5.6 Progress Measures
5.6.1 & 5.6.2 Policy of Non-discrimination
5.6.3 Maternity Policy
5.6.4 & 5.6.5 Childcare facilities for Students, Staff & Faculty
5.6.6 Women’s Mentoring Schemes
5.6.7 Track Women’s Graduation Rate
5.6.8 Policy Protecting Those Reporting Discrimination
5.6.9 Paternity Policy
Policies Protecting Those Reporting Discrimination
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) is committed to maintaining a safe, fair, and respectful environment for all members of its community. In alignment with the principles of SDG 5: Gender Equality, the University has established clear policies that protect individuals who report discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment from any form of retaliation or disadvantage.
These policies ensure that students, faculty, and staff can raise concerns or file complaints in full confidence, knowing that their rights and well-being will be safeguarded throughout the process. GUST encourages an open and transparent reporting culture where all cases are handled with professionalism, confidentiality, and impartiality.
The University’s Grievances Policy outlines the formal mechanisms for reporting and addressing discrimination, ensuring that every report is treated seriously and fairly. This policy reinforces GUST’s ongoing commitment to equality, accountability, and the protection of those who take action to uphold an inclusive and respectful academic community.
GUST Grievances Policy
Under the GUST Grievance Policy, all employees have the right to raise complaints or report incidents related to discrimination, harassment, bullying, violations, or unfair treatment through proper reporting channels. The policy explicitly ensures that any individual who files a grievance in good faith will be protected from adverse consequences, such as demotion, dismissal, loss of benefits, or academic penalties.
Reports are handled with strict confidentiality and reviewed through a fair, transparent, and impartial process by the Human Resources Department. In addition, the Employee Code of Conduct reinforces this protection by prohibiting retaliation and ensuring that every report is treated respectfully and objectively.
Employees have the right to raise their grievances for any of the following issues while protecting them from educational
or employment disadvantage:
• Employees conflicts (Direct managers, subordinates)
• Changes in employment conditions
• Pays and Benefits
• Personal issues (discrimination, violation, bullying, work harassment)
• Performance Management (promotions, increments, and rating)
• Work conditions (Health & Safety)
GUST Grievances Procedure
1. Informal approach: Employee shall initially approach the immediate Supervisor/Manager in case of any grievance issue.
2. Formal approach: Where the issue is not resolved through the immediate Supervisor/Manager, employees may raise the grievance issue in writing to their Dean/Director/Vice President.
2.1.1. Evaluation of the case: The Dean/Director/Vice President shall meet and review the matter and shall arrive to a decision within five working days after the meeting is held. That outcome/solution shall be communicated to the employee in writing.
2.1.2. Grievance appeal: In the event that the employee is not satisfied with the outcome, further appeal may be made to the HR Department. Then, the HR should evaluate the case and recommend if Grievance committee can be formed to discuss and recommend resolutions. The decision of the HR shall be considered as final.
To protect those reporting any employment disadvantages, the requirement section in the procedure policy states that HR treats grievance cases as confidential related matter.
Commitment to Equality and Accountability
GUST’s approach reflects its broader institutional commitment to gender equality, diversity, and human rights, ensuring that all members of the community—students, faculty, and staff—can safely report incidents of discrimination or harassment without fear. By safeguarding the rights of whistleblowers and complainants, GUST actively promotes a culture of trust, accountability, and fairness across the institution.
These mechanisms collectively demonstrate GUST’s adherence to the principles of SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, ensuring that every voice can be heard and every concern addressed through a system that prioritizes protection and justice.
Academic Policies & Regulations
Student Code of Conduct
GUST is committed to providing a positive work and learning environment where all individuals are treated fairly and with respect. Intimidation and harassment have no place in a university community.
It is the responsibility of the University to utilize its resources toward the creation of quality academic programs and to provide a friendly campus environment, which is conducive to learning and personal development. Interactions among GUST students, faculty, and staff should reflect mutual respect and professionalism.
A student enrolled at GUST assumes an obligation to behave in a manner compatible with the University’s function as an educational institution. The GUST Code of Student Conduct generally shall be limited to conduct which occurs on the University premises, at University-sponsored, or University-supervised functions. However, GUST administration may take appropriate action against students for conduct on or off University premises in order to protect the physical safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Conduct, for which students are subject to sanctions, is described in detail in the University Code of Student Conduct.
First violations of this policy by students will result in a “final” warning and a second violation will result in expulsion from the University. Staff will not be given a warning, the first violation will result in dismissal.
