PREAMBLE

Whereas the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) (hereinafter, the University) is dedicated to the promotion of a scholarly and professional environment in which intellectual pursuit, ethical conduct, and personal development are fostered for the benefit of the entire university community; and

Whereas AIUB seeks to instil in its students a profound sense of integrity, respect for the rights and dignity of others, accountability, and adherence to standards that contribute positively to the university and the greater society; and

Whereas it is imperative that a structured code of conduct be established to guide the behaviour of students in all aspects of university life, both within and beyond the campus boundaries, and to ensure a supportive environment conducive to academic achievement, personal growth, and community welfare; and

Whereas the University acknowledges the rights of students to freedom of expression, as guaranteed under Article 39 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, which encompasses the freedom of thought and speech, while also understanding that such freedoms shall be exercised responsibly and in alignment with respect for others’ rights and the public order;

Whereas the actions of each student reflect not only on their individual character but also on the reputation, values, and collective identity of AIUB as an institution committed to ethical and academic standards of the highest calibre;

Now, therefore, in furtherance of AIUB's mission to cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect, professionalism, and academic rigor, and to safeguard the rights, safety, and well-being of all individuals within the university community, this Code of Conduct is hereby established, adopted, and promulgated as binding upon all AIUB students.

The provisions herein serve as a directive to ensure compliance with university values and to promote a cohesive environment where students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders collaborate in the shared pursuit of excellence, fairness, and the advancement of knowledge. By adhering to this Code, students of AIUB affirm their commitment to the principles of respect, integrity, and responsibility, recognizing that these values are essential to their roles as scholars, future professionals, and responsible citizens.

1. JURISDICTION AND APPLICATION

This Code of Conduct applies to all students enrolled at the university, including those engaged in part-time, full-time, and distance learning programs. The Code encompasses behaviours both within the university’s physical premises and in all contexts that may impact the university community and its reputation. By adhering to this Code, students affirm their commitment to AIUB’s values and standards, understanding that their conduct is reflective not only of their individual character but also of the integrity of the university as a whole. This includes, but is not limited to:

2. GUARANTEE OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

In support of an inclusive, fair, and respectful environment, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) recognizes and upholds the following rights and freedoms for all students, as integral to their personal, academic, and social development:

3. PROHIBITED MISCONDUCTS AND ACTIVITIES

3.1 Physical/Sexual Abuse/Violence

The university is committed to the safety and well-being of all its members and strives to maintain an environment free from violence. Physical abuse or violence includes, but is not limited to:

1. Physical violence, such as beating, punching, kicking, or any form of aggressive physical contact with anyone within the university.
2. Direct threats of violence, whether verbal, written, or through electronic messages.
3. Intimidation through verbal, written, or electronic means.
4. Deliberate obstruction or interference with any person’s right to attend or participate in university functions.
5. Reckless behaviour that endangers or threatens the safety of any person(s).
6. Intentional obstruction or interference with any person’s right to attend or participate in university functions.
7. Causing fear or apprehension using misrepresentation, misinformation, force, or coercion to solicit support, signatures, or participation in activities of a subversive nature or detrimental to the university's normal functioning.
8. Any inappropriate conduct, language, or expression when interacting with any student, faculty, university officials, or staff.
9. Passing any indecent or abusive or vulgar or lascivious language against any other student, teachers, non-teaching staff, officers, guests etc. 
10. Any behaviour or gestures or clothing or acts or expression intended to tease or annoy any other student, teachers, non-teaching staff, officers, guests etc.
11. Sexual harassment and obscenity in any form.
12. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favours and other verbal or physical harassments of sexual nature. 
13. Promising favours in exchange of sexual conduct and any form of pleasure seeking from others.
14. Verbal, non-verbal, mental, and/or physical harassment.
15. Uploading of indecent pictures or making indecent and untruthful comments via any website like Facebook, twitter, messenger, email etc.

3.2 Bullying, Harassment, and Ragging

The university promotes a respectful and inclusive environment where bullying, harassment, and ragging are strictly prohibited. These behaviours include, but are not limited to:

1. Physical, verbal, or cyberbullying that causes mental or emotional harm.
2. Harassment based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, or other personal attributes.
3. Initiation or ragging activities that pressure, humiliate, or endanger new students.
4. Any behaviour that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive academic or social environment for others.
5. Distribution of offensive or derogatory content, whether verbal, written, or online.
6. Engaging in stalking, unwanted contact, or excessive attention that intimidates others.

3.3 Cyber offences:

Cyber harassment refers to the harassment using online and offline cyber platforms. This may occur through the use of various messengers, social media, text messaging, professional communication platforms, or derogatory websites to demean, insult, or harass an individual or group through personal or professional attacks. These behaviours include, but are not limited to:

1. Usage of sexually explicit/double meaning/demeaning language in text messages 
2. Creating and spreading sexual memes/trolled pictures
3. Posting dirty & sexual jokes on social media relating to someone’s personal life or mentioning the person
4. Sending dirty jokes or explicit contents (pictures/videos/animations/web-links) through text messages, MMS, online platforms 
5. Threatening someone through indirect (pictures/videos/stories/web-links) or messages or direct contents
6. Usage of offensive and explicit means and words to cause mental harm
7. Body shaming
8. Spreading rumours through social media, text messages, or group threads
9. Spreading someone’s pictures without consent/ intentionally misinterpreting and discussing about her/his personal life 
10. Stalking someone to cause harm, and discomfort
11. Hacking, invading or interfering with someone’s personal or professional accounts is a major harassment and crime. It really does not matter whether any harm or occurrence was done as hacking itself is an offense.
12. Hacking followed by leaking personal information or contents related to personal or professional life.
13. Usage of different contents or performing different cyber acts to defame someone (i.e. changing someone’s gender or name in social media profile by hacking her/his account) 

3.4 Disruptive and Intolerable Behaviour to Hinder University Activities/ Tarnish the Image of the University or University Personnel

Disruptive and intolerable behaviour that interferes with university activities undermines academic progress and campus life. Such behaviours include, but are not limited to:

1. Interrupting classes, meetings, or university functions with disruptive or loud behaviour.
2. Organizing unauthorized protests or demonstrations that obstruct academic or administrative operations.
3. Refusing to follow instructions from university staff, faculty, or security in ways that obstruct teaching, learning, or official events.
4. Refusing to comply with instructions or lawful requests made by university staff, faculty, or administrators.
5. Providing false information, documents, or identification to university authorities.
6. Misrepresenting oneself, one’s qualifications, or affiliations within the university.
7. Engaging in acts of dishonesty that undermine university rules, procedures, or policies.
8. Deliberately spreading misinformation to incite disruptions within the university community.
9. Engaging in actions that prevent others from participating in university activities.
10. Engaging in conduct that intentionally harms or degrades the university's reputation or its representatives.
11. Spreading false or misleading information about the university or its staff, which may damage their reputation.
12. Misuse or alternation or forgery of the University documents and records that include but not limited to ID cards, University stationary, Letter Pads or Officer’s name, seal or stamp etc.
13. Recording, storage, sharing, distribution of images, videos or sound by any means without consent of owner is unauthorized recording and is strictly prohibited in the University.
14. Walking, gathering or roaming in the University premises without justified causes at night after the designated office hours.

3.5 Smoking and Other Similar Activities

To promote health and safety, the university restricts smoking and similar activities on campus. Prohibited actions include, but are not limited to:

1. Smoking tobacco, vaping, or using e-cigarettes outside designated smoking areas, if provided.
2. Possessing or using tobacco products or other prohibited substances that compromise health and safety.
3. Disregarding university policies regarding tobacco, vaping, or similar products on campus premises.
4. Use, production, distribution, sale, possession or stashing of drugs which includes, but is not limited to, alcohol, marijuana, stimulants, narcotics, yaba etc.

3.6 Possession and/or use of Drugs/ Controlled Substances/ Weapons/Explosives

The university strictly prohibits the use, possession, and distribution of illegal drugs, controlled substances, weapons, explosives, or dangerous items on campus. Prohibited actions include, but are not limited to:

1. Possessing, using, or distributing illegal drugs, controlled substances, or unauthorized prescription medications on campus.
2. Being under the influence of drugs or controlled substances while on university premises or at university-sponsored events.
3. Possessing explosive(s) or explosive material(s) such as bombs, cocktails, chemicals or anything in similar nature.
4. Selling or offering controlled substances within the university community.
5. Encouraging or coercing others to partake in drug use or other controlled substance abuse.

1. Possessing firearms, weapons, knives, clubs, explosives, or other weapons on university property.
2. Using or threatening to use any weapon or dangerous item to intimidate or harm others.
3. Bringing unauthorized hazardous materials, such as fireworks or chemicals, onto campus.
4. Any conduct that involves a dangerous item and poses a risk to the safety of the university community.

3.7 Property Damage/Theft/Other Criminal Activities

The university upholds respect for property and facilities. Property damage includes, but is not limited to:

1. Deliberately or recklessly damaging university property, including buildings, equipment, or resources.
2. Defacing or vandalizing university assets, such as facilities, furniture, or artwork.
3. Damaging or tampering with the personal property of students, faculty, or staff.
4. Engaging in actions that result in financial losses due to property damage.
5. Stealing, attempting to steal, or being in possession of stolen property on campus.
6. Committing fraud, forgery, or financial deceit within university services or resources.
7. Engaging in unauthorized use of university funds, materials, or resources for personal gain.
8. Involvement in any criminal activity that poses risks to individuals or the university community.

3.8 Disobedience to Lawful Authority

1. Disobedience, interference, resistance or failure to comply with the direction given by various Departments or University authority.
2. Trespassing and other forms of unauthorized presence
3. Refusing to show the Identity Card to the University’s Officers or security personnel on demand.
4. Not complying with parking rule of the University.

3.9 Activities Subversive to the State and its Policy

The university maintains high standards for its reputation and expects students to respect this commitment. Prohibited actions include, but are not limited to:

1. Participating in or promoting activities that contravene national laws or policies, or encourage actions subversive to state policies.
2. Using university resources or platforms for actions that violate public order or state integrity.

4. PUNISHMENTS AND PENALTIES

To uphold the standards outlined in this Code of Conduct, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) will enforce disciplinary actions against any student found in violation of the code. The severity of the punishment or penalty will reflect the nature and gravity of the misconduct, with a view to promoting corrective measures, protecting the university community, and deterring future violations. The following are potential penalties, ranging from warnings to permanent dismissal, based on the infraction and mitigating or aggravating circumstances:

4.1 Disciplinary Measures and Penalties

Disciplinary actions for violations of this Code of Conduct may include, but are not limited to:

4.2 Aggravating and Mitigating Factors: In determining the appropriate disciplinary actions for a violation of the Code of Conduct, the university considers various aggravating and mitigating factors. These factors serve to ensure that penalties are fair, consistent, and reflective of the individual circumstances surrounding each case. Disciplinary decisions consider various factors, including but not limited to:

• Aggravating factors: Prior Disciplinary Record, Intentionality and Malice, Impact on the Community, Violation of Safety and Security, Lack of Remorse or Accountability: Position of Authority or Influence, and Repeated Offenses.
• Mitigating factors: First-Time Offense, Demonstrated Remorse, Corrective Action Taken, Personal Circumstances, (e.g., mental health challenges, family emergencies), Positive Character References (community service, academic achievements, or leadership roles), Efforts to Reconcile and Impact of Disciplinary Action.

4.5 DISCIPLINARY ACTION PROCESS

To ensure a structured and fair application of disciplinary measures, the Proctor’s Office manages the process for Code of Conduct violations. This office oversees the reporting, investigation, and resolution of cases to maintain university integrity and standards.

THE UNIVERSITY (AIUB) RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, AMEND, OR UPDATE THE CODE OF CONDUCT AND ANY RELATED POLICIES AS NECESSARY, TO RESPOND TO EVOLVING UNIVERSITY NEEDS, REGULATORY CHANGES, OR TO ENHANCE THE ACADEMIC AND CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT.