Holistic Ethical Culture

Introduction

Establishing an ethical organizational culture is essential for the American University of the Middle East (AUM) to foster an environment rooted in integrity, trust, and social responsibility. A holistic approach ensures that ethical principles permeate all aspects of university life, including academics, administration, and student affairs. This section outlines the strategies employed by AUM to promote a comprehensive and sustainable ethical culture.

Leadership and Values

AUM’s leadership plays a pivotal role in setting the ethical tone across the institution. Leaders demonstrate commitment through action, reinforcing a clear set of ethical principles that guide decision-making at all levels.

The University affirms its dedication to ethical culture in various official statements and emphasizes the development of leaders committed to global ethical values.

The six values below encapsulate the bedrock on which the organization's success has been built.

Ethical Code of Conduct and Principles

AUM has established a comprehensive ethical framework through its Codes of Conduct for students and faculty/staff. These documents define expected behaviors and ensure accountability across the institution.

The Student Code of Conduct, outlined in the Student Handbook, addresses both academic and non-academic misconduct, including:

• Cheating and plagiarism

• Dishonesty

• Use of unauthorized materials

• Violations of examination rules

AUM’s practices in maintaining academic integrity align with international benchmarks such as those promoted by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

Promoting Inclusion and Preventing Discrimination

AUM is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment. The university actively guards against all forms of discrimination affecting faculty and staff through:

• Clearly defined institutional values displayed across campus

• Formal grievance procedures (see GG1.4)

• Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies

These measures ensure fairness and respect within the university community.

Cross-Cutting Principle: Ethics and Integrity in Educational Philosophy

Ethics and integrity are embedded as a cross-cutting principle within AUM’s educational and learning philosophy. The university emphasizes not only academic excellence but also the development of ethically responsible graduates.

As outlined in AUM’s educational philosophy, learning is designed to:

• Encourage critical thinking alongside ethical reasoning

• Promote responsible citizenship and global awareness

• Integrate ethical considerations into teaching, learning, and assessment practices

This approach ensures that ethical values are not treated as standalone concepts but are interwoven throughout the student learning experience, shaping both professional competence and personal character.

Ethics Training and Education: Ethical Values-based Training at AUM to Foster an Ethical Culture

To cultivate an ethical culture, AUM provides continuous ethics training for faculty, staff, and students. These programs emphasize:

• Ethical decision-making and reasoning

• Awareness of ethical responsibilities

• Consequences of unethical behavior

Ethical values-based training is comprehensive, practical, and mandatory, ensuring that all community members are equipped to apply ethical principles in their daily roles. This proactive approach strengthens a cohesive culture grounded in integrity and accountability.

Additional detailed evidence provided separately

AUM’s ethical culture is reinforced through multiple institutional mechanisms, including:

• Ethics Training and Education

• Unit for Ethical Compliance with designated oversight

• Staff grievance procedures

• Anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies

• Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment frameworks

• Diversity and Inclusiveness Committee and designated officers to advise on and implement policies, programmes and trainings