Student Conduct Policy

Apicius Armenia (AA) mission is to create a stimulating cultural environment that fosters both creative and intellectual growth. In order to provide such an environment, we have established rules of conduct consistent with this goal. When you enroll, you agree to abide by the established rules of conduct, both while on and off campus.

BEHAVIOR WITHIN THE COMMUNITY
Each student is expected to act as a responsible member of the school and residential community while attending. Reckless or dangerous behavior within the school, residence or community is prohibited. Damage to or destruction of school, residence or fellow student property is against school policy. Violation of these policies may affect academic standing and may result in probation and/or expulsion.

CLASSROOM RULES AND REGULATIONS
Please note that some courses and departments have specific regulations regarding uniforms, equipment usage, and materials. Please see the course syllabi and Student Manual for further details.

HOUSING POLICY
Students assigned to institutional housing are expected to adhere to the policy outlined in the housing contract signed upon arrival. Further details and sanctions for violations can be consulted in the housing policy.

DRUG ABUSE
The unlawful possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs or prescription medication by students is in violation of both school policy and Armenian Law. Violators are subject to both disciplinary action by AA and prosecution by Armenian authorities. Possession or use of illegal drug will result in suspension or dismissal. Certain prescription medications that are legal and commonly used in other countries (e.g., Adderall, used to treat ADD/ADHD) are classified as narcotic or psychotropic substances in Armenia and are tightly regulated or banned.
The unauthorized sharing or possession of such medication is considered a criminal offense under Armenian law (Criminal Code, Articles 266–268).

ALCOHOL ABUSE
Drunkenness and intoxication are unacceptable, regardless of age. The abuse of alcohol by students, on or off campus, is a violation of school policy. Violation of this policy may affect academic standing or possibly result in expulsion.

ASSAULT AND FIGHTING
Assault, defined as a physical attack or immediate threat of force against another person with intent to cause harm, is a violation of school policy and is deemed a serious offense and will result in immediate suspension or dismissal. Fighting, defined as two or more people engaged in physical attempts to harm each other, is a violation of school policy. A student will be found in violation of this policy if he or she uses any violence that exceeds the force necessary for self-protection. Violation of this policy may result in suspension or dismissal. The use of threats of physical violence is prohibited. Violation of this policy may result in suspension or dismissal.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
We seek to maintain a learning environment free from sexual harassment, including sexism in the classroom, unprofessional conduct in faculty-student relationships and inappropriate conduct between fellow students. These kinds of behavior are barriers to the educational purposes of the school. Sexual harassment is a violation of school policy and is deemed a serious offense by the school. The determination of what constitutes sexual harassment varies with the particular circumstances; however, it may be described generally as unwanted sexual behavior, such as physical contact or verbal comments or suggestions that adversely affects the working or learning environment of an individual. Any student who believes that he or she has been sexually harassed is encouraged to bring the matter to the attention of the school leadership. There are specific procedures for the resolution of sexual harassment and inappropriate or unprofessional conduct, ranging from informal counseling and mediation to formal procedures for disciplinary action.

SEPARATION
AA reserves the right to administratively separate a student for health or psychological reasons whenever there is concern for the safety or well-being of the student or others. Every student must know the policies and procedures. Accordingly, each student will receive a copy of these policies at the beginning of the academic term. AA reserves the right to change or modify policies and procedures at any time. Should changes occur, students will be notified through either printed material or electronic communication. It is the student's responsibility to read these notifications.

ENFORCEMENT OF POLICIES
Determination of Violation: in the case of a violation of the code of conduct, the following process will be followed:
  1. After a report is filed, the student will be required to meet with the school leadership or a designated delegate
  2. This meeting will provide an opportunity for the student and the designed delegate to discuss the charge of policy violation.
  3. If the student does not admit to the charge, it is the responsibility of the designated delegate to decide whether the evidence demonstrates a violation of policy.
SANCTIONS
In the case of policy violation, the school leadership or designated Apicius Armenia officer will choose from following sanctions:
  • Verbal/written reprimand
  • Restitution for damages
  • Academic or behavioral probation
  • Expulsion
CONSEQUENCES OF EXPULSION
Academic Record: The expulsion will be noted on the student's academic transcript.
Campus Access: The expelled student will lose all rights and privileges associated with being a student, including access to campus classrooms, library and gym.
Financial Obligations: The student remains responsible for any outstanding financial obligations to the university. The already made payments to the school will not be returned to the student.
Readmission: An expelled student is not eligible for readmission to the university.

APPEALS
A student has the right to appeal a sanction pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct. Generally, an appeal is only heard if there is significant new information that has been discovered which alters the facts of the matter and may alter the outcome. The severity of a sanction is not a legitimate ground for an appeal.
The student's exercise of appeal must be made to the school leadership in writing and must be received within five (5) business days of the date of the sanction.

COMPLAINTS, GRIEVANCES, AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
AA is committed to fulfilling its mission and meeting its obligations as an institute of higher education. The institution recognizes that members of its community may encounter issues or occasionally be dissatisfied with the service they receive. AA is therefore committed to maintaining an effective procedure to allow members of its community to voice grievances, and to investigating complaints and rectifying any errors. AA encourages and endeavors to resolve grievances informally at the earliest opportunity before the formal procedure is required. Problems, complaints and/or grievances may involve other students, staff, faculty or university policies or procedures.

ACADEMIC ISSUES
Academic issues must be brought to the attention of the Academic Affairs Office for areas such as:
  • Advising processes
  • Course-related areas such as content and methodologies, delivery, grading, exams, attendance
  • Faculty-related issues
Some issues may require an evaluation of the school leadership. In such cases, students are asked to file a formal petition.

NON-ACADEMIC SERVICES
For any issues related to non-academic services students may contact the Student Affairs office.

INITIAL STEPS
Students should first contact the parties or offices directly involved (i.e. fellow student, staff member) in a frank, respectful way. Any communication should describe clearly the nature of the issue, the names of any parties involved and a description of any efforts made to resolve the problem.

ESCALATION
If unresolved, the student should seek an appointment with a Student Affairs manager/student adviser. Further unresolved issues can be escalated to the school leadership.

FINAL ESCALATION
In the event this does not resolve any dispute or provide a satisfactory understanding of the situation, the student should write to the school leadership and request an appointment.

BILLING, TRANSCRIPT, CERTIFICATES
For complaints related to billing, transcripts, or certificates, students and alums in the latter case may contact the school administration.
For cases involving transcripts and diplomas, the school administration will verify requests according to official student records and/or consult the academic units that were involved in grade or graduation statuses.