1. Introduction

In fulfilling its mission “to address the needs of Armenia and the surrounding region for sustainable development, in a setting that values and develops academic excellence, free inquiry, integrity, scholarship, leadership, and service to society,” the American University of Armenia (hereafter referred to ‘the University’) seeks to provide a supportive environment that relies on all members of its community to demonstrate good behavior, self discipline and good judgment based on shared values.

The Student Code of Conduct supports a student’s right to learn and participate in the University community and establishes standards of behavior for students and student organizations at the University or at any university-sponsored activity that are conducive to learning, the exchange of knowledge, the intellectual development of students, and the general good of society.

2. Rights

As members of the University community students enjoy the right to learn. As such, students have the right to free and open expression and exchange of ideas; peaceful assembly; and a clean, safe, and respectful learning environment.

3. Responsibilities

Being a student at the American University of Armenia comes with both opportunities and responsibilities.   Students share responsibility for maintaining the safety, health and growth of the learning environment. 

Enrollment at the University is voluntary and constitutes voluntary acceptance of the performance and behavior standards of an academic community.  These standards are much higher than those imposed by civil and criminal law.   Every student at the University is expected to abide by local and national law, all University policies, rules and procedures and to uphold the Student Code of Conduct. 

Students enrolling at the University assume the responsibility to behave in a manner compatible with an academic community and the University’s function as an educational institution.

Admission to the University constitutes acceptance of this and all University policies.

4. Prohibited Behavior

In instances where violations of behavior expectations occur, the University must protect the interests of members of the University community, individually and collectively.  

4.1.       Disruptive Conduct.  A student shall not interfere with, impair or obstruct the conduct or function of the University or any of its students, faculty, staff, guests or the surrounding community.  Specific violations include, but are not limited to

• threatening the safety, health or welfare of another person;
• interfering with the freedom of movement of another person;
• interfering with a faculty member or University official in the performance of his or her duty;
• interfering with the freedom of speech, assembly or religion, or association of another person;
• making or exhibiting loud, inappropriate, or disruptive noise or behavior; acting dangerously, recklessly or in a manner that causes a disruption to the function or operation of the University;
• interfering with the learning process.

4.2.       Any type of physical or verbal abuse, or assault or the threat of assault to any person.

4.3.       Any form of sexual assault, abuse or harassment of another person.

4.4.       Unauthorized or illegal consumption, distribution or possession of alcohol, controlled substances or illegal drugs or being in any University building, facility, property, service, resource, or activity while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

4.5.       Smoking cigarettes or other smoking paraphernalia, including e-cigarettes, on campus.

4.6.       Theft or attempted theft of University property or the property of any other person and/or possession of stolen property.

4.7.       Vandalism, damage, destruction, or defacement of University property or the property of other person.

4.8.       Failure to comply with the appropriate directive of a University official including, but not limited to, refusing to present University identification or identify oneself to a University staff or faculty member or security guard.

4.9.       The wagering of money or anything of material value (gambling), including gambling with playing cards.

4.10.    Possession, use, or distribution of firearms, ammunition, explosives, weapons, or any object used as a weapon.

4.11.    Failure to appear as a defendant or witness in a Student Code of Conduct investigation.   A student involved in a Student Conduct matter is allowed to remain silent.

4.12.    Violation of University policies, rules or regulations as stated at policies.aua.am, or local or national law.

4.13.    Playing of cards in public spaces on campus.

 5. Local or national law

Violation of local or national law may lead to disciplinary action at the University.  And, a violation of the Student Code of Conduct may also constitute a violation of local or national law.   If so, prosecution through the justice system may result but does not negate the possibility of simultaneous resolution through the University.  Students should be aware that status as a student does not insulate one from awareness of and compliance with local or national laws.

6. Process

It is both the right and responsibility of all members of the University community to report violations of the Student Code of Conduct to the Provost or in matters of immediate danger to life or property to University security guards or state bodies. 

A Student Code of Conduct Violation Report must be made in writing either to [email protected] or via physical correspondence addressed to Provost, Student Code of Conduct, Baghramyan 40, Yerevan 0019 Republic of Armenia.

6.1.    Upon receipt of the Student Code of Conduct Violation Report, the Provost or provost-designee shall:

6.1.1. take immediate action necessary to alleviate harm to life or property and assure safety;

6.1.1.1. If the student(s) is reasonably likely to present a threat to herself/himself or others or if the student(s) poses a threat of disruption of or interference with the normal operation of the University, immediate action may include the temporary suspension (removal from campus) of the student(s) involved for a period of up to seven (7) business days to provide for a thorough review of the incident through the Standing Committee on Student Conduct and Ethics.  In such cases, the student(s) will be denied access to University facilities, activities or privileges as deemed appropriate by the Provost or provost-designee.

6.1.2. evaluate the alleged violation and, if disciplinary investigation action is warranted:

6.1.2.1. refer the case to the Standing Committee on Student Conduct and Ethics, which will review the allegation and recommend appropriate action for final decision by the President as outlined in the Standing Committee on Student Conduct and Ethics Procedure Regulation.

6.1.3. notify the student in question in writing--via email or paper correspondence--that s/he is subject to disciplinary investigation.

7. Disciplinary Measures, Notification and Stipulations 

7.1.       Disciplinary Measures.  The following disciplinary measures may be imposed, singularly or in conjunction with one another:

7.1.1. Verbal Warning

7.1.2. Written Warning

7.1.3. Suspension

7.1.4. Dismissal

7.1.5. Revocation of Admission or Degree. Admission to or a degree awarded from the University may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of University standards in obtaining the degree.

The measures above will be applied depending on the severity of the incident, the impact of the violation(s), and/or the discipline history of the student(s) involved.

7.2.       Notification

Notices of disciplinary action are sent to the disciplined student by the Registrar.

Underage students (those younger than 18 years) are subject to parental notification.

7.3.       Stipulations

In addition to the measures above, stipulations may be applied. Stipulations include but are not limited to:

• financial restitution for damages incurred as a result of the violation
• restrictions placed on a student’s ability to register for credits or other holds placed on their status

In addition, the following will be adhered to:

7.3.1. Notices of all disciplinary action will be maintained in a student’s record.

7.3.2. Students suspended or dismissed from the University, as a result of disciplinary action, will have a notation placed on their official transcript.

7.3.2.1. Notations will read as “Disciplinary Suspension” and/or “Disciplinary Dismissal” respectively.

7.3.2.1.1. Suspension: If the student remains in good disciplinary standing after the violation and completes the requirements for graduation, the student may request removal of the suspension notation at the time s/he applies for graduation. Requests for removal of the notation must be submitted to the Office of the Provost.  The Provost, in consultation with other University officials, will make the final decision regarding removal of the notation. 

7.3.2.1.2.   Temporarily suspended students (See 6.1.1. above) who are subsequently cleared of any wrong doing will not have a notation on their official transcript.

7.3.2.1.3.   Dismissal: The notation is permanent.  

7.3.3. Outstanding debts. Students suspended or dismissed must clear all outstanding debts.

7.3.4. Refund Policy.  No refunds of tuition, fees, or housing will be provided to any student suspended or dismissed from the University.

8. Appeal

Students may appeal sanctions under this Code to the Ethics & Grievance Committee under the current version of the Ethics and Grievance Committee Grievance Procedure Regulation.

9. Definitions

9.1.    Verbal warning: An official statement, although oral, that a student’s conduct is in violation of the Student Code of Conduct or a University policy or regulation.

9.2.    Written warning: A notice in writing (electronic or paper) that the student is in violation of the Student Code of Conduct or a University policy or regulation.

9.3.    Suspension. Temporary termination of enrollment (forced withdrawal) of up to one full academic year. Suspended students may not enter the University or attend University-sponsored events or activities, except with the explicit written permission of the President or Provost.   Violation of any condition of suspension shall be grounds for dismissal.

9.4.    Dismissal. Termination of enrollment.   

9.5.    AUA Community:  any person studying, working or visiting AUA.

10. Possible Discrepancies

If any provision of this policy directly contradicts a provision of an academic program, the relevant provision in this policy shall prevail.