citations will immediately translate into a warning.

c. Warning: An official written censure containing three components: a reprimand for inappropriate behavior, notice that the conduct associated with the violation must stop immediately and permanently, and notice that additional violations shall result in more severe sanctions. A warning may be supplemented with the loss of certain privileges such as denied access to any University Premises, denied participation in a University event, or denied participation in the Student Council elections. Students who have received a warning may not run for the Student Council. In the case of certain academic violations the Student may receive a Zero or an F on the

exam, assignment, or course in which the violation has taken place in addition to a warning.

d. Double Warning: An official written censure containing, in addition to the three components of (c) above, an immediate suspension of benefits of Financial Aid. A third warning leads to immediate suspension for one regular semester. A double warning may be supplemented with the loss of certain privileges such as denied access to University Premises, denied participation in a University event, or denied

participation in the Student Council elections. Students who have received a double warning may not run for the Student Council.

e. Disciplinary Suspension: Separation of the Student from the University for a definite period of time, after which the Student is eligible to return, after completing the conditions for readmission, if any. During the suspension period, the Student under suspension shall forfeit all rights of his/her Student status and access to

University Premises may be revoked. The minimum period of suspension shall be one (1) term and the maximum period of suspension shall be one (1) academic year.

f. Expulsion: Permanent separation of the Student from the University. An expelled

Student shall have no access to University Premises and shall forfeit all rights of his/her Student status immediately and permanently upon expulsion.

A Student who fails to abide by the sanctions imposed normally shall become subject to more severe sanctions.

3. Disciplinary Record/Files

Because of a potential risk to the reputation and rights of the Student suspected of misconduct, great care must be taken in handling the claim and preserving confidentiality. This obligation of confidentiality applies to all participants in an investigation, including committee members, witnesses and administrators.

4. Interim Suspension

In certain circumstances, the Dean of Students may impose an interim suspension prior to the investigation for a period that ends with the submission of the investigation report to the appropriate committee. The Dean of Students shall notify the VPSDEM of this decision. Interim suspension may be imposed for one or more of the following reasons:

1. To ensure the safety and well-being of members of the University community or preservation of University property;

2. To ensure the Student’s own safety and well-being; or

3. To ensure the normal operation of the University if the Student is disruptive.

During the interim suspension, Students shall be denied access to the University Premises (including classes) and/or all other University activities or privileges for which the Student might otherwise be eligible; she/he may also be denied access to the Residence Halls.

Students placed on interim suspension are entitled to an investigation, as outlined within this Student Code of Conduct, by the Dean of Students and the VPSDEM. If an accused Student is placed on interim suspension and later found innocent of the violation of this Code of which he or she was accused, the Student must be permitted to submit any coursework and sit for all examinations missed during the time of his or her suspension; additionally, any classroom time missed by the Student due to an interim suspension shall not be reflected in a decrease of any participation credit for the classes missed.

5. Appeals and Grievances

The University recognizes the Student’s right to appeal. Any Student dissatisfied with a given sanction may appeal the decision by following the below procedure.

Step 1: The Student submits a letter petition to the University Student Affairs Council through the Dean of Students’ Office.

Step 2: The University Student Affairs Council forms a subcommittee (the Appeals Committee) to study the appeal. The Appeals Committee is formed of the VPSDEM, Dean of Students of the relevant campus, Chairperson of the Department to which the student belongs, a Faculty Senate Representative (other than the one who served on the Ad hoc Committee), and a Student Council Representative.

Step 3: The Appeals Committee will study and discuss the appeal. The Appeals Committee may meet the accused Student or other concerned parties if more information is necessary. The Appeals Committee, through consultation with the President of LAU, shall issue a final, written decision no later than thirty (30) days after the submission of the petition. Once the decision is ratified by the President, it is final and irrevocable and does not fall under the jurisdiction of any other committee within the University.

Step 4: The Dean of Students shall inform the Student both orally and in writing of the final decision, and shall provide the Student with a copy of the appeal decision.

Article V: Glossary

1. Ad Hoc Disciplinary Committee: A temporary committee formed by the Dean of Students, in consultation with the Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management (the “VPSDEM”), to address a specific case of violation.

2. Appeals Committee: A temporary committee formed by the University Student Affairs Council to address a specific appeal.

3. Computer Facility: Any place within the University where one or more computers or one or more computer hookups are available.

4. Faculty Member: Any person hired by the University to conduct classroom activities or research.

5. Member of the University Community: Any person who is a Student, faculty member, University officer, staff, or any other person employed or appointed by the University

6. Sanction: A penalty for the violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

7. Student: All persons enrolled/registered and taking courses at the University on a full- or part-time basis, including but not limited to those attending the Continuing Education Program.

8. University: The Lebanese American University.

9. University Official: Any person employed or appointed by the University, performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.

10. University Premises: Any campus or center of the University, the LAU Medical Center – Rizk Hospital, the LAU New York Academic Center, any University-affiliated facility and all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the University.

11. University Sponsored Function: An event, meeting, reception, function or other gathering that is organized or sponsored by the University or any of its affiliates wherever occurring,

including without limitation to organized trips and study programs.

The foregoing Student Code of Conduct of the Lebanese American University was amended by the Board of Trustees on September 8 & 9, 2016 and is effective as of September 9, 2016. This Student Code of Conduct was previously amended by the Board of Trustees on March 27 & 28, 2008.

Appendix A

Non-Academic Violations Table of Sanctions

Appendix B

Academic Violations Table of Sanctions

The following table defines the sanction(s) associated with each violation. In some cases and when the violation is too general, a range of sanctions is set for the pertinent committee to choose from depending on the specifics of each case. As for the second offense, the set sanctions apply regardless whether the violation has taken place in the same course or a different one, within the same semester or not.

Rights of People with Disabilities (PwDs)

Law 220- May 29, 2000

Refer to law 247 dated August 7, 2000 regarding the cancellation of the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education

The Parliament has adopted

The President of the Republic promulgates the following law:

Unique Article- the draft law included in decree 1834, dated December 3, 1999 regarding the rights of People with Disabilities was adopted as modified by the Administration and Justice Commission and the Parliament.

This law enters into force as soon as it is published in the official gazette.

Baabda: 29 May 2000

Signed: Emile Lahoud

Promulgated by the President of the Republic

The Prime Minister

Signed: Saleem el Hoss

Prime Minister

Signed: Saleem el Hoss

LAW ON THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

PART ONE- TERMS, DEFINITIONS, CLASSIFICATION AND PCD

Article 1- the following terms, wherever they appear in this law mean the following”

“the Ministry”:

Ministry of Social Affairs

“the Minister”:

Minister of Social Affairs

“ The National Council”:

“The National Council on Disability Affairs” (NCDA), defined in part 2 of this law.

“People with Disabilities, Person with Disability” (PwDs)- (PwD):

Individuals having a Personal Disability Card and meeting the definition provided for in article two of this law. In case of hearing impairment, the cardholder is the person with disability him/herself, or his/her guardian; in case of a mental disability, the cardholder is the guardian.

“People with Disabilities Organizations”

Moral entities that are founded, by law, for a non- lucrative purpose (e.g. an organization) meeting the following conditions:

Having bylaws expressly providing that one of the organization objectives is related to PwDs and their rights
Having at least half the members of its general assembly among “PwDs” and at least half of the members of the administrative board among the “PwDs” (it includes the PwDs guardians as stated in the abovementioned definition of “PwDs”)

“Service Organizations”:

Moral entities founded, by law, for non-lucrative purposes (e.g. organization, community) whatever the composition of its General Assembly or Administrative Board is, and meeting the following conditions:

Having at least one effectively defined, known and permanent specific program to serve people with disabilities.
Having registered at the MoSA as a service organization in conformity with the procedures adopted by the Ministry.

“Service Institution”

A service program within the organization for each type of the four disabilities, based on which the Organization benefits of a special contract signed with the Ministry.

In order to implement the provisions of this law, the number of service institutions per organization can’t be less than one (in which case, it coincides with the Organization itself) and can’t exceed four, i.e. one institution for each type of disability. Service institutions have no independent moral entity by law except for being registered on voting lists so that they practice their voting right and attend the general meetings provided for in this law.

The four types of disability”

They are as follows:

Mobility
Visual
Hearing
Mental

Article 2- Definition of a Person with Disability

A person with disability is a person who witnessed a decrease or even a disappearance of his capacity to: practice one or more important activity (ies), or to provide him/herself with the basics of livelihood alone; or a person who has lost the capacity to take part in social activities equally with others or to guarantee a normal personal or social life according to the common criteria of the society he lives in because of the lack in one of his functions- be it corporal, sensorial or mental, permanently or temporarily because of a defect by birth or acquired with time or because of an illness that perdured beyond medical expectations.

Article 3- Classification

Based on the international classification of disabilities, impairments and handicaps issued by the WHO in 1980 and its further modifications, the four types are, in brief, as follows:

Mobility- visual- hearing- mental. The list of classification of disabilities is adopted and modified by virtue of a decree issued by the Council of Ministers upon the proposal of the Minister of Social Affairs based on the recommendation of the National Council on Disability Affairs.

Article 4- Personal Disability Card

Any person with disability whose disability type is provided for in Article 3 of this law has the right to a personal card that enables him/her to practice his rights and privileges given by the laws and rules in force.
This card is the only means to prove the disability

Article 5- Procedures for delivering the Personal Disability Card (PDC)

Conditions for acquiring the PDC are as follows:

The person with disability has to apply personally for the card or exceptionally through his legal guardian, legal representative or one of the family members having the legal capacity to do so.
Applications are sent to the centers chartered and equipped for the task by the Ministry
The Ministry grants the Personal Disability Card immediately in case the person meets the criteria and provides the required documents.
The decision to refuse the application is challengeable at the Department for Disabled Persons at the Ministry; this Department settles the issue within a period of one month maximum after submission. In case this deadline passes without any settlement, the applicant has the right to complain at the NCDA.
The decision of the NCDA to refuse granting the PCD is final

This PCD is delivered with an expiry date that is written on it. The validity period is decided based of the type and conditions of the disability
The PCD is renewable after expiry. The application for renewal, settlement or refusal follows the same procedures of contestation and challenge provided for in item (A) of this present article.
The content of the card, details of acquisition procedures, how to link services to it and how to confirm receipt of the services by the beneficiary along with all the organizational details are defined by a ministerial decision.
PCDs delivered by the ministry before the entry into force of this law remain valid till their expiry.

PART TWO- THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY AFFAIRS

CHAPTER ONE – DEFINITION- TASKS- STRUCTURE

Article 6- Definition

The State is responsible for PwDs affairs: scientific, professional, health and social, in collaboration with public administrations, the private sector and the international organizations
For this purpose, a permanent body, called the National Council for Disabled Affairs (NCDA) is created; the Ministry of Social Affairs is its headquarters.
The NCDA is the reporting body responsible for validating issues related to persons with disabilities regarding the tasks defined in Article 7 of this law.
The Ministry bodies are the executive party that works on implementing the decisions made by the NCDA and enforcing all decisions related to PwDs with all the state administrations, CSOs and concerned private organizations.

Article 7- Tasks

The NCDA performs the following tasks:

Preparing the public policy for disability affairs in collaboration with the concerned bodies from the public sector, CSOs and NGOs.
Contributing in setting programs and executive plans for the aforementioned policy in collaboration with the concerned institutions and public administrations.
Preparing draft laws and rules related to disability by its own initiative or upon the request of the Council of Ministers.
Validating the specifications and technical criteria to have available at the institutions working for PwDs and providing services to them, in collaboration with the concerned departments at the Ministry.
Participating in outreach and international conferences to develop and organize projects; contributing in planning for fundraising. The NCDA has the right to accept the grants related to disabilities coming from states, organizations and bodies for the independent fund of the ministry
Filing lawsuits and intervening in any of the cases at any regular judicial or extraordinary body in any topic related to the NCDA tasks or helping in achieving its tasks or defending the persons with disabilities and their rights

Article 8- Membership

The NCDA is composed of 18 members, as follows:

Four de facto members, because of their positions and tasks at the Ministry: the Minister, the Director General, the Director of Social Services and the Head of the Department of Disabled Persons
Four representatives of PwDs Organizations elected by these organizations according to the provisions of article /18/ and above of this law, provided each one of them represents one type of the four disabilities.
Four representatives of the service organizations, elected by the latter, by virtue of article /18/ and above of this law, provided each one them represents one of the four types of disabilities.
Four representatives of the PwDs themselves elected by all the PwDs registered on the electoral lists, by virtue of article /18/ and above of this law, provided each one them represents one of the four types of disabilities.
Two appointed members by decision of the Minister, among experts in matters that serve the NCDA objective and their success in work. The appointment is to take place within a maximum of 15 days after the announcement of the names of elected members.

Article 9- Mandate

The NCDA mandate is of 3 years starting the completion of its formation according to the provisions of the current law.

Article 10- Meetings

The NCDA holds regular meetings at a place and time decided on the first session held after its formation; it has to hold a meeting once every two months at least.
The NCDA holds extraordinary meetings when necessary, upon the invitation of its president or at the written request of five of its members to the president for justified reasons; thus, he is bound to hold a meeting within two weeks maximum and discuss the requested agenda.
The NCDA meetings are held, the discussions take place and voting decisions occur in presence of the absolute majority of members, except for the cases expressly provided for by the law.
The NCDA makes its decisions by the majority of the votes of the present members; in case of equality in voting, the president has a casting vote, except in cases where the law expressly provides for the opposite.
The NCDA sets its bylaws regarding deliberations and meetings; bylaws are issued by a decree of the Council of Ministers upon the request of the Minister.

Article 11- The NCDA Board

The NCDA Board is composed of the following seven members:

President: the Minister
Vice-President: Director General of the Ministry
Secretary: Head of Department of Disabled Persons at the Ministry
Member: representative of the PwD Organizations
Member: representative of the Service organizations
Member: representative of the PwDs themselves
Member: representative of the concerned members

The NCDA Board works on preparing the NCDA agenda and following up on the implementation of decisions.
To the exception of the de facto board members (the Minister, the Director General and the Head of the Department of Disabled Persons), all the NCDA board members are elected by secret ballot and absolute majority based on their own principles of quorum and voting; the board mandate is of one year renewable according to the election procedures provided for in this paragraph.
The NCDA board regularly meets according to decisions it makes or upon the request of the president or at the request of two of the members who submit justified reasons to the president who then has to convene the board within one week maximum and abide by the requested agenda.
In case one of the NCDA positions is totally vacant, the board has to duly convene within one month to fill the vacancy by election.

Article 12- Defining the permanent positions at the NCDA

President:

Since the Minister is de facto the President of the NCDA and the President of its Board, he is the one to take care of the following functions:

He represents the NCDA before all the National and International authorities whether private, political, administrative, judicial or military. He is the one responsible for the good work of the NCDA
He invites and heads the NCDA meetings, Board, annual general assembly, and extraordinary assemblies.
He signs, with the Secretary, the minutes of the NCDA, board and annual meetings.

Vice- President:

The Ministry DG is de facto the NCDA VP and thus he takes care of all the tasks and functions of the President during his absence or when he delegates him to.

Secretary:

Since the head of the Department of Disabled Persons at the ministry is the Secretary, he is responsible of the following:

He supervises the archiving and organization of all legal documents: minutes of meetings, decisions made at the NCDA, Board and GA and signs them with him;
He maintains and drafts the list of all GA members’ names, of all categories.
He receives and saves the mail and calls
He sends invitations and notifies the GA decisions to all stakeholders and public administrations

Article 13: Sub-committees

Sub-committees may be formed by decision of the NCDA that decides: its name, tasks, number of members, eligibility and rapporteur who mandatorily has to be among NCDA members.
The sub-committee may resort to whom it deems necessary among experts
Each and every member of the NCDA has the right to attend the meetings of the sub-committee, even if he is not one of its appointed members; he has the right to take part in its work alike all other members, but doesn’t have the right to vote.
The sub-committee is convened to meet by the Minister, President of the NCDA, or by the sub-committee president or rapporteur; its meetings follow the same procedures as the NCDA’s.
The sub-committee regularly submits activity reports to the NCDA. It also submits its proposals to the Council in the shape of projects to be adopted; projects have to bear the justifying reasons and a summary of the different opinions deliberated; a copy of the discussed studies, pleadings and work documents is to be attached.

CHAPTER TWO- ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

Article 14- Holding meetings

The NCDA President yearly convenes a general meeting to be held within the first seven months of the year, in presence of the current and previous NCDA members, a delegate from each of the PwDs organizations and service institutions and in presence of all PwDs. In case this deadline is not respected and the President doesn’t convene the annual general meeting, it can be held upon the invitation of half of the NCDA members.
The NCDA sets the time and agendas of general meetings; it sends the written invitation letters or publishes it in two local newspapers and broadcasts the invitation on audio media outlet, at least thirty days before the set date.

Article 15- Agenda

Agendas of general meetings include the following issues:

Examining and discussing the NCDA annual general report and making recommendations related to it.
Examining and discussing all the issues set on the agenda and reaching recommendations related to them.

Article 16- Deliberations:

The NCDA President heads the general meeting sessions
The annual general meeting sessions of PwDs are legal regardless the number of people present.
All invited members have the right to take the floor and discuss any issue on the agenda. They all have the right to suggest the points they see convenient during the general meetings, provided the NCDA is informed about these points at least one week prior to the meeting.
Recommendations are adopted at the majority of proportional votes (half plus one of votes) and by hand show; no voting by proxy is accepted.

CHAPTER 3- GENERAL PROVISIONS REGARDING THE ELECTIONS OF THE NCDA MEMBERS

Article 17- Calling for elections

The Minister issues, two months prior to the elections date, a decision by virtue of which he determines the elections date and the date for the end of applications submission. The Minister’s decisions regarding the elections are mainstreamed to all organizations and institutions using mail; decisions are published in the official gazette and in three media outlets (one of which at least is an audio outlet), one month at least before the end of the candidacy submission deadline.

Article 18- electing the First National Council:

The first National Council is elected by virtue of the provisions of this law, within a period of three months maximum after its issuance.

Article 19- Electorate and electoral lists

The Minister issues a decision regarding the final nominal lists of voters, four months before the election date; they are of three types:

Four lists for PwDs organizations, classified according to the type of disability; registration is mandatory and binding.
Four lists for service institutions, classified according to the type of disability and to the name of the organizations to which they belong; registration is mandatory and binding
Lists for PwDs. Registration is optional for those amongst PwDs wanting to and accepting to waive confidentiality regarding their disability for purposes of organizing and carrying out the electoral process.

All candidates have the right to mandate an organization concerned with elections; all PwDs have the right to include their name on one of the electoral lists, to review these final nominal lists at the Ministry, to have a copy of them and to ask for their correction or challenge them.

Article 20- Candidacy

The candidacy to become a member of the National Council is submitted to the Ministry- Department of Disabled Persons

Article 21- Voting process

The representatives of the Ministry, appointed by decision of the Minister, head the voting stations, assisted by a clerk appointed by the same procedure. One representative of each candidate has the right to enter the voting station and supervise the electoral process.
Representatives of PwDs organizations and service organizations are elected by secret ballot, on the same day, in independent ballot boxes for each of them and for each of the four types of disability to be represented in the NCDA.
The representatives of PwDs themselves are chosen by secret ballot on the same day, in separate boxes for each of the four types of disability to be represented in the NCDA. These elections may be organized in one place or in a decentralized way in the areas and centers decided for by the Ministry.

Article 22- Sorting and conditions for success and results:

The Head of the voting station and his assistant sort the results. He opens the ballots, counts them then reads them aloud. The assistant writes the results down and calculates them. Every candidate or his delegate has the right to attend the sorting and supervise the process. At the end of the sorting, the head of the voting station sets a report about the electoral process, sorting and results and registers any contestation of candidates, if any, and signs the report in collaboration with the assistant, the candidates or their delegates.
Any ballot naming more than one person for the same seat is cancelled
The candidate having obtained the highest number of votes for his type of disability is considered winner. In case of equality of votes among two or more candidates in any of the types of disability, the candidate wins by seniority. The other candidate will be considered as an alternate and will replace the principal in case the latter resigns or is unable to attend meetings for any reason.
The member winning any of the NCDA seats represents the sector he was elected for and not only the organization or institution that supported him.
The principal member remains a member of the NCDA until the end of the NCDA mandate even if he leaves the organization or institution he used to belong to, for whatever reason.

CHAPTER FOUR- SPECIAL PROVISIONS REGARDING THE ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES OF PWDS ORGANIZATIONS AND SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Article 23- the electorate:

The NCDA electorate is composed of the representatives of PwDs organizations and service institutions enlisted on electoral lists for these two types.
Each of the PwDs organizations and service institutions is represented by a member specially mandated to take part in the electoral process

Article 24- Eligibility

The right to run is limited to the PwDs organizations and service organizations (to the exception of service institutions) registered on the specific electoral lists.
An organization doesn’t have the right to run for more than one seat at the NCDA even if it serves more than one of the four types of disability.
The Organization submits its candidacy by virtue of a letter issued by decision of its administrative board, signed by the president or representative at the government (in case different from the president), bearing the official seal, provided the letter encompasses the following:

The position the organization is running for (PwDs or services)
The type of seat it is running for: one of the four types of disabilities
The name of the natural delegated member to carry out the voting for the organization and the name of the natural alternate delegate in case the former defaults for whatever reason.
The name of the natural person among its members who is running for the NCDA seat.

CHAPTER FIVE- SPECIAL PROVISIONS REGARDING THE ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES OF PWDS THEMSELVES

Article 25- the electorate

The electorate of the NCDA PwDs representatives is composed of the PwDs whose names are listed on their electoral lists.
Every NCDA member holding a personal disability card has the right to vote.

Article 26- Eligibility

The PwD member runs for a position by virtue of a letter that has to encompass the type of disability he wants to represent and the name of the organization (s) he/she belongs to (in case he/she does), knowing that this is not a condition for being eligible.

PART 3- THE PWDS RIGHTS TO HEALTH AND REHABILITATION SERVICES

Article 27- Scope of rights

Any PwD has the right to fully benefit from the health, rehabilitation and support services, at the government expenses, represented by all administrations and bodies providing these services.
Services include the following non- exhaustive list:

All surgical operations, regardless if resulting from the disability, and including: implant, ulcers treatment, straightening limbs, receiving intensive or regular health services in specialized centers.

This coverage encompasses all permanent or temporary equipment, tools, and implants and other elements necessary for the success of the operation.

Medical treatment (General Practitioners, Specialized practitioners, dentistry…), medicine, X-rays, laboratory analysis and other treatments and examinations, temporary or regular, and any other type of treatment and examinations whether occasional or chronic (special analyses for a newborn: thyroid, Vynil Alanine, G6PD, psychological analysis, audiogram, …)
Internal and external specialized rehabilitation (physiotherapy, motor and speech therapy, auditory and psychological therapy..)
Technical aids and equipment like static and mobile accessories (limbs, earpieces, artificial eyes and others), straightening accessories, mobility aids, wheelchairs (canes and clutches), aids for incontinentia and prevention of ulcers as well as all implants used in surgical operations; services includes maintenance services when necessary.

Article 28- Comprehensive coverage

A PwD has the right to benefit from the full coverage provided by the Ministry of Public Health as a main provider, in case he/she doesn’t benefit from any other coverage, or as a supplement to complement other types of partial coverage; he goes on benefiting from other services (family allocations and others) provided by his insuring body.

Article 29- Miscellaneous

The PwD needs no other proof than his Personal Disability Card
In contrast with the provisions of article 4 of the legislative decree number 72, dated 19 September 1983 (Care, Therapy and Protection of People with Mental Disability), the hospital treatment of the Person with Mental disability at the expenses of the Ministry of Health isn’t limited to those who can’t themselves, their parents or guardians pay for the treatment, follow up or rehabilitation.
In case the insuring body is the Ministry of Public Health, the latter covers all the expenses inside the hospital, even in case of unavailable MoH allocated beds, by virtue of procedures in force. The MoH will issue a decision to define these procedures

Article 30- Prevention

In order to prevent from certain accidents that cause different types of disabilities, it is necessary to set strict criteria imposing some equipment, training programs and on-going education, methods and convenient technologies at hospitals and nursing homes and other similar organizations.
The MoH issues, as soon as possible after the issuance of this law, a decision to determine these specifications and introduce them in the permit conditions provided by the Ministry of Public Health.
All concerned institutions are granted two years after the issuance of the abovementioned ministerial decision to meet the criteria; otherwise, in case of non –abidance, they may be subject to sanctions, the least of which is a penalty estimated to ten times the cost of a baby delivery process as per the fees set by the MoH and the maximum of which being the closure of the delivery department or any other defaulting department, by virtue of a MoH decision.

Article 31- Awareness raising

Both MoH and MoSA have to regularly organize awareness raising and dissemination of information campaigns related to the available services, the health service bodies duties and preventive measures to be followed by pregnant women.

Article 32- Health services, rehabilitation and support services Committee;

A joint committee representing all administrations and organizations providing health, rehabilitation and support services is formed by virtue of a decree; it is called health services, rehabilitation and support services Committee for People with Disabilities. It is headed by the DG of the MoSA and includes one PwD among the NCDA members.

This committee sets the bylaws for its meetings.

This committee caters for the following tasks which list is non- exhaustive:

Detailing and developing a list of the services mentioned in article 27 of this law; determining the main criteria for their provision, like: description, maximum quantities, age of beneficiary, validity and others…
Assessing and unifying the prices of health services
Determining the bodies that will provide the required services and conditions and namely the new ones.
Unifying the adopted procedures
Setting the measures aiming at:
- Guarantying the access of the PwD to the service required by his situation
- Limiting squandering and unnecessary spending
- Facilitating the procedures and transactions as much as possible
- Keeping up to the quality standards, good performance and security

C- The committee submits its decisions to the Council of Ministers, through the Minister, for appropriate decision- making.

PART 4- THE PWD RIGHT TO AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT

Article 33- Scope of Rights

Every PwD has the right to an enabling environment, meaning that every PwD has the right to access any building a normal person can.
All buildings, structures, public and private utilities aimed at public use have to follow the architectural criteria set in the conditions and procedures provided for in this law.

Article 34- Minimum and Additional standards

The architectural, internal and external technical standards supposed to be available in the building works, rehabilitation or restoration works of buildings, structures and public and private utilities prepared for public or private use are to be adopted. These standards are set with the approval of the Ministry of Social Affairs, upon consultations with the NCDA; they are to be added to the construction law according to the legal procedures in force. These are called the Minimum Standards for Buildings and Structures.
In conformity with the abovementioned procedures, the architectural, internal and external technical standards are to be adopted for any additional restorations and constructions aimimg at meeting some PwDs special needs even if they do not enter de facto in the minimum Standards for buildings and structures stated above.
The Minimum Standards for buildings and structures encompass in their classification four parts as a minimum:

First: equipping the future buildings and public utilities aimed at public use

Second: adapting the existing public buildings and utilities or structures aimed at public use.

Three: equipping future private buildings

Fourth: encouraging the adaptation of existing private buildings

Article 35- permits and certificates of compliance

Upon issuance of the minimum standards for buildings and structures, technical and architectural conditions included in these standards need to be introduced to the construction, restoration and rehabilitation permit application, the housing application and any other administrative permit required for the use or exploitation of a building.
A compliance certificate regarding the rehabilitation process- whether approval or exemption, if exemption conditions are met- is issued by the Ministry of Public Works upon consultation with the Ministry of Social Affairs

Article 36- Public buildings, structures and utilities

Official buildings and administrations, sidewalks, roads, public parks, archeological sites and tourist places and other public buildings, structures and utilities, including traffic lights are to be adapted based on the minimum standards for buildings and construction. The permanent maintenance works enter into the core of works required by all stakeholders.
All concerned public authorities, centralized (like concerned ministries) and deconcentrated (like Qaemaqamiyat and Mouhafaza) and decentralized (like municipalities, and federation of municipalities) are given, each in his own jurisdiction area six (6) years starting the date of issuance of the minimum standards for buildings and structures to be able to adjust, according to the following program:

Every concerned authority submits to the Ministry of Public Works, within the year following the issuance of the minimum standards for buildings and structures, a plan for the execution of all rehabilitation and modification works provided for in the minimum standards.
These rehabilitation and modification works are carried out according to the approved plan, within the year following the budget allocation required by the concerned party.

Each municipality having carried out the rehabilitation and modification works before the legal deadline set above will receive an exceptional increase of twenty per cent (20%) to its budget from the municipalities fund for the legal years, ten per cent (10%) of which is to be allocated to fund the works and projects for PwDs.
The budgets of municipalities, Qaemaqamyat and Mouhafaza have to allocate a specific amount to fund PwDs works and projects and to provide rehabilitation works provided for in the law.

Article 37- private buildings and structures aimed at public use

The private buildings and structures aimed at public use are adapted according to the minimum standards for buildings and structures; the adaptation works are to be borne by the owner (s) in case he/they occupy them or exploit them or upon any new investment after the issuance of this law.
Every three years, or upon need, an entire list of buildings, places and utilities aimed at public use is set; it includes non- exhaustively: nurseries, schools, universities, educational establishments, hospitals and dispensaries, hotels and restaurants, cinemas, sports courts, commercial complexes and places of worship by virtue of a decision issued by the Ministry of Public Works upon the suggestion of the MoSA.
The owner (s) of the abovementioned places is/ are given the deadline of six (6) years to achieve the works; the deadline starts upon the issuance of the Minimum standards for buildings and structures, according to the following program:

Submitting the adaptation plans to the concerned parties (municipality, qaemaqam, …)
Two years -starting approval date- for execution, provided the approval is received within one month that is counted in the year.

Text of article (6) of decree number 5684 dated 12/6/2001: All schools have to provide the necessary facilities to receive PwDs with limited mobility, in conformity with this law.

Article 38- exceptional exemptions from the rehabilitation obligation

Every public or private party concerned with the provisions of this law has the right to submit to the concerned authorities a request for being exempted from the adaptation obligation or the execution of all or part of these minimum standards for buildings and structures, in case of one of the following reasons:

Technical barrier to the rehabilitation
A danger that may damage the existing building
The applicant isn’t able to exploit his building for at least five years.

The exemption for lack of exploitation is cancelled when the exploitation is resumed; the owner has to declare reuse or re-exploitation.

Article 39- Adaptation of private places prepared for the use of PwDs.

The works for the rehabilitation of private places aimed at the use of PwDs can be refunded by loans from the Housing Fund or the Public Organization of Housing or any other specialized public body, according to the conditions stated in this law.

Article 40- Publication and teaching of Minimum Standards

Are added to the courses taught at universities, public and private institutes for engineers, architects and other specializations some new courses including detailed explanations of all standards related to the rehabilitation of buildings and utilities based on the Minimum Standards for buildings and structures and additional standards.
The Ministry of Social Affairs issues, each time it deems it necessary, a detailed practical guide about the Minimum Standards for buildings and structures and additional standards; this includes the different legal and technical conditions related to their execution; the guide is to be deposited at the municipalities and other public or private bodies where they are freely distributed to those requiring it. The MoSA provides architectural and technical advice freely for those asking for it.

Article 41- Exemptions

All works related to the adaptation referred to in this law, including private buildings aimed at private use, are exempted of municipal fees related to the adaptation permit, in case achieved within the legal deadline.
Every owner achieving these restoration and adaptation works within the legal deadline, and before the due time of the yearly tax on rental value, is granted an exemption of twenty five (25%) per cent of the tax value until the end of the six years granted by this law.
Is exempted of all municipal fees, construction permit fees and the obligation of providing financial and municipal quittance, every application for a restoration permit related to an existing building in order to facilitate the mobility of disabled people according to the standards provided for in the construction law, and whatever the use of the building is, residence, work or other…

Article 42- Fines

At the end of the years granted by the law, the building and structures included in articles /36/ and /37/ of this law, that don’t meet the required standards and haven’t received the exceptional exemption provided for in article /38/ of this law, are subject to a fine that amounts to the double of the rental value of the building.
Every building that is not equipped is subject to double the municipal tax, until the required adaptations are made.
The owner pays a fine amounting to the value of the yearly tax on rental value in case he doesn’t himself declare that he has resumed the exploitation within one month, in conformity with the provisions of item (b) of article /38/ of this law. He has a 6 months period for adjustments
All fines are granted to concerned municipalities and are to be used to fund works and projects related to PwDs.

Article 43- International Symbol of Access for PwDs.

The Lebanese state adopts the international Symbol of Access for PwDs and mainstreams it to all sectors; it publishes it in all booklets and programs including symbols, like: the construction law, municipality traffic lights, public works, security forces and others. The MoSA issues, whenever needed, a list with all symbols and stickers giving rights or privilege.
The MoSA alone has the right to issue any document or sign including the international Symbol of Access for PwDs enabling them to benefit from public utilities; this same Ministry issues an organizational decree related to this topic, determining the parties that can receive it and how.
The municipality or any other competent authority (like the qaemaqam, or the Mouhafez), determines the parking places to be reserved for PwDs through the installation of the sign carrying the International Symbol of Access for PwDs; the installation and maintenance of the signs are at their own expenses.
Public authorities have the right to remove any sign that was not installed according to the procedures determined in this article. In case the wrongdoer is discovered, he will be fined the double of the highest fine imposed for unauthorized stickers and signs. The department for car registration removes all stickers- including the International Symbol of Access for PwDs when the ownership of the car is passed to non PwD owner.

PART 5- THE RIGHT OF A PWD TO COMMUTING, TO A PARKING AND DRIVING LICENSE.

*Refer to law number 247 dated 9/8/2000 regarding the cancellation of the Ministry of transportation

Article 44- Means of transportation adapted for PwDs.

The Ministry of Transportation provides buses and other transportation means adapted and equipped for the use of PwDs according to the international security standards; they have to be equipped with sound alarms for blind people and have on board at least two assistants to the driver. These provisions apply to at least (15%) fifteen per cent of the total of transportation means available at the Ministry of Transportation; the Ministry has to impose the abovementioned required standards to all new means of transportation.
These transportation means are identified by sticking the International Symbol of Access for PwDs at all the vehicle sides and equipping it with a specific alarm to be launched mandatorily each time the driver wants to stop or depart, to alert blind people; this alarm is not to be used by any other type of non- specialized vehicles.
The stations where equipped transportation means have stops are identified through the International Symbol of Access for PwDs that has to be stuck in visible places.
A common committee representing public and private parties concerned with transportation is formed by virtue of a decree adopted at the Council of Ministers; the committee is to be called “Committee for the transportation of PwDs”. It will be entrusted with studying and adopting all procedures that facilitate the transportation of PwDs and is headed by the Director General of the Ministry of Transportation. It should encompass a PwD from the NCDA members.

This committee submits its decisions to the Council of Ministers through the Minister of Transportation for appropriate decision-making.

Article 45- Public transportation means that are not equipped for PwDs.

Seats that are close to the entrance of the non- equipped transportation means are to be allocated to PwDs. There should be at least one seat in each of the transportation means where the international Symbol of Access for PwDs is to be stuck. The holder of a PDC has the priority to sit on it and the right to claim another neighboring seat for his wheel chair or his companion, in particular in planes and boats.
The driver or his assistant has to make sure that the PDC holder can use the closest door to his seat to leave, should he ask to.

Article 46- Benefits and financial reductions

Every PDC holder, along with one companion, benefits of free land public transportation; one companion only has the right to a 50% reduction off the airline and boat ticket from companies in which the state has a share, provided the companion is really travelling with the PwD.

Article 47- Fines for refusing to transport a PwD

The driver of any of the public means of transportation or any person taking part in refusing to transport a PwD is considered as having violated the traffic code. The fine for such a violation is the double of a parking ticket fine.

Article 48- Public parking places for PwDs.

Parking places have to be reserved for cars transporting PwDs in parking lots of a public building or a building aimed at public use at the rate of minimum one and a half per cent of its capacity according to the standards adopted in the construction law. This percentage is rounded upwards when calculating the number of places. Three and a half meters at least are reserved for each car; they need to be the closest to the building of destination.
In the absence of private or public parking lots for public buildings or buildings aimed at public use, some parking places for cars transporting PwDs are reserved on all public roads, provided this doesn’t prejudice public security; this needs to be within fifty meters maximum of the entrance of the building of destination.

Article 49- parking places for PwDs

Every PDC holder and special parking card holder has the right to submit to the municipality (or any other pertinent authority) at his residency area a request to ask for the reservation of one parking place for him/herself in the parking lot of his house/home; it should be the closest to the entrance, or at a maximum distance of 50 meters from his residence in case a private parking is not available; it may be on the main street, provided it doesn’t endanger public safety.
The Ministry of Social Affairs issues a decision regarding the terms and conditions to get this card.
The PDC holder applies at the card issuing centers to obtain the Personal Parking Card; if he meets the criteria, he obtains the card immediately.
The concerned person, his guardian or a person from the family residing with him can apply on his behalf, based on the Moukhtar (elected official) certificate.
The Municipality reserves the parking lot according to the standards, within forty eight hours from receiving the application. A notification warning others from using this parking is hung at the entrances of neighboring buildings, within fifty meters distance or only in the vicinity of the concerned building in case the parking is a private one.

Article 50- Infractions to the rights for a special parking

Every car using PwDs assigned parking places has to have on board a PDC holder when parking and when departing. The personal disability card is to be put at the windshield, from inside, where it can be clearly seen.
Policemen and stakeholders have to make sure that the cars parking in these assigned places are subject to the abovementioned conditions; otherwise, the car would be considered as having breached the traffic code according to the article in force and will have to be fined double parking ticket amount.
A car parking in an unauthorized place and having on board a Person with Disability having his Personal Disability Card is exempted from the fines to be paid in case there is no other place to park within one hundred (100m) from the destination or in case the parking places are taken, provided this doesn’t endanger public safety.

Article 51- training

The Ministry of Social Affairs organizes, in collaboration with the Ministries of Interior, Transportation and Municipalities and villages, training sessions for officers, traffic police and municipality policemen, public and private bus drivers and public car drivers (and assistants) to teach them about all the laws and measures in force as well as the way to deal with the PwDs regarding the required time for them to go on or off board, assisting tools and other useful information.

Article 52- Driving licenses

Every disabled person has the right to apply for public transportation cars driving license of whatever type or category; the license is granted to him/her according to the conditions and procedures in force.
Category six of driving license categories is to be modified to include the adapted and equipped vehicles, starting with motorbikes, passing by public transportation cars, trucks and others.
The expression written on the driving license, of whatever category, is modified where it signals a disability and the expression “vehicle equipped to fit the driver” is added.
Special needs are taken into account when written or oral tests are passed to grant a driving license, upon a request delivered by the Ministry of Social Affairs. The decisions concerning these tests are reconsidered at the suggestion of the MoSA, every five years at least or when necessary based on the scientific developments related to dealing with disabilities and illnesses
All hearing impaired or those who have lost some or all their toes, without any exception, are subject to the normal conditions imposed on everybody to receive a driving license.
The driving license is renewed for all holders without any exception according to the medical conditions in force, once every five years.
One category is added to the driving license, determining the condition of abiding by the assisting tools required, i.e. the eyeglasses, the limbs, the hearing aids, etc..

Article 53- Insurance for specially equipped cars

The disability itself can’t be considered as a cause for the insurance company to refuse insuring the car that is specially equipped for PwDs.

Article 54- Driving lessons for PwDs

Every PwDs organization has the right to provide driving lessons for PwDs according to the conditions provided for in the Council of Ministers decree.
Organizations providing driving lessons do so under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior; lessons are given freely and a PwD only has to pay the fees for the driving test.

PART SIX- THE RIGHT OF A PWD TO HOUSING

Article 55- Assigning housing units for PwDs in public residential projects and private compounds

Equipped housing units are to be allotted at no less than five percent (5%) of all popular buildings or residential compounds built by the state or any other public party according to the minimum standards for buildings and construction and the additional standards regarding the entrance, the parking places and other public spaces. These standards aim at favoring PwDs with limited mobility (like those who use wheelchairs); the calculation of the five percent is to be rounded upwards in case of fractions.
Private permanent or seasonal residential compounds need to include no less than two percent (2%) of adapted housing units according to the minimum standards of buildings and structures and additional standards regarding entrances, parking places and other public spaces allowing PwDs with limited mobility to use them (like people with wheelchairs. The calculation of the 2% is to be rounded upwards in case of fractions.
Percentages can be added by a Council of Ministers decree upon the request of the MoSA.
These units are to be shown clearly on plans by adding the International Symbol of Access to them.

Article 56- Guarantees of sale and purchase

The state or any other party concerned with paragraph (a) of article 55 of this law is forbidden to sell or purchase these housing units clearly assigned for PDC holders, their children, parents, spouse or any other legal guardian, otherwise the purchase or sale contract may be dissolved and the seller and purchaser will pay a fine to be estimated by the competent tribunals.

Article 57- Cost of rehabilitating private residences

If the assigned housing unit, in conformity with the provisions of article 55 of this law, has to undergo further adaptation to suit the needs of the PwD who desires to acquire it, the works are to be provided for him free of charge, in public compounds and at his own expenses in private compounds, based on the standards issued for this matter according to provisions of article /34/ paragraph (b) of this law, provided he submits the following documents: the personal Disability Card and a preauthorization from the MoSA.
Two percent (2%) at least of the budget of public bodies concerned with PDC holders is to be allocated to adapt PwDs houses, or to buy or rent new houses for them. In case the decided budget for this purpose is not disbursed, the remaining value is carried forward and added to the allotted amount the following year, in conformity with laws and regulations in force for each of these bodies.

Article 58- facilitating loans

Procedures and conditions for the loans given to PDC holders are facilitated, to the best extent possible, in order to help them own a house.
These procedures are determined by virtue of a decree issued at the Council of Ministers, upon the proposal of the Minister of Housing and Cooperatives, upon consultation with the Ministry of Social Affairs.

*Refer to law number 247 dated 7/8/2000 regarding the cancellation of the Ministry of Housing and Cooperatives

PART SEVEN - THE RIGHT OF A PWD TO EDUCATION AND SPORTS

Article 59- the Scope of rights

Every PwD has the right to education. This means that the law guarantees the equal education opportunities for all PwDs, children or adults, in all educational institutions, whatever they are, within regular classes and in special classes if necessary.

Article 60- Joining an educational establishment

The disability in itself isn’t an obstacle to applying or joining an educational establishment, public be it or private, or of any sort possible. Any condition imposing the integrity of the body or structure or the absence of a disability or defect or other similar expressions for joining or entering an educational establishment, private be it or public, of whatever type, is considered null and void

Regular procedures, like competency tests or others adopted for accepting the application or passing from a class to another are considered enough for accepting or refusing the application or entering an educational institution, private or public, of whatever type.

Any PDC holder applying to join an establishment should have the opportunity to study at an educational establishment of his choice, providing him with the best conditions to carry out the entrance examination and all other exams during the academic year at all school, professional and university stages, based on the criteria that are set by virtue of a decree issued by the Council of Ministers.

The committee responsible for exemptions at the legal age, in order to accept people at all academic stages, studies exemption applications submitted by concerned persons (parents and educational institutions’ administrations); the application needs to have annexed to it the personal Disability Card. The committee bases its study on standards and facilities that should be wider at the procedural level.

All schools, institutions, universities and educational establishments have to disseminate the need for the following required documents, as a way to insure their availability in addition to the required documents for registration, which will allow them to take the necessary measures during the academic year and while organizing official tests:

A photocopy of the Personal Disability Card including the official file
A copy of the application for special facilitation upon the request of the Ministry of Social Affairs at this regard.
All departments that study grants applications for schools or universities in all sectors should give priority to cardholders having applied for a grant.

Article 61- Covering educational expenses at specialized institutions

The Ministries of Education, Youth and Sports, professional and vocational training, cover the special education expenses as well as the vocational training expenses for PwDs inside institutions or centers specialized in education or professional training for all Personal Disability Card holders, upon the request of the Ministry of Social Affairs, by virtue of contracts signed with concerned institutions. This includes covering the expenses of educational, sports, social and medical aids. The special education period, within these institutions, remains until an age that is decided by the committee provided for in article /63/ of this law, as long as the age isn’t under 21.

Article 62- Official examinations

Best conditions allowing all disabled students holding personal disability cards to take part in all educational courses and examinations at all stages of school, vocational and technical training or university are to be provided, in all the following non –exhaustive list of aspects:

Adapting entrances and rooms
Determining the time allotted to the competition if necessary
Providing questions in adapted ways (embossed letters, big letters and others)
Assistance by others, or specific techniques (brail machines, typing machines, sign language interpreter or others)

Decisions issued yearly by the ministries of national education, youth and sports, vocation and technical education, culture and higher education and pertaining to the timing and organization of yearly official examinations should include a specific paragraph related to procedures to be followed in order to organize all these exams according to the abovementioned standards; they encompass as well a specific paragraph determining the special subject areas requiring the organization of special examinations for PwDs, each according to his case.
The Personal Disability Card is considered an enough document to exempt PwDs from the sports exam at official examinations and to replace it according to the procedures in force in all exemption cases, unless the PwD states that he/she has the desire to participate.

Article 63- Committee on Education

A Council of Ministers decree establishes a joint committee from all administrations, institutions and private and public bodies concerned with education called “Committee on the Education of PwDs and People with Special needs”. It is headed by the Director General of Education and encompasses a PwD member of the NCDA. This committee sets the bylaws for its meetings.
This committee is responsible for the following:

Organizing all issues pertaining to the education of PwDs and people with special needs, like special units, procedures, techniques and others; it determines the best conditions allowing every student holding a personal disability card to take part in all classes and exams at all school, professional and university levels; these conditions are provided for in a Council of Ministers decision made upon the request of the Minister of National Education, at the closest opportunity following the entry in force of this law.
Giving advice, and providing technical, vocational and educational assistance to all the educational institutions desiring to enroll PwDs and people with special needs; it studies the funding applications related to the specialized equipment and tools.
Providing the necessary advice and instructions to PwDs or people with special needs in everything that concerns education at all levels.
Preparing for integrated projects aiming at building a talking national library and a national printing house for printouts with embossed letters and the unification of the sign language.

This committee submits its decisions through the Minister of National Education to the Council of Ministers, to take the necessary decisions at this regard.
From this committee that is formed by virtue of this article, a sub-committee for specialized education is formed; it includes representatives of the aforementioned committee, in addition to four (4) representatives chosen by civic organizations and institutions along with centers concerned with specialized education at the rate of one person for each of the four types of disability and three (3) representatives delegated by the committees of parents on behalf of children and teenagers.

The tasks of this sub-committee are to provide the specialized committee on the education of PwDs and people with special needs with all information and expertise related to the requirements of specialized education inside specialized centers and institutions.

Article 64- Raising awareness

The topic of the rights of PwDs is to be included in the civic education program of all schools, within the topic of human rights.

Article 65- Training

The Ministries of National Education, Youth, Sports, Vocational and Technical Training, Culture and Higher Education endeavor to open special branches at the Lebanese University and all public institutions to provide specialized educators in the rehabilitation of PwDs in regular schools and special units if required.
Training sessions are held to train trainers, physicians, sportsmen, therapists and other persons specialized in sports for PwDs.

Article 66- Sports for PwDs.

The Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports supports the creation of sports teams for PwDs and endeavors to encourage them financially and morally to participate in all the local, Arab and international competitions.
Necessary measures are taken to allow PwDs enrolled in regular educational institutions to practice the sports that suit them during the hours allotted to sports in these institutions.
Sports for PwDs is a subject matter to be included in the curricula of specialized institutions in both its aspects: sports for mentally disabled persons and sports for People with motor and sensorial disabilities.

Article 67- Supporting and organizing sports for PwDs.

The Council of Ministers issues a decree to form a common committee among all administrations, institutions, private and public bodies concerned with the PwDs sports; it is entitled “Specialized Committee on PwDs Sports” and it is headed by the Director General of Youth and Sports.
This committee is responsible for the following tasks:

Examining all the standards for sports games practiced by PwDs.
Providing advice and assistance in the design and adaptation of courts for PwDs
Organizing competitions and sports federations for PwDs.

PART EIGHT- THE RIGHT OF PWDS TO WORK, EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL BENEFITS

Article 68- Extent of the right to work and employment

PwDs alike all other members of the society have the right to a job or employment, a right that is guaranteed and put in force in this law.
The state commits to work on assisting PwDs to join the labor market based on the principle of equality and equal opportunities.

Article 69- Employment conditions

The disability in itself is not at all an obstruction to applying for a job or position
Is considered null and void any text setting as a condition for work the integrity of the body or structure or the absence of a disability or any other such expressions that may lead to the non-acceptance of the PwD’s application.
Competency exams and the period of related training are enough a condition for the refusal or acceptance of a person. The needs of PwDs or people with special needs are to be taken into account to enable them pass the exams when required.

Article 70- Job Orientation

The national Institution for employment, in collaboration and coordination with the Ministry of Technical and Vocational training in particular, is responsible for training PwDs of 18 years and above and orienting them towards the labor market, protected workshops or centers that assist in work, or socio-medical institutions where they can work; it follows up on their work in order to orient them, if possible, to the regular labor market.

Article 71- Unemployment compensation

Any personal disability card holder, having completed 18 years of age, is considered unemployed in case he meets the conditions, criteria and procedures provided for in the Council of Ministers decree issued upon the suggestion of the Minister of Labor after having consulted with the Minister of Social Affairs.

He then has the right to an unemployment compensation of the value of 75% of the Minimum salary, to be paid by the Ministry of Labor; this compensation stops to be paid when the family compensation is due, as decided, by virtue of the law on Social Security or any other insuring body in case he/she meets the criteria.

The unemployment compensation stops immediately when a job is available for the PwD, providing him/her with a specific monthly salary.
This article enters into force one year after the publication of this law in the official gazette.

Article 72- Committee on the Activation of the Rights of PwDs to Work

A Council of Ministers Decree forms a joint committee between all administrations, institutions and bodies concerned with work and employment entitled “the Committee on the Activation of the Rights of PwDs to work”. It is headed by the Director General of the Ministry of Labor and includes a PwD member from the NCDA. This committee sets the bylaws for its meetings.
This committee is responsible for all the suggestions enabling the activation of the right to implement the provisions of this law; it coordinates among all concerned parties, like administrations, public and private bodies and provides them with advice when necessary. It also works on setting the mechanisms that encourage all PwDs wanting to found a liberal profession.
This committee submits its decisions through the Minister of Labor to the Council of Ministers for convenient decision- making.

Article 73- Allocation of jobs in the Public Sector

A minimum of three percent (3%) of the jobs in the public sector is reserved for PwDs, in all categories and positions

Article 74- Allocation of jobs in the private sector

Employers from the private sector having no less than thirty (30) employees and no more than sixty (60) have to hire one PwD who meets the required qualifications.
Companies employing more than sixty (60) persons have to hire a minimum of three percent (3%) of PwDs meeting the required qualifications; in case of fractions in the calculations, it is rounded upwards.
An employer infringing on this law after one year of its adoption has to pay a yearly fine of twice the minimum wage for each PwD he didn’t hire, to be paid to the Ministry of Labor, until adjustments are made.
Is exempted from the fine any employer who proves to the Ministry of Social Affairs that he has sent a special request to the National Institution for Employment to hire a person with Disability and the concerned administration didn’t have any person with the required qualifications, three months after the request was sent.
The National Social Security Fund has to verify the extent of employers’ commitment to their duty to hire PwDs; any employer not abiding by this obligation shouldn’t receive a quittance.

Article 75- Benefits in cases of additional employment

Any employer hiring more PwDs than required benefits from a reduction on the tax on revenues amounting to the minimum wage of every additional PwD hired, based on a certificate from the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Article 76- Miscellaneous legislative modifications

Is added to article /15/ of the legislative decree number 47 dated 29 June 1983 (retirement and dismissal system) the following article:

“It is forbidden to dismiss an employee because of his disability, as long as this disability doesn’t obstruct him from performing the job he has or any other job within the administration”.

Article 77- Work Accidents

Article 12 of the legislative decree number 136 dated 16 September 1983 (Work emergencies) is canceled and replaced with the following text:

“Every employer has to mandatorily sign insurance contracts with insurance companies to guarantee the indemnities and medical therapy provided for in this legislative decree”.

In case the employer doesn’t abide by the duty provided for in paragraph A of this current article, he will be fined the double of the average value of the insurance policy.
Is added to article /32/ (Chapter six) of the legislative decree number 136/83 dated 16 September 1983 the following article:

“Every employer who infringes on the content of the current article of this legislative decree is sentenced by the Labor Arbitration Council with a fine, based on a lawsuit submitted by any waged person or any syndicate at the company or establishment or any other competent party. The value of this fine is decided between six (6) and ten (10) times the minimum wage.

Is cancelled from the last paragraph that follows table number (1) of the legislative decree number 136/83 the following expression: “provided he has declared that he joined the job as a PwD”
An employee who is injured because of a work accident and is disabled in a way that hinders him from doing his job has the right to ask to be dismissed.
Article 20 of the legislative decree number 47 dated 29 June 1983 (retirement and dismissal system) is cancelled allowing to join both retirement and illness salaries.

RIGHTS OF THE DISABLED TO SOCIAL BENEFITS

Article 78- the poverty condition is cancelled wherever found in article 26 of legislative decree number 47/83 dated June 29, 1983 (retirement and dismissal system)

Article 79- when the disability of the waged person is not resulting from a work accident or a professional illness, the medical care that is offered by the branch on illness and motherhood includes the prosthesis, eyeglasses, medicine and all other rehabilitation and support services provided for in this law.

PwDs are exempted from the provisions of law 19 of the Social Security law

Article 80-

Paragraph (d) of article 14 of the social security law is cancelled and replaced by the following text:

“In case legal and adopted children of the insured person- until completing 18 years of age- are unable to provide their own livelihoods because they are consecrating all their time to their studies, they benefit from Social Security coverage until they complete 25 years of age”.

In case disabled children are personal disability cards holders and unable of providing their livelihood because of a disability that obstructs them from working, they benefit from social security allocations regardless their age.
This social security coverage stops in case the PwD benefits from the unemployment compensations aforementioned in this law.

Article 81- the following paragraph “e” is added to the text of article 14 of the Social Security law:

“E: the legal and adopted children of a social security insured woman who is the breadwinner of the household because of the spouse incapacity, and within the conditions provided for in paragraph (d) of article 14 of the social security law”.

Article 82- article 9 of the legislative decree number 136/83 dated 16 September 1983 (Work emergencies) is cancelled and replaced with the following:

“Article 9- new: in case it is proven that the waged person has intentionally caused the accident that disabled him and is now a Personal Disability Card holder, he doesn’t have the right to the indemnities aforementioned in this law; the employer has the right to dismiss him based on the provisions in force; still, he benefits of all illness assistance, aids and services provided for in this legislative decree”.

PART NINE- MISCELLANEOUS TAX PROVISIONS FOR PWDS.

Article 83-

Are exempted of customs taxes and all other import fees or taxes all equipment, educational and medical material, aids, tools and equipment for PwDs, along with their spare parts, provided the importing party is either the PwD him/herself for his/her own use or organizations for PwDs or service organizations, upon a certificate issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs.
These equipment are determined by virtue of a decree adopted at the Council of Ministers upon the request of the Ministers of Public Health, Social Affairs and Industry.

Article 85- are also exempted from fees and taxes aforementioned all individual and collective means of transportation for PwDs, provided the importing party is either the PwD him/herself for his/her own use or the PwDs organization or the service organization; it is noteworthy that a five- years period is necessary before they import a new vehicle, upon a certificate delivered by the MoSA; the fees are later on collected, when the ownership passes to any other non- disabled person; this article is to be printed on the official documents.

Article 86- is exempted from the registration tax at the Car Registration Department one (1) vehicle only for each PwD holding a Personal Disability Card, whether it was registered in his/her own name or that of his /her father, mother or one of his/her children or spouse jointly or individually. The exemption application is submitted upon a certificate delivered by the MoSA in conformity with the procedures in force.

Article 87- is exempted of the taxes on rental value, guardianship fees, sidewalk fees, sewage fees and tax on built property one (1) residence that is considered as the main address of the PDC holder, whoever the rent or ownership goes to among his relatives (parents, children, spouses, brothers or sisters). The exemption decision is made upon a certificate delivered by the MoSA in conformity with the procedures in force.

Article 88- The additional exemption provided for in item (5) of article 9 of the legislative decree number 146 dated 12/6/1959 (transfer fees) and its modifications includes all the heirs who are disabled and holding a personal disability card and mentioned in this item.

Article 89- paragraph (3) of article 56 of legislative decree number 144/59 dated 12/6/1959 (law on revenue tax) and its modifications is amended and becomes as follows:

“For every taxpayer, if he/she is holder of a personal disability card and during all its validity time”

Article 90- article 72 of the Social Security Law executed by virtue of decree number 13955 dated 26/9/1963 is modified and the following paragraph is added: “the subscription amount due by all PwDs organization and service institutions is determined to fifteen percent (15%) of the subscription in force for institutions not submitted to the reduced or forfeit subscription pertaining to the different branches, to the exception of the end of service branch. The exemption application is submitted upon a certificate delivered by the Ministry of Social Affairs in conformity with the procedures in force. Regarding the end of service branch, the SSNF board determines the subscription amount for this category of institutions and organizations”.

Article 91- PwDs and service organizations are exempted from the fees on rental value or built property tax. This exemption application is submitted upon a certificate delivered by the Ministry of Social Affairs according to the procedures in force.

Article 92- the construction permit tax due by the PwDs organizations and service organizations that are constructing buildings, centers or others for their work with PwDs are paid in monthly installations for five years, without interest or first payment, upon a certificate delivered by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Article 93- is exempted of the registration fees at the Car Registration Department and from the customs fees one (1) vehicle owned by a PwD organization or service organization. This exemption application is submitted upon a certificate delivered by the MoSA according to procedures in force.

Article 94- PwDs organizations and service organizations settle twenty five percent of the value of invoices due for water, electricity and phone through an exemption request upon a certificate delivered by the MoSA according to the procedures in force.

PART TEN- MISCELLANEOUS AND CLOSING PROVISIONS

Article 95- Additional fines

Is added to any sentence, condemning a person or an institution that has caused a disability to another party to pay indemnities or fines, a fine which percentage is determined based on the criteria for compensation setting; this additional fine is to be paid to the MoSA.

Article 96- Exemption from postal stamps taxes

Are exempted from postal stamps taxes all letters and printed items drafted in “Brail”.

Article 97- Exemptions from judicial taxes

Are exempted from judicial taxes any lawsuit or complaint or intervention at the courts of whatever nature or degree, if submitted by PwDs or their legal representatives or the NCDA because of an infraction to any of the provisions of this law or based on it or for the lack of implementation of any other legal text that consecrates a right for PwDs. This article applies to all the court degrees, of whatever type: civil, penal, administrative, military, religious, civil status or others.

Article 98- procedures for the electoral process

Are taken into consideration the needs of PwDs during the preparation of all electoral processes, legislative, municipal and others; these procedures are issued by virtue of a Council of Ministers decree upon the request of the Minister of Interior and after consulting with the MoSA.

Article 99- Lottery draws

Lottery draws are organized in favor of PwDs Organizations and Service Organizations after being licensed at the Ministry of Finance- Directorate General of the National Lottery and after consultation with the MoSA.

Article 100- Implementation details

Implementation details of this law are determined, when necessary, by virtue of decrees issued at the Council of Ministers.

Article 101- Cancelling breaching texts

Are cancelled or modified all laws and texts that breach this law or that do not agree with its provisions.

Article 102- this law enters in force as soon as published in the official gazette.

Counseling Services

Counseling at LAU helps you power through your university years. Starting with the school-to-college transition and all its emotional baggage, to dealing with anxiety such as that associated with remote learning, university counselors equip you with essential tools to effectively manage current and future problems.

Sessions are strictly confidential and free of charge for all students. They are typically scheduled once a week and may expand over several weeks depending on the objectives identified by the counselor.

When Should I Seek Help from a Counselor?

If you are experiencing one or more of the following concerns:

Test anxiety
Sleeping problems
Low self-esteem
Alcohol or drug abuse
Concentration problems
Decision making problems
Dramatic mood swings
Hopelessness or helplessness
Exposure to sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
Anxiety, fear, or anger that affects everyday life
Eating disorders
Suicidal thoughts
Loneliness and/or homesickness
Procrastination
Relationship issues (family, friends, romantic)
Loss of a family member or loved one
Poor academic performance.

What Types of Counseling Services Are Offered at LAU?

Short-term individual counseling
General consultation
Group counseling
Academic skills guidance
Career/vocational counseling
Crisis interventions
On/Off campus referrals
If the counselors believe that the student’s concerns are beyond the scope of the services provided at LAU, they will provide the student with a list of off-campus professionals (i.e., psychotherapists and/or psychiatrists) from which to choose.

How will a Counselor at LAU Help Me?

Counseling at LAU offers you the chance to:

Disclose and discuss sensitive issues in a safe environment
Confide in someone who can be trusted for their open-mindedness and professional help
Receive support and aid in overcoming distress

While knowing that all the information discussed during counseling sessions:

Will not go on your official record, nor on your transcripts
Are strictly confidential – unless the counselor identifies that there is potential for self-harm, or harm to others.