Institutional Policy

AIUB has given highest priority to reach the target and goals set in SDGs. As a pioneering private university, AIUB is playing a leading role to design and implement different policies needed for SDGs. Among those, Climate Action Plan is one of the areas where the management of the university is giving effort to meet certain standards.

AIUB has set an ambitious but realistic Climate Action Plan strategy that places a most green campus and provides the greatest opportunity of sustainable development. To address the issue, almost a decade back the Board of Trustees addressed the University to create a Climate Action Plan (CAP), hence, AIUB convened a Climate Action Task Forced (CATF) comprised of faculty members, staffs, and students to consider a wide variety of options, communicate broadly with the University community, and bring recommendations forward. The focus of the working committee is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions and increasing campus resilience by developing a CAP which is an iterative process that sets preliminary goals, evaluate specific measures, calculates financial report, and then revises the goals. In addition, CATF has explored how the broader issues of climate change and sustainability could be represented throughout AIUB’s most important missions of providing excellent education, research, and a positive life experience for students on its campuses.

Operation

Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient appliances, lighting, heating, and cooling systems. Invest in green energy options like solar panels.

Waste Management: Create effective programs for recycling and composting. Promote reusable alternatives and reduce the usage of single-use plastics.

Green Infrastructure: Develop green spaces, plant diverse trees and use of eco-friendly construction materials as part of the green infrastructure strategy and boost biodiversity.

Water Conservation: Implement water-saving fixtures, monitor usage, and promote water-conscious behaviors.

Sustainable Procurement: Prioritize eco-friendly products, materials, and suppliers.

Awareness Programs: Regularly organize seminars, workshops and awareness programs to promote sustainable and responsible behavior towards nature.

Strategies are in place for reducing the University’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions' footprint of its operation. One of the key aims set out in AIUB is to achieve net zero carbon gradually.

Education

Curriculum Integration: Integrate SDGs into various existing courses across the curriculum. Offer multidisciplinary courses/topics with a climate change focus to ensure foundational understanding of climate issues.

Sustainability Literacy: Organize conferences, workshops, seminars, and other events to enhance environmental awareness and eco-literacy among students, staff and community.

Experiential Learning: Provide hands-on experiences like community garden projects, energy-saving challenges, etc.

Climate Leadership: Train student ambassadors through clubs to lead awareness campaigns and sustainable initiatives.

Research and Innovation

Interdisciplinary Research: Encourage departmental cooperation to tackle issues relating to the climate, from environmental science to politics and technology.

Research Center: Established specialized research center “Center for Sustainable Energy Research (CSER)” under Dr. Anwarul Abedin Institute of Innovation (D2A2I) focusing on sustainable energy including climate change, promoting in-depth analysis and innovation.

Student Involvement: Provide opportunities for students to engage in climate-related research projects, enabling them to contribute to real-world solutions.

Partnerships: Collaborate with industry, governmental agencies, and NGOs to leverage resources and expertise for impactful research.

Community Engagement:

Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations, businesses, NGOs and government agencies to amplify climate initiatives.

Outreach Programs: Organize workshops, seminars, and public lectures to disseminate knowledge and encourage public and community involvement.

Student and Alumni Involvement: Engage students and alumni in local sustainability projects, community clean-ups, and climate-related events.

Continual Improvement:

Feedback Mechanisms: Solicit input from students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders to refine and enhance the Climate Action Plan.

Adaptability: Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices to continuously evolve our sustainability efforts.

By implementing the Climate Action Plan gradually, AIUB commits to playing a proactive role in addressing climate change through sustainable operations, education, research and community engagement fostering a safe global environment.

Facilitator for the Climate Action Plan: Professor Dr. Md. Faruque Hossain

The American International University – Bangladesh (AIUB) is committed to environment enhancement activities by means of research, utilization of resources, facility and funding management.

At AIUB, sustainability is a term defined to comprehend and value the correlation among the earth’s inhabitants and atmosphere. We pledge to engage our collaborative effort and knowledge to uphold this definition.

AIUB aims to work towards achieving sustainability milestones in the following areas in near future:

• Increased number of research conducted focusing sustainability
• Reduction of carbon footprint in campus
• Increase of recycling resources
• Reducing solid waste
• Reducing emission of greenhouse gas
• Lower usage of energy
• More engagement of Students, Faculties and Officials towards sustainability

AIUB gives priority to research and student activities that ensures sustainable development and/ or encompass such components.

Some of the AIUB funded research, student projects and activities are:

Student Solar Car Project

Sustainable living project in collaboration with Habitat

College Student’s Ideas Challenge for sustainable development

Brief Overview

As one of the prominent private universities in Bangladesh, AIUB aims to not only lead by example, but set an example that can inspire and encourage its students, staff, and stakeholders to be sustainable, responsible, and morally ethical in every aspect of their lives beyond just work and studies. The university believes in ensuring environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and accountable governance & integrity.

Policy Scope & Purpose

AIUB is committed to ensuring that all funds are utilized responsibly. The policy outlines the strategy for the usage of funds endowed to the university for specific purposes in dealing with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues that address the focal point of sustainability within the university.

The university will be accountable for its financial resources, managing it with ethical and social obligations. AIUB will maintain its investment policy and practices, with discretion, in alignment with its mission, vision, and strategic priorities, abiding by the fiduciary and investment standards applicable to institutional funds.

Strategic Approach

The university believes that the investment activities must be conducted in a manner that seeks to ensure that the current needs are met without compromising that of the future generations. AIUB understands that this commitment towards investing responsibly must be aligned to the university’s general objectives in the long run. This policy has been developed to enable the university to pursue an ethical approach while minimizing the negative impact on returns, being socially aware and taking morals & ethics into consideration to reap mutual charitable benefits.

• AIUB will ensure that to engage and collaborate with organizations have a responsible culture, practices, and good governance, and not be affiliated with any organization whose operations may be harmful to society or the environment, specifically:

• Weapons/Arms
• Alcohol/Drugs
• Gambling/Illegal Activities

• AIUB will proactively seek opportunities to allocate funds towards promote social responsibilities, reducing carbon emission & greenhouse gases, and develop solutions for climate change, under the Higher Education Sustainability Initiatives (HESI), in cooperation with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). AIUB intends to work towards reducing its carbon footprint, through its infrastructure, policies, and practices.

• AIUB will continuously advocate for human rights, including but not limited to promoting equality of gender, race, and sexuality, and denouncing any and all forms of discrimination within the student community, as well as the staff and stakeholders.

• AIUB will engage in good business ethics, employment practices, and community service that furthers its objectives for establishing sustainable and morally sound organizational practices that always take sustainability into consideration for decisions related to fund allocation in ESG projects

• AIUB will encourage international cooperation with other institutions to promote mutually beneficial collaborative projects geared towards promoting cultural exchanges, minimize global conflicts, and empower stronger partnerships that forge ideas for creating a better future for the leaders of tomorrow

The American International University – Bangladesh (AIUB) is committed to diversity and sustainability as dimensions of an environmentally responsible society. Purchasing decisions at AIUB are aimed to balance social, economic, and environmental factors and consider the impacts resulting from production, transportation, use and disposal of products or services.

The designated procurement committee of AIUB will make procurement decisions that embody AIUB’s commitment including local and global issues affecting social, ecological, and economic sustainability.

Depending on the type of the procurement, requirement and commodity, the following practices must be adopted:

• Maximize e-Procurement or electronic payment vouchering, electronic and paperless processes, and web-based catalogs
• Whenever possible purchase organic and local produce
• Energy efficiency, such as Energy Star, etc. wherever applicable and available
• Exchange or Trade-ins – supplier take back programs
• Reduction of waste
• Reusable, refillable packaging
• Reduction of packing material
• Responsible delivery and transportation process
• Encourage bidders to submit proposals using recycled paper and doubled sided copying to minimize waste
• In case if environment friendly services or products are not available, the University will work with suppliers to identify and develop opportunities

AIUB is committed to ensuring lifelong learning opportunities without any discrimination, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or other similar factors. This policy is applicable to all AIUB students, alumni, employees, and the external community.  AIUB is providing lifelong learning services and activities through different bodies, namely, the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), Office of Human Resources (HR), Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), Office of Students Affairs (OSA), Office of Sports, and Office of Placement & Alumni (OPA). Career development courses, professional counselling, job placement, skill enhancement training for employees & community, and other community services are offered from these bodies. Through continuing education, professional training, and community services individuals can improve their skills and knowledge for professional careers and release their potential to accomplish their goals.

Introduction

At AIUB, we pledge to uphold the loftiest benchmarks of ethics, integrity, and transparency in all our undertakings and interactions. This Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy endeavors to thwart illicit inducements and dishonest practices, safeguarding a just and impartial milieu for all stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, partners, and external entities.

Policy Statement

a. Bribery Prohibition: AIUB strictly prohibits tendering, providing, receiving, or soliciting any form of bribe or corrupt allure, whether in monetary or non-monetary guise, to secure or retain business, academic advantages, or any untoward benefits.

b. Applicability: This policy encompasses all members of the university community, comprising employees, students, contractors, volunteers, agents, and representatives, as well as anyone acting on behalf of the university.

c. Zero Tolerance: The university adopts an unwavering stance against bribery and corruption. Any individual implicated in such activities will be subject to disciplinary measures, which may encompass termination of employment, academic repercussions, legal ramifications, or other appropriate actions.

AIUB is resolute in cultivating a culture of integrity and ethics. This Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy embodies our dedication to combating bribery and corruption, promoting transparency, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct within our institution. By adhering to this policy, we endeavor to maintain the trust and confidence of all our stakeholders while contributing to a just and equitable society.

The detailed policies (Definition of Bribery and Corruption, Compliance and Responsibility, Compliance and Responsibility, Gifts-Hospitality- and Donations, Training and Awareness, Review and Updates) are available with the Human Resources Office.

Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Committee:

• Representative from Office of the Vice Chancellor
• Representative from Office of Human Resources – Secretary
• Representative from Concern Faculty
• Representative from Office of Accounts and Audit
• Representative from Office of Student Affairs
• Representative from Institutional Quality Assurance Cell
• Representative from Office of Administration

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.