Partnerships
The commitment of the American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB) to the most fundamental principles of human dignity, equality of opportunity and academic freedom requires that decisions involving students and employees be based on individual merit and be free from all forms of discrimination.
The American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB) will not engage in or endorse discrimination or harassment against any students and employees because of religion, race, color, age, disability, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation including gender identity.
This nondiscrimination policy applies to student admissions, employment, access to and engagement in the university programs and activities.
The complaint and grievance procedures of AIUB provide student and employees with the methods for the resolution of complaints that allege a violation of this statement. All such inquiries or complaints are to addressed and acted by the appropriate office (Office of Student Affairs for students and the Office of the Human Resources for employees).
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) is committed to impart quality education by promoting responsible and productive global citizens adhering to high degree of ethical standards.
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
Higher education is in a constant state of change. Societal demands and expectations of what knowledge should deliver are multiple and expanding. In Bangladesh alone, the growth in the number of higher education institutions has grown double in the last decade.
The pace and scope of these changes are fuelled by the conviction that knowledge society offers the best path to wealth and well-being, and they are influenced by the process of globalization, technological advances and market forces.
The formative and socializing role of higher education in educating ever-increasing number and often a culturally more diverse group of students, place additional responsibility on the entire academic community to deepen ethical self-awareness, to act with integrity and to examine the implications of their actions in the wider community.
Recognizing this responsibility, a shared understanding of what constitutes ethical academic behaviour inherent in these core universal values should form the basis of the Institutional Code of Ethics which must, in addition, promote the following principles:
- Upholding academic integrity in teaching and research by establishing, disseminating and monitoring policies and procedures related to integrity issues including sanctioning academic misconduct. Avoiding fraud of any kind, including plagiarism, deliberate fabrication or falsification of data, unauthorized duplication and unwarranted authorship, piracy of thesis or projects, and the use of ghost writers and unwarranted co-authorship.
- Supporting equity, justice and non-discrimination both as an employer and as an institution of higher learning by fully and publicly adhering to and applying the principle of fairness in all dealings and interactions with members of the academic community; establishing clear standards, practices and monitoring procedures concerning hiring, promotion and dismissal of all personnel, as well as for student admissions and related activities; and ensuring that all complaints and appeals are subject to due process.
- Fostering sense of responsibility, accountability and transparency in all operations and when investigating cases of academic misconduct. Promoting decision-making based on merit, along with ability, and performance as the key criteria in the standards used for the selection, compensation and promotion of faculty members, technical and administrative staff as well as students. Ensuring policies and resources are in place that uphold a high quality of teaching, proper student supervision and fair and transparent evaluation of student performance according to criteria available in advance. A commitment to the provision of accurate and factual information; sanctions for the use of inappropriate, illegal or untruthful means to enhance personal or institutional prestige or to seek other material rewards. Avoidance of all abuse of powers by any member of the academic community for political, economic or personal gain by: disseminating clear definitions and rules governing conflict of interest, abuse of power, including political, economic, sexual and/or moral harassment; Establishing mechanisms that all members of the academic community can use in confidence to lodge complaints of such abuses and know that investigations will follow.
- Respect for opinions by free and open dissemination of knowledge and information by guaranteeing academic freedom within the profession and allowing all members of the academic community to express themselves freely as professionals and otherwise as engaged members of society; instilling in students the capacity for reasoned dialogue, argument and debate. Promoting and safeguarding mutual respect between teacher and student, non-discrimination, trustworthiness and avoiding all abuse of power and harassment.
- Harmonious relationship with institutional partners. Building international linkages and cooperation on the basis of core values of academic freedom, institutional autonomy and related local and global responsibilities to society; ensuring that short-term as well as long-term impacts on each participant and wider society are taken into consideration when collaboration is being planned; placing shared interests, pursuit of mutual benefits and avoidance of adverse effects at the core of all international exchanges. Avoiding misrepresentation of institutional interests when establishing international collaborative partnerships or pursuing international cooperation projects.
By adopting the above-mentioned statement of principles, AIUB demonstrates its commitment to implementing these ethical values.
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) is committed to inclusive excellence where diversity and equality are embedded and manifested in all activities and strategic directions of the university. It is dedicated to creating and maintain an environment within which inclusive learning, fair treatment and diversity are valued and discrimination is challenged. The diversity and inclusion committee are dedicated to continuously improve in addressing any discrimination or equality issues within the university community.
The goal of this committee is to promote and support a diverse community of students and employees
The Diversity and Equality Committee of AIUB has representatives from both academic and administrative employees. The committee is Chaired by the Vice Chancellor, with the members as follows:
- Representative from each Faculty
- Representative from Office of the Registrar
- Representative from Office of Human Resources - Secretary
- Representative from Office of Student Affairs
- Representative from IQAC
- Representative from Office of Administration
- Representative from Student Community
Functions of the Diversity and Equality Committee:
- Periodically review diversity, equality, inclusion, and human right polices and recommend for changes or revisions
- Monitor the University’s policies, procedures and ensure its implementations
- Regularly undertake data analysis and conduct surveys of focus groups to improve the student experience on academic areas and wellbeing initiatives
- Working closely with the other departments, the committee also provide extra teaching and learning resources to help students with their study skills and overall university life
- Encourage and support students, faculty and employees who take part in diversity and equality activities
- Ensure to provide appropriate diversity and equality related capacity building activities to all students, faculty, and employees
- Evaluate diversity and equality related progress and its impacts on different stakeholders of the university
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