Student Grievance Procedure

As a student at AUP, you have the right to raise concerns about issues that negatively affect your student experience and, when necessary, to report a grievance without fear of prejudice or retaliation for initiating the process or participating in its resolution.

The student code of conduct, to which all members of the community are expected to adhere, as well as AUP’s disciplinary and judicial procedures, are outlined in AUP Policy SS008EN - Student Responsibilities. Any student wishing to file a complaint should first read this policy.

Whenever possible, students are encouraged to begin by discussing their concerns directly with the University representative involved. Respectful conversation can often help clarify the situation and lead to an early resolution.  

We recognize, however, that not every concern can be resolved informally. When that happens, AUP offers a clear and supportive grievance process so that students can raise their concerns and feel heard. The University is committed to considering each grievance with care, fairness, and respect, and to working toward a timely and equitable resolution. 

Academic Misconduct  

A number of actions compromise academic integrity and honesty. The most egregious examples of academic misconduct include plagiarism, fabrication, and cheating. Infringements of the Code of Academic Integrity are serious and can lead to failing grades or dismissal from the University. For examples and explanations and more information provided for clarity, please refer to AUP Policy AA014EN - Academic Integrity and AUP Policy AA035EN - Final Grade Change Procedure. 

Resources: The Office of Academic Integrity  
academicintegrity [at] aup.edu (academicintegrity[at]aup[dot]edu)

Academic Grievance 

An Academic Grievance is a complaint or concern raised by a student regarding an academic decision, action, or practice that does not relate to a final grade challenge and that the student believes has been applied unfairly, inconsistently, or arbitrarily. Academic Grievance may include but are not limited to: an arbitrary action by a faculty member that affects a student’s academic experience or standing; the application of academic standards, requirements, or expectations that differ from those applied to other students in the same course or academic program under comparable circumstances; and other academic concerns that do not relate to a final course grade. Concerns regarding a final grade are not addressed through the Academic Grievance Procedure. Students who wish to challenge a final grade should refer to the Final Grade Challenge Procedure .

Where an academic concern falls within the scope of another University policy or procedure, the University may refer the matter to the appropriate process. If a student wishes to report an Academic Grievance, they may do so using the following link:

Discrimination 

AUP policy prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. These values are affirmed by French law and prohibit expressions that incite discrimination, propagate the idea of a superior race, and spread hatred against specific groups. See AUP policy BP023EN - Non-Discrimination for clear standards, definitions, and descriptions of prohibited conduct. 

Resources: Diversity Council, AUP Guidance Counselors, Off-Campus Therapists, Student Life Senior Leadership 

diversitycouncil [at] aup.edu (diversitycouncil[at]aup[dot]edu)

Sexual Misconduct  

Sexual misconduct: Sexual and moral misconduct violate a person's rights, dignity, and integrity. Such acts are contrary to the mission and values of The American University of Paris. AUP prohibits these violations and seeks to foster a climate free from misconduct through coordinated education and prevention programs, clear policies, and a prompt and accessible grievance procedure. See AUP policy HR014EN - Sexual & Moral Misconduct  for clear standards, definitions, and descriptions of prohibited conduct. 

Resources: AUP Guidance Counselors, Off-Campus Therapists, Student Life Senior Leadership

Submit a Grievance Report or Concern 

To ensure your report is directed to the appropriate office and reviewed as efficiently as possible, please use our online reporting form to submit a new grievance report or concern. 

Where a concern falls within the scope of another University policy or procedure, including the Student Responsibilities Policy, the University may refer the matter to the appropriate process. 

Group complaints are not accepted. Each complaint must be filed individually.

This form should not be used to report emergency situations!

In case of emergency, please call International SOS for medical support and advice at +33 1 55 63 36 35 or 112.

Students are encouraged to use the AUP INCIDENT AND SUPPORT REPORT for: 

Non-Academic Grievance / Student Conduct 

Choose this option to report concerns about another student’s behavior or to raise a Non- Academic Grievance related to your experience at AUP. A Non- Academic Grievance report is raised by a student about an experience, decision, behavior, action, or condition within the University community that is not directly related to academic assessment, grading, course content, or other academic evaluation. 

Non- Academic Grievance may involve another student, a staff member, a faculty member in a non-academic context, a university department, service, activity, or campus environment and concerns related to conduct, behavior, or responsibilities addressed under the  Student Responsibilities Policy. 

Non- Academic Grievance may include, but are not limited to: 

• inappropriate, disrespectful, discriminatory, or disruptive conduct; 
• concerns regarding university services, activities, or administrative processes; and 
• concerns regarding conduct or responsibilities addressed under the Student Responsibilities Policy. 
• Unjust treatment by an employee of the University in a way that violates the student’s personal rights. 
• Violations of University policies, procedures, regulations or requirements. 

• Actions impeding a campus climate of intellectual diversity. 

   

Housing Related Incident 

Choose this option if you want to report concerns about student behavior or other incidents related to AUP housing or your residential experience. 

Information Only 

Choose this option if you would like to let the University know about something, but you are not asking for any particular action right now. Sharing the information can still help us understand what is happening and identify any support or follow-up that may be helpful. 

Wellbeing Concern 

Choose this option if you are worried about your own wellbeing or the wellbeing of another student. You can tell us what is concerning you, and the University will consider what support, guidance, or follow-up may be appropriate. 

Even if you already have the email address of a staff member or office, please use the online reporting form when submitting a new matter. The form helps us collect the information needed to route your report appropriately and maintain consistent records. Email may still be used for general questions and follow-up communication.

What Happens After You Submit AUP INCIDENT AND SUPPORT REPORT? 

Once you submit the online reporting form, your report will be reviewed and directed to the appropriate AUP office or staff member based on the nature of your concern and the information you provide. 

If you indicate that you are submitting the report for information only, no further action may be taken unless follow-up is required under University policy or applicable obligations.

A staff member may contact you to better understand the situation, discuss available support, explain your options, and help you decide how you would like to proceed including whether an informal or formal procedure may be appropriate. 

Informal Procedure 

The Informal Procedure is here to help if another student’s behavior has affected you. It gives you a way to share your concerns, explore support options, and discuss steps that may help protect your wellbeing and reduce or manage unwanted contact. 

Possible outcomes may include a mutual agreement that sets expectations for future conduct, measures to prevent or limit contact between the students involved, or restrictions related to access to certain AUP spaces, activities, or services, where appropriate. 

As part of your personal statement, you may also share any outcome or supportive measures for future conduct you would like to consider. Your preferences will be considered when determining appropriate next steps for resolving the situation. You may be asked to: 

• meet with a designated AUP Student Life staff member to discuss the situation, how the reported behavior has affected you, possible ways forward and identify any measures or actions you would like AUP to consider; 
• consider whether you agree with any proposed measures or arrangements. 

The other student or students involved will meet separately with the appropriate AUP staff member. Parties are not required to meet with one another as part of this process. 

The informal procedure does not involve a formal investigation or a determination of whether there was a violation of the Code of Conduct. 

Formal Procedure 

Students may choose to address their concern through a formal procedure. In this case, the Dean of Student Life may oversee and conduct the formal student conduct process directly.

Alternatively, where appropriate or where the student prefers this approach, the Dean of Student Life may convene the Conduct Board to review and investigate the matter in accordance with the applicable student conduct procedures.

The Conduct Board is composed of two staff members appointed by the Dean of Student Life and Community Standards; one faculty member appointed by the Faculty Senate; and two students appointed by the Student Government Association. This board convenes to review grievances that cannot be settled at the level of the Dean of Student Life and Community Standards. Formal complaints filed by students against other students may result in sanctions. A non-exhaustive list of sanctions is provided in Section V of AUP Policy SS008EN - Student Responsibilities.  After hearing all evidence and meeting with all parties concerned, the Conduct Board presents a decision to the Dean of Student Life and Community Standards. 

Students may appeal this decision within five class days as outlined in Section VI of AUP Policy SS008EN - Student Responsibilities. The Appeals Committee is composed of the Dean of Student Life and Community Standards, the Chair of the Faculty Senate, and the SGA President (graduate and/or undergraduate, depending on the case).