In Fall 2009, the provost created the Harassment and Discrimination Policy Committee (HDPC) to formulate integrated polices and separate procedures for cases of harassment (including sexual harassment), discrimination, and other forms of grievance brought by members of the AUB community, as well as patients at AUBMC and participants in University programs. The HDPC included faculty members from four faculties/schools; staff from academic, administrative, and nursing service units; the provost and associate provost; and two students.

The HDPC agreed that current policies and procedures were inadequate to meet the needs of all constituents. While harassment and especially sexual harassment cases required immediate action and the maximum possible confidentiality, discrimination cases and other forms of grievance were best addressed by a gradual, incremental approach that encouraged resolution at the lowest possible level of authority before appeal to the president. The HDPC spent the rest of the academic year drafting new policies and procedures prefaced by a brief preamble emphasizing AUB’s commitment to ethical principles and conduct. After a thorough review by senior administrators, including University counsel, and the Board of Deans and Senate, these policies and procedures were approved by the Board of Trustees in November 2012. Preparations for implementation, including an awareness and education campaign, are currently underway. 

Committee members also developed terms of reference and other documentation relevant to the establishment of an Ombuds Office at the University. The Ombuds will serve as an independent, informal, neutral, and confidential resource to explore solutions to ethics concerns as they develop. More information on the Ombuds Office appears in the 'Policies Concerning Sexual and Other Discriminatory Harassment.'

Excerpt from the text...

"The goal of this Policy is to strengthen our community by emphasizing our shared responsibility for ethical conduct, both as individuals and as members of groups. Each of us has a role to play in maintaining a dignified and respectful educational and professional environment. 

"Among other things, members of the AUB community are expected to:

  1.   Maintain a high level of personal and academic integrity;

  2.   Value the unique nature of their fellows;

  3.   Respect differences in personal characteristics and worldview;

  4.   Behave courteously in everyday interactions and activities;

  5.   Treat others with impartiality, avoiding favoritism or negative bias;

  6.   Act in good faith and assume that others will do the same;

  7.   Communicate respectfully, both verbally and in writing;

  8.   Respect the property of the University and of others;

  9.   Adhere to university policies and procedures;

10.   Comply with applicable laws and regulations;

11.   Refrain from abusing authority or power over others; and

12.   Initiate action to correct behavior inconsistent with the Principles when it occurs.

"We are all accountable to ourselves, to each other, and to the University for our behavior and actions."

Non-Discrimination Policy

 

Policies Concerning Sexual and Other Discriminatory Harassment

Procedures to Address Formal Allegations of Sexual and Other Discriminatory Harassment

Grievance Policy and Procedures (for Staff, Faculty, and Students)

 

Related Policies and Procedures: Research Integrity

The provost also set up a second Risk Reduction and Management Committee to develop policies and procedures related to AUB’s Human Research Protection Program – including, for the first time, a Research Integrity Policy and Procedures to Address Allegations of Research Misconduct. Both policy and procedures were approved by the BOD, Senate, and BOT, and are now active.

For information on the Institutional Review Board and other policies and procedures developed to protect the rights, welfare, and privacy of all individuals participating in biomedical, social, and behavioral research, please check the IRB website.