Standards for Disciplinary Actions
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The university will respond firmly towards any student who engages in conduct that violates university regulations, infringes upon the rights of others to study and live as students, or breaks laws and regulations established by the Japanese government or local authorities.
Students are urged to reflect deeply on their actions and are provided with guidance to support their return to an upstanding student life.
Student disciplinary measures at APU are educational in nature, designed to help students deeply reflect on their behavior and ensure they do not repeat the same mistakes.
During their time at APU, students may face conflicts that feel overwhelming. In such moments, it is essential for students to remain aware that they are part of APU’s uniquely multicultural and intellectually vibrant community. They must learn to regulate their own behavior, show compassion and a steadfast attitude, and engage in constructive dialogue rooted in mutual respect and a shared sense of humanity.
In cases involving serious legal violations or drug-related offenses, APU imposes strict disciplinary action, including expulsion.
Acts Subject to Disciplinary Action
- Cheating on tests or examinations
- Academic misconduct in submitted work such as reports, seminar class submissions, graduation thesis, etc. (plagiarism, etc.)
- Conduct that violates information ethics and the proper handling of personal information
- Conduct that interferes with a student’s studies or research, or the legitimate academic or research activities of faculty, or staff
- Harassment
- Conduct not befitting a student at this university
- Violations of public order or criminal acts
Criteria for Student Disciplinary Action
When a student engages in acts subject to disciplinary action, the Student Affairs Committee reviews the case and determines the appropriate disciplinary measures based on established precedents. The severity of the penalty may vary depending on the nature of the act, including cases involving multiple violations.
Even if the specific act is not listed, any behavior that is contrary to the goals of university student life, breaks the law, or causes disruption may still be subject to disciplinary action.
In addition, students who face disciplinary action may have their tuition reduction scholarship, etc. suspended or revoked in accordance with university regulations.
| Acts Subject to Disciplinary Action | Disciplinary Action |
|---|---|
| Shoplifting from supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.¹ | Warning/Suspension/Expulsion |
| Theft | Warning/Suspension/Expulsion |
| Smoking or drinking alcohol by minors | Warning/Suspension/Expulsion |
| Unauthorized use of another person’s ID or password; fraudulent course registration | Warning/Suspension/Expulsion |
| Cheating on exams; plagiarism in theses, reports, and other academic work | Warning/Suspension/Expulsion |
| Unauthorized parking in areas around the university | Warning/Suspension/Expulsion |
| Driving without a valid license | Warning/Suspension/Expulsion |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol | Suspension/Expulsion |
| Misuse of transportation passes, such as bus commuter passes² | Warning/Suspension |
| Possession or use of illegal drugs, including marijuana and narcotics | Expulsion |
| Acts of violence | Warning/Suspension/Expulsion |
|
Sexual violence or sexual activity without clear mutual consent (including cases where one party experiences physical or psychological harm) |
Warning/Suspension/Expulsion |
| Harassment | Warning/Suspension/Expulsion |
Notes:
- 1. Returning or purchasing the item after the fact does not erase the act of shoplifting. The same disciplinary action will apply regardless.
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2.
Misuse of a bus pass includes the following:
- Use of a bus pass outside of its designated area
- Use of an expired bus pass or free-ride pass
- Use of a pass by someone other than the registered user. This is considered misuse of a bus pass even if the individual in question owns a valid pass.
Suspension
All courses registered in the quarter or semester during which the suspension is in effect will be deleted. In addition, any scholarships will be suspended. As a result, the student will be unable to take courses or earn credits, which may affect scholarship renewal, visa status, permission for part-time work, and even graduation. In the case of a semester-long suspension, graduation will be delayed.
