List of General Policies:

• AUD Councils

  POLICY NAME: AUD COUNCILS
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  The following summarizes the function of those Councils, which deliberate student affairs issues. The role and composition of each can be found in the Student Handbook.
  
  Conduct Council
  To investigate suspected violations of the AUD Code of Conduct, such as, but not limited to theft, harassment, verbal abuse, inappropriate public displays of affection, violent behavior, and not complying with the directives of university officials.
  
  Grade Appeal Council
  To investigate grade appeals.
  
  Honor Council
  To investigate suspected violations of the AUD Honor Code, such as, but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, and turning in papers purchased through online semester paper services.

• AUD Technology Use Policy

  POLICY NAME: AUD TECHNOLOGY USE POLICY
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  Information technology resources include all university-owned computers, peripherals, and related equipment and software; voice and data communications infrastructure, all other associated tools, instruments, and facilities; and the services that make use of any of these technology resources. Users are encouraged to use the university computing systems in an effective, efficient, ethical, and lawful manner.
  
  AUD invests in technology resources in order to accomplish more effectively university-specific tasks, goals, and learning objectives. As expected in a contemporary environment, the presence of technology on campus is pervasive. University operating processes and procedures are nearly always computer-supported, and course syllabi more frequently than not reflect the imparting of technological learning outcomes and the use of technology in pedagogy.
  
  Computer users at AUD are required to use proper social and professional etiquette when using the AUD systems. Use of the network implies consent for monitoring of traffic that is necessary for smooth administration of the resource. University computing resources shall not be used for purposes that could reasonably be expected to cause directly, or indirectly, excessive strain on computing systems or unwarranted and unsolicited interference with use of email or email systems.
  
  AUD does not condone the use of inappropriate language and visuals when storing, replicating or transmitting messages by/to instructors, staff or students. The AUD computing facilities and network infrastructure is a distributed and shared environment. Improper behavior that could disrupt the computing resources may be ground for termination of access or other penalties deemed appropriate. Anyone accessing or utilizing university computer systems, related data files, and information shares the responsibility for the security, integrity, and confidentiality of information.

• Campus Security/Crime and Safety Prevention Program

  POLICY NAME: CAMPUS SECURITY/CRIME AND SAFETY PREVENTION PROGRAM
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  AUD is concerned about the safety and welfare of its students and employees. Therefore, AUD has implemented a security policy for the protection of students, staff and faculty. AUD maintains a log of all crimes committed and reported on its campus. Information is updated annually. Updated information for the prior calendar year is made available, upon request, to all continuing students, faculty and staff each year.
  
  For emergency situations, students are asked to call the UNIVERSITY HOTLINE: 04 318 3500. A security guard will get in touch with the appropriate authority or university staff member for appropriate action.

• Civil Rights Compliance

  POLICY NAME: CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  AUD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or handicap among qualified persons in the recruitment and admission of students, the operation of any of its educational programs and activities, and the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff. The university provides a means to ensure a prompt resolution of all matters regarding violations of the above policies and a means to ensure due process to all employees and students who believe that the university’s policy of non-discrimination is being violated or that they have been victims of sexual harassment.

• Code of Student Conduct

  POLICY NAME: CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  AUD is an academic community committed to the educational and personal growth of its students. Behavior that infringes upon rights, safety or privileges or that impedes the educational process is unacceptable and may lead to sanctions up to and including dismissal from the university. An explanation of violations of university regulations can be found in the AUD Student Handbook.

• Conflict of Interest Clause

  POLICY NAME: CONFLICT OF INTEREST CLAUSE
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  No Council member shall sit in review of any decision he or she previously rendered which comes before the Council for review. This imperative applies to situations where the Council’s decision is actually being challenged and applies in situations where there may be an appearance of impropriety for a Council member to review a decision based on either direct or indirect contact with the matter in question.

• Disclosure

  POLICY NAME: DISCLOSURE
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  Students are encouraged to share personal experiences while participating in classes at AUD. However, students must be aware that should they disclose to any AUD faculty member or staff information that may cause harm to themselves or others. Faculty members and staff are required to report such information to the Deans, Associate Deans or Chairs, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, or President.

• Dress Code

  POLICY NAME: DRESS CODE
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  The American University in Dubai, in accordance with the laws of the U.A.E., adheres to specific guidelines regarding appropriate attire. As a result, students are expected to dress properly while on campus. Inappropriate attire will not be tolerated and violations are subject to disciplinary action.
  
  Inappropriate attire is defined as, but not limited to:
  • Tight or revealing clothing;
  • Short shorts and micro-skirts;
  • Low-cut tops or dresses;
  • Sagging jeans or jeans with suggestive holes or markings;
  • T-shirts with inappropriate logos or language;
  • Midriff-baring, open-back or halter tops.
  
  Details of the procedure are included in the AUD Student Handbook.

• Drug-Free Environment

  POLICY NAME: DRUG-FREE ENVIRONMENT
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  As a matter of rigorous policy, AUD prohibits the manufacture and unlawful possession, use, sale or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property and at any university activity. Further information on the university’s policies can be found in the Student Handbook and on the AUD website. Any violation of these policies will result in appropriate disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal in the case of students and termination in the case of employees, even for a first offense. Violations of the law will also be referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Students or employees may also be referred to abuse help centers. Information on the school’s drug-free awareness program and drug and alcohol abuse prevention program may be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs.

• General Statement of Philosophy on Student Conduct

  POLICY NAME: GENERAL STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY ON STUDENT CONDUCT
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  AUD believes strongly in promoting the development of personal and social responsibility and also believes in a humanistic approach to discipline conducive to academic pursuits; however, AUD recognizes that its responsibility for the protection of personal and institutional rights and property is a primary focus of the disciplinary process. The administration reserves the right to develop any policy or take any action(s) deemed appropriate to maintain the safety and wellbeing of any or all students. Policies and procedures on offenses related to persons, property, campus operations and welfare, health or safety can be found in the AUD Student Handbook

• Government Regulations

  POLICY NAME: GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  The American University in Dubai complies with all laws and regulations of the territorial jurisdiction in which its campus is located. Furthermore, as an American-accredited institution, AUD complies with the spirit of relevant United States legislation in so far as is possible/advisable given the cultural, historical, architectural, and legal contexts within which the university operates in the United Arab Emirates.

• Grievance Process

  POLICY NAME: GRIEVANCE PROCESS
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  This process applies to all members of the AUD community. Specifically, it applies to all academic grievances, including those related to academic freedom, as well as to those related to administrative, interpersonal and other non-academic issues.
  
  Grievance Officer
  The Grievance Officer facilitates the resolution of grievances within the AUD community through the Grievance Process as outlined below. The Grievance Officer offers confidential, informal, independent, and neutral dispute resolution services by providing mediation, information, advice and referrals as appropriate.
  
  Grievance Procedure
  To resolve an issue,
  
  

  • Grievants should directly communicate with the person with whom they have a complaint. It is the grievant’s responsibility to do this before any further action is pursued;
  • If grievants wish to formalize the process; they are required to seek the counsel of the Grievance Officer within ten working days of the incident leading to the complaint;
  • If the grievant wishes to pursue the matter further, he or she should submit a written complaint to the Grievance Officer (grievance@aud.edu) with the following information:
    - his or her description of the incident(s);
    - the name of the person with whom he or she has a concern/complaint;
    - a suggested remedy.
  • The Grievance Officer will then contact the respective Dean, Associate Dean or Chair (academic issues), Office Director (non-academic issues), or Supervisor (as appropriate) and provide them with the information regarding the complaint;
  • The Dean, Associate Dean or Chair (academic issues), Office Director (non-academic issues) or Supervisor will then begin the investigation of the complaint;
  • The Dean, Associate Dean or Chair (academic issues), Office Director (non-academic issues) or Supervisor will provide a report reflecting the findings and give recommendations within ten working days of the filing of the written complaint;
  • If a written report is not received within this timeframe, the Grievance Officer will forward the grievance to the Provost and Chief Academic Officer (academic issues), Office Director (non-academic issues) or respective Senior Supervisor;
  • The Grievance Officer in consultation with the Provost and Chief Academic Officer (academic issues), Office Director (non-academic issues) or Senior Supervisor, will summarize the decision and rationale in writing within ten working days to the grievant, the respondent, and the Dean, Associate Dean or Chair (academic issues), Office Director (non-academic issues) or Supervisor.
    - Appropriate action will be taken by the Dean, Associate Dean or Chair (academic issues), Office Director (non-academic issues) or Supervisor within five working days after receiving the summary of the decision/rationale.
    - Confirmation in writing that action has been taken will be provided to the Grievance Officer within five working days.

  If at any time during this process, input is not provided within the stated timeframe, the Grievance Officer will collaborate with the appropriate parties to move the process forward. It is the responsibility of the Grievance Officer to keep the university Complaint Log. In the event that a grievance filed in Summer I or Summer II cannot be processed within the prescribed timeframe because one or more of the parties to the grievance are not available, the grievance will then be processed within the ten-day period immediately following the start of the Fall semester.
  
  Grievance Appeal Process
  In the event that the above procedure does not yield a satisfactory resolution, the grievant may appeal to the President in writing. The grievant may seek the counsel of the Grievance Officer in preparing the appeal.
  
  

  • This appeal must be received in the Office of the President within five working days after
    the grievant, the respondent, and the Dean, Associate Dean or Chair, Office Director or
    Supervisor have received written notification of the action.
  • The decision previously made can only be overturned by the President if additional
    extremely compelling information is deemed relevant to the case outcome.

  Note
  Georgia resident students have the right to appeal the final decision to the Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (NPEC) at: 2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220, Tucker, Georgia 30084-5305;
  tel.: +1-770-414-3300; website: https://gnpec.georgia.gov/student-resources/complaints-against-institution

• Health History

  POLICY NAME: HEALTH HISTORY
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  AUD prides itself in offering quality health services. To maintain our standards and fully address the health and medical needs of our students, the AUD Health Center requires that all AUD students submit the Student Health History Form (available at the AUD Health Center and online) to the Health Center. This Form must be endorsed by a physician.
  
  All health information is confidential. Only the following staff members have access (as needed): President, Executive Vice President, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, and Dean of Student Services. All student medical records are kept under a locked filing system, and they are not released to others without the written consent (Authorization of Health Information Release) of the student or his or her parents.

• Interruption of Degree Progress

  POLICY NAME: INTERRUPTION OF DEGREE PROGRESS
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  When a student interrupts progress towards completion of his or her degree for one calendar year or more, he or she must re-apply to the university in order to resume their studies. The application for re-admission will entail a review of the student’s record by the Office of Admissions which, in consultation with the Office of the Registrar, may require the student to fulfill (in all or in part) the degree requirements in effect at the time readmission is requested. These requirements may differ from those in effect at the time the student was first admitted to the university.

• Online Student Complaint System

  POLICY NAME: ONLINE STUDENT COMPLAINT SYSTEM
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  
  The Application
  Students may file their complaint through an online application: https://complaints.aud.edu/ is accessible through the AUD website under the Student Portal section. The Student Complaint System is focused on providing feedback to problems/issues raised by AUD students.
  
  Student Complaint Procedure
  It is advised that students should first directly communicate with the person/department with whom they have a complaint. If the students still wish to formalize the complaint with the relevant academic or administrative head, then they can log into the Student Complaint System application and submit their complaint.
  
  Once a complaint is submitted, the academic or administrative head receives a notification email prompting him or her to log into the application and follow up on the complaint.
  
  Students will receive an update on the status of their complaint via email within 5 working days. If input is not received within this timeframe, students are requested to follow up with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. The Student Complaint System is not relevant for grade or academic standing appeals.
  
  In the event that the above procedure does not yield reasonable outcomes, students may consult the Grievance Officer by following the AUD Grievance Process described below.

• People of Determination Disabilities

  POLICY NAME: PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION/DISABILITIES
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  
  Non-Discrimination Statement
  AUD does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of physical or mental disability and is fully committed to providing reasonable accommodations, including appropriate auxiliary aids and services, to qualified individuals with a disability, unless providing such accommodations would result in an undue burden or fundamentally alter the nature of the relevant program, benefit, or service provided by AUD.
  
  PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION
  
  People of Determination Support Services
  The American University in Dubai is committed to providing reasonable accommodations and equal access to university programs and activities for people of determination with documented disabilities. A reasonable accommodation is one that is consistent with academic standards of the university and does not require substantial course or program alteration. The Health Center welcomes and encourages students with disabilities to identify themselves and to seek access to needed accommodations.
  
  To ensure that accommodations are provided in a timely fashion, AUD encourages students to submit their requests well in advance of the start of any coursework for which the accommodation is requested.
  
  Accommodations for People of Determination
  Academic support accommodations that are provided to people of determination are based on their condition’s limitations and specialist’s recommendations.
  
  People of determination can suffer from a physical, mental, or learning impairment/condition or disability that affects his/her lifestyle, limits one or more major life activities, and requires special accommodations.
  
  

  • Physical conditions like: Diabetes, Heart problems, Epilepsy, Cancer, and others.
  • Mental conditions like: Anxiety, Depression, Asperger’s Syndrome and others.
  • Learning disorders like: ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, and Dyscalculia.

  Accommodation Request Process for People of Determination
  In order to request an accommodation, students must take the following actions:
  
  

  1. Disclose his/her special condition via the Student Health History Form;
  2. Provide the AUD Health Center with a medical report of his/her condition, signed by a doctor. In situations regarding students with psychological issues, a copy of any mental health reports will be given to the Personal Counselor;
  3. Meet with the Health Center Director, and the Personal Counselor (for mental-health related cases) to evaluate his/her needs and level of support required, if any;
  4. Sign the Special Accommodations Request Form (SARF) following the intake and assessment completed by the above-mentioned staff, to ensure that he/she understands the services being provided and the notification process as it relates to the academic units. This includes providing students with guidelines regarding the confidential nature of their file(s);
  5. Meet with the Health Center Director or Personal Counselor to assess any academic support needed in terms of course load and course combination
  6. A copy of the Special Accommodations Request Form will be emailed to students’ instructors, and additional copies will remain in the Health Center and with the Personal Counselor. After receiving this form, the instructor should meet with the student privately to discuss applying these accommodations. The instructor can discuss any concerns about applying these accommodations with the Health Center Director or the Personal Counselor; and,
  7. If a student has been diagnosed with a condition after admission to AUD, the student may request assistance at a period not less than two weeks before midterms or final exams, and will be required to follow the procedures as outlined above. Application of SARF is not retroactive.

  
  In cases where students have missed classes, a midterm, or an exam, the student must provide a medical note from a doctor/hospital, which will be verified and approved by the Health Center Director or the Personal Counselor (for mental-health cases). The instructor will be notified by the above-mentioned staff member(s), as needed.
  
  Students who refuse to benefit from the services/facilities provided through the Special
  Accommodations Request Form (SARF) or wish to discontinue their application during their
  academic stay, he/she must sign the Special Accommodations (SA) Waiver Form in the presence
  of the Health Center Director and Personal Counselor.
  
  Confidentiality
  The student is not obligated to disclose their condition or present any medical documentation or absence note to the instructor as this is considered confidential information privy to the Heath Director and Personal Counselor. The Health Center Director will notify the student’s professors of the legitimate medical documentation.
  
  All medical files remain confidential with the exception of relevant faculty and staff being notified if they are expected to provide accommodations.
  
  All communications between Health Center staff and a student automatically considered a “patient” is confidential, however, the Health Center Director is obliged to break confidentiality in these situations: if at risk of self-harm, at risk of harming someone else, or court ordered to release information.
  
  The medical documentation does not excuse the student from class. A final decision on how to proceed remains at the instructor’s discretion.

• Smoke-Free Campus

  POLICY NAME: SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  In order to maintain a healthy environment at AUD and to promote the prevention of illness and encourage students, staff and faculty to lead a healthy lifestyle, a smoke-free campus policy has been put in place to reduce the use of tobacco products on campus. The objectives are to reduce the number of smokers on campus and to support those who wish to stop smoking; discourage freshmen students from starting the habit as university students; and to raise awareness on the dangers of smoking.
  
  Those responsible for the application of the policy are the Security Supervisor and Security Staff, Student Affairs Office, and Human Resources Office.
  
  Three isolated areas on campus have been designated for smokers, equipped with benches and ashtrays. A three point warning system is in place for AUD students, faculty and staff members caught smoking outside these designated areas. (See AUD Student Handbook for details).

• Student Records Access and Release

  POLICY NAME: STUDENT RECORDS ACCESS AND RELEASE
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  The university has established a policy for the release of records containing information on students.
  
  

  • Each student attending AUD shall have the right to inspect and review the contents of his/her education records, including grades, records of attendance and other information. Parents are not entitled to inspect and review financial or academic records of their students, unless prior written authorization from the student is on the student’s file. The Consent to Release Education Records Form is signed by the student upon joining the university. A copy of the Form is available online under the Registrar’s Office.
  • A student’s education records are defined as files, materials, or documents including those in electronic format that contain information directly related to the student and are maintained by the institution. Access to a student’s education records is afforded to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records, such as for purposes of recording grades, attendance, and advising, and determining financial aid eligibility.
  • Students may request that the institution amend any of their education records, if they believe the record contains information that is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of their privacy rights. The request for change must be made online at https://registrarforms.aud.edu. Grades and any other assessment(s) related to student performance (recorded and/or reflected) can be challenged only on the grounds that they are improperly recorded. The instructor or staff member involved will review the request, if necessary meet with the student, and then determine whether to retain, change, or delete the disputed data. If a student requests a further review, the Provost and Chief Academic Officer will conduct a hearing, giving the student a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the disputed issues. The student will be notified of the Provost and Chief Academic Officer’s decision. Copies of student challenges and any written explanations regarding the contents of the student’s record will be retained as part of the student’s permanent record.
  • Directory information is information on a student that the university may release to third parties without the consent of the student. AUD has defined directory information as the student’s name, address(es), telephone number(s), email address, birth date and place, program undertaken, dates of attendance, credential awarded. If a student does not want some or all of his or her directory information to be released to third parties without his or her consent, the student must present such a request in writing to the Registrar within the term of the student’s initial enrollment.
  • The written consent of the student is required before personally identifiable information from education records on that student may be released to a third party, except for those disclosures referenced above, disclosures to accrediting commissions and government agencies, and other disclosures permitted by law. All students are requested to complete the Consent to Release “Education Records” Form.
  • A student who believes that AUD has violated his or her rights concerning the release of or access to his or her records may file a grievance with the University’s Grievance Officer or the UAE Ministry of Education in Dubai: tel 80051115, Email ccc.moe@moe.gov.ae (MOE Call Center)

• Student Records Integrity

  POLICY NAME: STUDENT RECORDS INTEGRITY
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  AUD practices the standard of developing and implementing effective management systems that ensure integrity, confidentiality, security and accurate interpretation of institutional records. As such, AUD has implemented policies and procedures to protect the security of the student records in our electronic database (CampusNexus), created adequate backup procedures, and updated procedures for approving grade changes. The integrity and confidentiality of student record information continues to be one of the highest priorities of the university.*
  
   * AUD upholds the commitment to respect and protect the privacy of student information according to AUD policy and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974.

• Transfer Credit from AUD to other Colleges and Universities

  POLICY NAME: TRANSFER CREDIT FROM AUD TO OTHER COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  AUD neither implies nor guarantees that credits completed will be accepted by other institutions. Each institution has policies that govern the acceptance of credit from other institutions. Transfer of credit is a privilege granted by the institution to which a student may seek admission. Students seeking to transfer credits earned at AUD to other postsecondary institutions should contact the college or university to which they seek admission to inquire as to that institution’s policies on credit transfer and acceptance.

• Unlawful Harassment

  POLICY NAME: UNLAWFUL HARASSMENT
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  AUD is committed to the policy that all members of the university community, including its faculty, students, and staff, have the right to be free from unlawful discrimination in the form of sexual harassment by any other member of the university community. Should a student or staff member feel that he or she has been unlawfully harassed, they should immediately inform the Dean of Student Affairs (students) or supervisor (faculty/staff)*. Unlawful harassment refers to behavior that is not welcome, which is personally offensive or undesirable to the recipient. All students and employees must be allowed to work and study in an environment free from unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtures and advances. Unlawful harassment undermines the employee/student/university relationship, and it will not be tolerated.
  
  * of accused

• Use of Social Media Channels

  POLICY NAME: USE OF AUD SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
  POLICY CATEGORY: GENERAL POLICIES
  POLICY STATEMENT:
  With social media, the AUD Community grows beyond the walls of the university to include the whole world. AUD’s Facebook®, Twitter®, LinkedIn®, Instagram®, and YouTube® profiles have been created to share news and events about the university and its community. It is important that we remain respectful of the environment in which we are in, mindful of other people and constructive in our day-to-day postings. The following guidelines will keep AUD’s social media profiles up to standard:
  
  Posting comments: while feedback and criticism are always welcome, they need to be constructive. No political, religious, racist, commercial, sexual, alcohol and tobacco-related or potentially offensive content may be posted on AUD’s social media profiles. Material deemed offensive by the Administrators will immediately be deleted and the student will be blocked.
  
  Advertising and Promotions (Anti-Spam): some promotions and advertising pertaining to the AUD Community may be welcome but requires the Administrators’ approval. Abuse on AUD’s social media profiles will be considered as spam and dealt with accordingly. Advertising and promotions deemed as spam by the Administrators will immediately be deleted and the person and/or company will be blocked.