Applied Science University is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, and transparency in all aspects of institutional governance. The Institutional Ethics and Integrity Committee (IEIC) provides an independent mechanism for promoting, monitoring, and safeguarding ethical standards across the University.
The IEIC addresses institutional, organisational, and governance ethics. It is distinct from the Research Ethics Committee, which operates under the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies and deals exclusively with the ethics of research involving human subjects.
12 Monthly Meetings | 42 Cases Reviewed | 8 Policy Recommendations | 100% Resolution Rate (AY 2024/2025)
Our Mandate
Established by University Council Resolution No. UC-2022/23-09 (September 2022), the IEIC is a standing committee of the University Council with the following responsibilities:
– Reviewing and adjudicating cases of alleged misconduct in institutional governance and operations
– Advising the University Council on ethical policies, codes of conduct, and integrity standards
– Reviewing escalated student complaints and staff conduct matters
– Monitoring compliance with institutional policies including the Equality and Diversity Policy, Anti-Bribery Policy, and Student Safety Policy
– Recommending new or amended policies related to ethics and integrity
– Producing an Annual Report published on the University website
Committee Composition
The IEIC comprises eight members drawn from across the University, ensuring independence, breadth of expertise, and balanced representation:
| Role | Position | Appointment |
| Chairperson | Vice President for Administration, Finance and Community Engagement | Ex officio |
| Secretary | Director, Quality Assurance and Accreditation Centre | Ex officio |
| Member | Dean, College of Administrative Sciences | Ex officio |
| Member | Dean or Acting Dean, College of Law | Ex officio |
| Member | Dean or Acting Vice Dean, College of Engineering | Ex officio |
| Member | Head of Legal Affairs Department | Ex officio |
| Member | Director of Student Affairs | Ex officio |
| Member | Student Council Representative | Elected annually |
Meeting Schedule
The IEIC meets on the first Sunday of every month during the academic year (September through August). The annual meeting schedule is published at the start of each academic year. All meetings achieve quorum (minimum 5 of 8 members). In AY 2024/2025, the Committee held 12 meetings with an average attendance of 88.5%.
IEIC Meeting Calendar AY 2025/2026 (IEIC_Meeting_Calendar_2025_2026.pdf)
How to Submit an Ethical Concern
Any member of the ASU community – students, academic staff, administrative staff, or external stakeholders – may submit an ethical concern to the IEIC. All submissions are treated confidentially and the identity of the complainant is protected.
Submission Channels
Online: Student Online Services (SOS) portal – select the ‘Ethics / Integrity Concern’ category.
In person: Written submission to the IEIC Secretary at the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Centre (Building 166, Ground Floor).
By email: ethics@asu.edu.bh (monitored by the IEIC Secretary).
Referral: Through a college Dean, Head of Department, or the Human Resources Department.
What Happens After You Submit
1. Your submission is acknowledged within 5 working days.
2. The case is classified by severity (Minor, Moderate, or Major) and placed on the next meeting agenda.
3. The IEIC reviews the case, may request additional information, and reaches a determination.
4. You are notified of the outcome in writing. Average resolution time: 18 working days.
5. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may request a review by the University Council.
Whistleblower Protection
ASU is committed to protecting individuals who report ethical concerns in good faith. No student or employee will face retaliation, disciplinary action, or adverse consequences for raising a legitimate concern. The IEIC operates under strict confidentiality protocols and members sign annual confidentiality declarations.
Related Policies and Procedures
The IEIC oversees and monitors compliance with the following institutional policies:
– Equality and Diversity Policy (Student Handbook Section 10, page 84)
– Student Complaints and Grievances Procedure (Student Handbook Section 7.5, page 55)
– Academic Appeals Procedure (Student Handbook Section 7.6, page 56)
– Academic Integrity Policy (updated AY 2024/2025 to include AI-generated content guidelines)
– Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy
– Sustainable Procurement Policy
– Student Safety Policy
– Social Media Conduct Guidelines (new, AY 2024/2025)
– Whistleblower Protection Policy (under review)
– Staff Conflict of Interest Declaration (mandatory annual, introduced AY 2024/2025)
Downloads
Terms of Reference (IEIC-TOR-2022, revised September 2024)
Annual Report AY 2023/2024
Contact
| ethics@asu.edu.bh | |
| Location | Quality Assurance and Accreditation Centre, Building 166, Ground Floor |
| Phone | +973 17728777 (ask for QAAC) |
| Office Hours | Saturday to Thursday, 08:00 – 17:00 |
| Online Submissions | sos.asu.edu.bh |