Student & Staff Welfare and Professional Conduct Policy

1.0 Policy Statement

1.1 LUBM is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all members of its community, including students, faculty, and staff. This policy outlines the standards of conduct expected in all personal relationships and provides a framework for student welfare and support. All LUBM operations, including this policy, are subject to and shall operate in full compliance with the laws of the United Arab Emirates.

2.0 Scope and Definitions

2.1 This policy applies to all LUBM staff (including full-time, part-time, and contracted personnel) and students enrolled in any LUBM programme.

• Staff: Any individual employed by or under contract with LUBM.
• Student: Any individual enrolled in an LUBM programme.
• Personal Relationship: A relationship that is not professional in nature and is outside the scope of LUBM.

3.0 Personal and Professional Relationships

3.1 LUBM maintains a clear distinction between professional and personal relationships to protect the integrity of the academic environment and to prevent any real or perceived conflicts of interest.

3.2 Staff-Student Relationships: Due to the inherent power imbalance in the educational context, personal relationships between staff and students are strictly prohibited. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the relationship is consensual. A staff member who enters into such a relationship will be considered to be in breach of this policy and may face disciplinary action, including dismissal.

3.3 Student-Student and Staff-Staff Relationships: All members of the LUBM community are expected to maintain professional and respectful conduct in all interactions, whether online or in person. While LUBM respects the personal lives of its community members, any personal relationship that negatively impacts the academic or professional environment, causes distress, or creates a hostile atmosphere will be subject to review under this policy. This includes off-campus conduct that brings the institution into disrepute or negatively impacts its reputation.

4.0 Student Welfare and Wellbeing

4.1 LUBM is committed to supporting the welfare and wellbeing of its students. Recognizing that all students are adults on their own visas, LUBM’s role is to provide a supportive network and resources.

4.2 Support and Guidance: LUBM provides a confidential support service for students seeking guidance on personal, academic, or professional issues. Students can access this support via our dedicated Student Support Office. Our team, led by Ms. Shahana Nadarajah (Welfare Officer) and Mr. Clovious Mashawa (HR), can provide initial guidance and, where necessary, facilitate referrals to external professional services, aligning with the principles outlined in the provided UAEU policy manual.

4.3 Sexual Violence and Misconduct: LUBM has a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of sexual violence and misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and coercion. These acts are strictly prohibited and will result in serious disciplinary action.

• Conduct and Boundaries: All interactions must be based on mutual respect and clear, freely given consent. Consent cannot be given by an individual who is incapacitated. The absence of an objection should not be interpreted as permission.
• Reporting: Any student or staff member who is a victim of, or witness to, sexual violence or misconduct is encouraged to report the incident. All reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. As a matter of policy, confidentiality will be maintained by limiting the disclosure of information on a strict “need-to-know” basis to individuals involved in the investigation and resolution. LUBM will provide support to victims regardless of whether they choose to file a formal report.
• Support: Support services are available to all students impacted by sexual violence or misconduct, whether on or off-campus. This includes emotional and practical support and information on external resources, including legal and medical services.

5.0 Disciplinary Action and External Referral

5.1 Any violation of this policy may lead to disciplinary action, including but not limited to, a formal warning, suspension, or expulsion for students, and formal warning, suspension, or termination of employment for staff.

5.2 In accordance with the laws of the United Arab Emirates, LUBM is obligated to report serious breaches of the law, including acts of violence, to the relevant authorities.