Sustainable Development Goals

More in this section

Anti-Discrimination Policy

The Lebanese American University (LAU) has comprehensive anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies that align with its mission of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment. These are explicitly outlined in the Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Prevention Policy, which commits to eliminating all forms of discrimination, harassment, and misconduct on its campuses and at university-controlled events. This policy emphasizes mutual respect and ensures individuals are assessed solely based on their academic or professional performance.

Additionally, LAU’s Code of Conduct reinforces these principles by establishing a framework for ethical and respectful behavior among students, faculty, and staff. It promotes values of dignity, equality, and the intrinsic worth of every individual, further embedding anti-discrimination measures into the university’s operational ethos.

Together, these policies ensure LAU remains a safe and equitable space, where diversity and inclusivity are core to its academic and community engagements.

Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Prevention Policy

The Lebanese American University and all its affiliates (collectively “LAU”) is committed to pursuing excellence in its academic and professional endeavors, as well as believing in the intrinsic value of all individuals. LAU fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect among all members of its community, where each individual is judged solely on criteria related to academic or job performance. LAU is committed to the elimination of all forms of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct on its campuses or on any other University controlled area or event.

Fundamental to LAU’s mission is the preservation and encouragement of academic freedom. Promulgating this Policy should by no means be construed as inhibiting free speech, freedom of association, or the free communication of ideas.

POLICY STATEMENT

LAU has a zero tolerance rule for acts of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. LAU is an equal opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination due to race, color, religion, creed, gender, marital status, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, pregnancy, or belief. LAU is committed to a working and learning environment where people can achieve their full potential.

This Policy:

  • Supports an environment where it is clear that discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct are unacceptable, thereby reducing the chance that discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct will occur in the first instance;
  • Applies to all LAU staff, faculty, and students in connection with their roles, duties, and responsibilities at LAU whether as an employee or a member of the student body;
  • Ensures that all visitors, including but not limited to individuals such as suppliers, service providers and guest speakers are held to LAU’s highest standards of behavior and will be held responsible for any act of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct against a member or members of the LAU community;
  • Provides procedures to notify LAU of potential discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct so that LAU may take appropriate action to investigate and address any such prohibited actions; and
  • Prohibits retaliation against persons notifying LAU of such prohibited actions.
  • Disciplinary action may be taken to deal with actions or behavior, intentional or unintentional, which results in a violation of this policy. In general, the procedures for review of complaints and discipline for a violation of this policy are addressed in this policy and other LAU policies relating to employee and student conduct. LAU may publish additional procedures in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

CONDUCT SUBJECT TO THIS POLICY

DISCRIMINATION

Discrimination is treatment of a person less favorably than other persons based on age, race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, marital status, nationality, disability, political affiliation or any other basis protected by applicable law.

HARASSMENT

Harassment is the making of any unwelcome advances or requests for favors or other conduct when (i) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, a student’s performance, or participation in any campus activity; (ii) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for decisions related to employment, academic performance, or student activities; or (iii) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work, academic performance, or participation in student life by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or campus environment. Harassment may take physical, verbal, visual, or online forms.

Harassment also includes behavior that demeans, humiliates, or embarrasses a person based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, gender, marital status, family status, disability, or sexual orientation, and that a reasonable person should have known would be unwelcome. It includes actions such as touching and pushing, comments such as jokes and name-calling, displays such as posters and cartoons and disrespectful behavior commonly known as ‘personal’ harassment, such as making fun of personal circumstances or appearance, bullying (includes unmerited criticism, isolation, gossip, physical violence or violent gestures, public humiliation, or behavior that is intimidating or demeaning), and stalking.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

Sexual misconduct is any form of Sexual Assault connected with forced sexual contact, including but not limited to rape. Force can be physical or emotional (there are four types of force: physical, threat, intimidation, coercion). Sexual Assault consists of Sexual Contact and/or Sexual Intercourse that occurs without Affirmative Consent. Sexual Contact is any intentional sexual touching, however slight with any object or body part performed by a person upon another person. Sexual Intercourse is any penetration, however slight with any object or body part performed by a person upon another person and is considered Rape if the action is taken without the affirmative consent of the other individual(s).

Affirmative Consent must be informed (knowing), voluntary (freely given), and active (not passive), meaning that, through the demonstration of clear words or actions, a person has indicated permission to engage in mutually agreed-upon sexual activity (contact or intercourse). Affirmative Consent cannot be gained by taking advantage of the incapacitation of another individual, where the person initiating sexual activity knew or reasonably should have known that the other was incapacitated. Incapacitation means that a person lacks the ability to make informed, rational judgments about whether or not to engage in sexual activity.

Affirmative Consent cannot be obtained by force. Force includes (a) the use of physical violence, (b) threats, (c) intimidation, and/or (d) coercion. Physical violence means that a person is exerting control over another person through the use of physical force. Examples of physical violence include hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, restraining, choking, and brandishing or using any weapon. Threats are words or actions that would compel a reasonable person to engage in unwanted activity. Examples include threats to harm a person physically, to reveal private information to harm a person’s reputation, or to cause a person academic or economic harm. Intimidation is an implied threat that menaces or causes reasonable fear in another individual, including the stalking of another individual. Coercion is the use of an unreasonable amount of pressure to gain access to something or someone. Coercion is more than an effort to convince, lure, or attract another person to have sex. When an individual is clear that they do not want to participate in a particular form of Sexual Contact or Sexual Intercourse, that they want to stop, or that they do not want to go beyond a certain sexual interaction, continued pressure can be coercive. Factors that may indicate coercion include the frequency, intensity and duration of the application of the pressure and the degree of isolation of the person being pressured.

RETALIATION

LAU prohibits retaliation against any individual because he or she in good faith reports alleged incidents of discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct, pursues a discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct claim, or cooperates or participates in an investigation of such reports. Discipline, reprisal, intimidation, or other forms of retaliation in such situations is a serious violation of this policy and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or expulsion from the university.

RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff, faculty and students:

  • Must attend education programs provided by LAU relating to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
  • Can prevent discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct by being sensitive to the reactions and needs of others, and ensuring that their conduct does not cause offence;
  • Can discourage discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct by others through making it clear that such conduct is unacceptable.
  • LAU is responsible for:
  • Providing an environment where it is clear that discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct are not acceptable;
  • Taking action when it has clear notice that discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct has taken or is taking place to stop the conduct, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects.
  • Ensuring that deans and chairpersons, vice presidents, and directors are aware of their responsibilities under this policy, including trying to prevent or to report violations of this policy.

REPORTING ACTS OF DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT OR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

Any LAU staff, faculty or student who believes in good faith that he/she or someone else at LAU has been a victim of discrimination, harassment or any form of sexual misconduct should promptly notify LAU through one of the methods set out below. Notices should provide information as to the conduct, where it occurred and persons involved and, if reporting is not by the victim should explain how the person reporting has knowledge of the conduct. LAU will review such notice, initiate an investigation and take any measures, adjudicatory or otherwise, it determines appropriate in response to the notice. Further, LAU may advise certain staff and faculty with oversight of student well-being that their duties include a requirement to report instances of sexual misconduct relating to students promptly upon receiving such information.

The right to confidentiality shall be strictly adhered to at all stages, in so far as it does not interfere with LAU’s legal obligation to investigate the allegations presented and to take the proper corrective action.

A failure to provide prompt notification or the reporting of information anonymously may hinder LAU’s ability to act on the conduct for which a complaint is made.

PROCEDURES AND RESOLUTION OF COMPLAINTS

The following steps should be taken when filing a complaint:

When a student, a staff member, or a faculty member faces any form of harassment, s/he should notify (orally or in writing) the Title IX Office at TitleIX@lau.edu.lb or by phone at 01.786.456, ext. 1303.

Anonymous Reporting: Anyone can make an anonymous report of conduct prohibited under this Policy by contacting the Compliance Hotline at 01.786.456 ext. 4444.

In case of a health or safety emergency, students, staff and faculty should contact 01.786.456 ext.1500 on the Beirut campus or 09.547.262 ext. 2500 on the Byblos campus to address the emergency and reports under this policy should be made later.

When a complaint is submitted, LAU may request a statement in writing signed by the complainant in order to proceed with further inquiry, particularly in matters relating to employment.

Depending on the type of conduct and the persons affected, the complaint may be referred to an existing LAU procedure for resolution such as the Grievance Policy or the Student Code of Conduct. Further, LAU may establish new procedures as necessary and, if needed, to comply with the U.S. Department of Education requirements, in order to investigate the claim.

LAU will promptly investigate all complaints. Thereafter, upon the President’s request, the Title IX Coordinator, will manage all complaints that warrant investigation. The President can consider engaging other university units as necessary and in keeping with this Policy. If the Title IX Coordinator determines that the complaint is credible, he/she shall notify the Office of the General Counsel and will work closely with it during the consideration and investigation of the complaint. Furthermore, the Office of the General Counsel provides advice and direction on the legal aspects of Title IX-related investigations and potential prosecutions. The Office of the General Counsel will conduct Title IX investigations involving an employee or employees of the Title IX Office.

If LAU determines that the claim is substantiated, LAU will institute disciplinary proceedings against the offending party, which may result in a range of sanctions up to and including termination of University employment or expulsion.

If LAU determines that the complaint was unsubstantiated, the University will take no corrective action.

The formal University decision shall be communicated to all involved parties as approved by the President. Appeals by either party may be initiated as per the applicable LAU policies.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Leadership, education, training, awareness, and intervention are essential in preventing and eliminating acts of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. It is the responsibility of every member of the LAU community to attend the training and awareness sessions required by LAU.

Effective Date

The foregoing Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Prevention Policy of the Lebanese American University was amended by the Board of Trustees on September 6, 2019 and is effective as of September 6, 2019. This Policy was originally effective as of June 7, 2003, and was previously amended on March 9 & 10, 2006; March 15 & 16, 2013; and on September 7 & 8, 2017.

GRIEVANCE POLICY

Approved by the University Executive Council on August 7, 2007

Amended by the Board of Trustees on September 6 & 7, 2007

Amended by the Board of Trustees on September 14 & 15, 2023

Policy Statement:

The Lebanese American University believes in providing its employees and students with a fair and efficient process to present, and resolve, grievances arising out of the non-compliance or breach of an approved University Policy or Procedure.

All University constituents are encouraged to seek and obtain answers to questions, or concerns, relating to their involvement with the University, through available procedures.

Regular and effective communications between the University constituents reduces the likelihood of misunderstanding and conflict. The University expects and encourages students, staff, and faculty members to communicate openly, and regularly, so that their interests, and the University’s interests, are best served.

Students, staff, and faculty members are entitled to utilize this Policy if the informal discussions did not result in disposing of the complaint to the satisfaction of the complainant, and provided the complained about matter involves a breach of a University Policy or Procedure.

Definition:

A Grievance is defined as an unresolved issue concerning a breach of a University Policy or Procedure that caused the grievant harm or damage.

This Policy does not apply to matters that are governed by alternative University review through applying other policies such as the Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Prevention Policy, the Personnel Policy - Faculty, the Fraud Policy, and the Code of Ethics etc …

This Policy applies whenever the grievance is not covered by any other existing University Policy.

Retaliation Prohibited:

The University, expressly, and unequivocally, prohibits retaliation against any person who files a grievance or assists a grievant in his/her efforts.

However, it is considered to be a serious misconduct if a grievance was filed and found to include deliberate false statements, and/or misleading and inaccurate facts. Such offense will be subject to the full range of disciplinary sanctions, including termination and dismissal for cause, and suspension.

Title IX at LAU

LAU has a no-tolerance policy for gender discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault. Title IX actively supports a campus environment where gender discrimination and sexual harassment are not tolerated. Committed to a working and learning environment where people can achieve their full potential, Title IX works to spread awareness about benefits of equity, diversity and inclusion for individuals and the entire community.

The Title IX Office at LAU provides information, confidential discussion, training/awareness materials, and networking regarding eliminating gender discrimination and sexual harassment or misconduct for the LAU community.

About Title IX - Equity and Inclusion at LAU

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a 1972 education amendment to the American Civil Rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. The main goal of Title IX is to avoid the use of federal money to support sex discrimination in education programs and to provide individual citizens effective protection against those practices.

Title IX applies to all aspects of federally funded education programs or activities. In addition to traditional educational institutions such as colleges, universities, and elementary and secondary schools, Title IX also applies to any education or training program operated by a recipient of federal financial assistance. Title IX seeks to ensure that there is equal access to education regardless of gender. Over time, this has come to be understood as not only prohibiting discrimination, harassment and sexual assault at educational institutions but also working to address long-term structural inequalities and obstacles hindering education progress.

Who and What are included?

While Title IX has a particular focus on students, it also includes all individuals who work for educational institutions. All employees (staff, faculty, etc.) are protected by and responsible for implementing Title IX.

Title IX also applies to the physical space of the institution. All visitors to schools, college and university campuses must also adhere to Title IX. In other words, all gender discrimination and harassment are prohibited at educational institutions that receive US Federal Government funding.

Why does LAU adhere to Title IX?

LAU is both a Lebanese and an American university. It is registered by both governments and seeks to comply with all applicable laws. LAU also receives research funding, scholarships and other grants from the US Federal Government.

Beyond compliance, LAU’s mission and values highlight the importance to “respect human dignity, promote gender equality, and be inclusive” and LAU is rooted in the core liberal arts beliefs that all individuals who seek to study and work to the best of their abilities should have the opportunity to do so. In addition, individuals are unique with unique capabilities and interests—this diversity makes LAU richer and better able to live up to its vision. Committing to implementing Title IX helps LAU to:

  • Provide access to a superior education for diverse undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners;
  • Attract and retain distinguished faculty who excel in teaching, research and community service;
  • Enroll and retain academically qualified and diverse students;
  • Embrace liberal arts in all curricula;
  • Create opportunities for rigorous research and the dissemination of knowledge;
  • Develop a close-knit community that excels academically, is intellectually stimulating, and is religiously, ethnically and socio-economically diverse;
  • Attract and retain a highly qualified staff committed to excellence in service.

LAU’s Title IX Office focuses on five components to comply with Title IX regulations:

Compliance: It seeks to ensure LAU is compliant with Title IX policies and procedures of the Department of Education and US Federal Law.

Policy Recommendations: The Title IX Office reviews and makes recommendations for revision of LAU policies and procedures to better meet the requirements of Title IX—eliminating discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.

Advocacy and Support for Equity & Inclusion: the Office seeks to provide advocacy and support for greater equity and inclusion at LAU through participating in university committees, meeting with and participating in club activities, and keeping an active communications campaign on campus, among other means.

Training: The Title IX Office is responsible for providing on-going training for students, staff, and faculty regarding rights and responsibilities of gender equity and inclusion and the prohibition of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.

Complaints Management: The Office is the main office receiving and participating in investigations of complaints of gender discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.

211.jpg

 

Reporting Harassment, Assault, and/or Discrimination

Any LAU staff, faculty or student who believes in good faith that they or someone else at LAU has been a victim of discrimination, harassment or any form of sexual misconduct should promptly notify LAU through one of the methods set out below.

The complaint should include information about:

  1. The conduct
  2. Where it occurred, and
  3. Persons involved
  4. If reporting is made by a person other than the victim involved, that person has to explain his/her knowledge of the conduct in question

The following steps should be taken when filing a complaint:

When a student, a staff member, or a faculty member faces any form of harassment, they should notify (orally or in writing) the Title IX Office, either by emailing titleIX@lau.edu.lb or by calling one of the following numbers:

Beirut campus: +961 1 786 456, ext. 1303

Byblos campus: +961.9 547 254, ext. 1303

For complaints emanating from the New York Academic Center, please send an email to titleIX@lau.edu.lb.

Anonymous Reporting

Anyone can make an anonymous report of conduct prohibited under this policy by contacting the Compliance Hotline at +961 1 786 456, ext. 4444.

LAU will review the complaint, initiate an investigation and take any measure it deems appropriate in response to the notice as temporary or permanent measures. Further, LAU may advise certain staff and faculty with oversight of student well-being that their duties include a requirement to report instances of sexual misconduct relating to students promptly upon receiving such information.

The right to confidentiality shall be strictly adhered to at all stages, in so far as it does not interfere with LAU’s legal obligation to investigate the allegations presented and take proper corrective action(s).

A failure to provide prompt notification or the reporting of information anonymously may hinder LAU’s ability to act on the conduct for which a complaint is made.

How to Stand Up Against Harrasement

https://www.facebook.com/LAUStudents/photos/pb.100064768593597.-2207520000/5090016391049932/?type=3

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

  1. 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.

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.

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

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.

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.