Student Code of Conduct

Bullying is any verbal or physical action that harms a person's ability to learn, well-being, or sense of safety. It can come from individuals or groups and may involve discrimination based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. LAS does not tolerate bullying, coercion, harassment, or threats that compromise others' safety, dignity, or ability to learn..

Using  social media, messaging apps, emails, or websites to intimidate, harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. It includes spreading rumors, sending harmful or threatening messages, sharing private information or images without consent, or deliberately excluding someone online.

LAS condemns racism and bigotry, promoting safety, tolerance, and respect for diversity. We have zero tolerance for racially-biased actions, including slurs, stereotypes, or harmful references, whether in person or online. Students involved will face discipline. Bigotry, defined as intolerance of differing opinions, is also prohibited. Every member of the LAS community shares responsibility for maintaining this environment.

LAS prohibits identity-based slurs in all school settings, including trips, activities, and online. Violations result in disciplinary action based on impact, not intent. Reports can be made to faculty, staff, administrators, or via the SAFE committee and will be investigated confidentially. Accused students will be informed and allowed to respond. If intent is deemed malicious, disciplinary actions may include education, restorative justice, and other corrective measures.

LAS does not tolerate physical violence. We promote dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. Students who fight or encourage fights face disciplinary action, including restitution, suspension, or withdrawal.

Utility knives (such as Swiss army knives), must be less than 4 cm long. Possessing or using weapons results in immediate dismissal. Threatening or attacking with a weapon leads to suspension or dismissal. Weapons and replicas are strictly prohibited. The school has the right to classify any potentially dangerous object as a weapon.

Behaviors that threaten the physical or emotional safety of any individual.

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual behavior—verbal, physical, or written—that makes someone feel uncomfortable, intimidated, or unsafe. This includes inappropriate comments, jokes, gestures, unwanted touching, sharing explicit materials, pressuring someone for sexual activity, or repeated unwanted attention. It can occur in person or through digital platforms such as text messages, social media, or email. At Leysin American School, sexual harassment is strictly prohibited and will result in serious disciplinary action, including possible suspension or expulsion.

All students must obtain clear, voluntary, and enthusiastic consent before engaging in any sexual activity or behavior, including gestures or physical contact. Consent must be mutual, informed, and given without pressure, manipulation, or the influence of drugs or alcohol. Silence, lack of resistance, or prior relationships do not imply consent.

Stealing or knowingly possessing property without permission.

Students have the right to report any incident that makes them feel unsafe or if they witness unsafe behavior. Reports will be believed unless there are compelling reasons to doubt their truth. In each report, the Dean of Students team will do a full investigation to determine the facts of each situation. 

LAS notes positive behavior in the form of merits. 

Our discipline system ties consequences to actions, often incorporating reflective and restorative practices.

A student with repeated infractions will meet with the Dean to create a behavior contract outlining expectations and consequences. The signed contract will be sent to the parents.

The following list of consequences serves as a general guideline to help address student behavior. Each situation will be assessed individually, and consequences may be adjusted in severity based on the context, intent, and impact of the actions involved.  This list is not exhaustive.

Please refer to the consequence guidelines below for typical responses to common behavioral infractions. Final decisions will reflect the values of fairness, safety, and community accountability.  

School Night Early Check-in

• Late to breakfast check-in
• Messy room

Weekend One-Hour Early Check-in  

• Dishonesty, disrespect, rudeness, intolerance, irresponsibility, or insensitivity 
• Late to dorm check-in, study hall, or lights out
• Engaging in disruptive behavior after lights out
• Misuse of study hall

Two-Hour Weekend Early Check-in 

• Missing mandatory school meetings 

Full Weekend Night 

• Repeated  dishonesty, disrespect, rudeness, intolerance, irresponsibility, or insensitivity 
• Insubordination
• Disruptive behavior
• Repeatedly missing mandatory school meetings

One-Day Clipboard/Clipboard Plus/Full Weekend Clipboard 

• Ongoing dishonesty, disrespect, rudeness, intolerance, irresponsibility, or insensitivity
• Failing to leave the building when the fire alarm sounds
• Late for ski check-in
• Not answering phone for Saturday or Sunday check-in or ski check-in
• Vandalism (student is also financially responsible for damages)

On-Campus Suspension

• Egregious violation of any core school standard
• Positive alcohol test
• Consuming alcohol or alcohol found in room
• Bullying
• In dorm of another gender without permission
• Unauthorized day leave (leaving Leysin without permission)

Off-Campus Suspension

• Fighting 
• Leaving the dorm at night after last check-in
• Overnight traveling without authorization
• Unsafe behavior
• Blatantly disregarding serving restrictions
• Climbing on the outside of a building
• Positive drug test

This glossary defines terms used in the LAS disciplinary system. Understanding these terms helps ensure transparency and consistency in addressing student behavior.

• Conversation / Warning: A verbal or written notice (via email or conversation) aimed at redirecting behavior and encouraging better choices.
• School Night Check-in: The student must check in at the designated time and remain in their room for the evening. No visitors are allowed.
• Early Check-in: A disciplinary measure requiring earlier weekend check-in.
  • One-Hour Early Check-in: Student must return to the dormitory one hour earlier than standard check-in time.
  • Two-Hour Early Check-in: Student must return two hours earlier than standard weekend check-in time.
• Full Night in the Dorm: Students must check in at 19:00, remain in their room for the evening, and have no visitors other than their roommate(s). In some dorms all electronic devices must be turned in for the night.
• Clipboard: Students are required to check in hourly from 10:00 to 17:00 on a weekend day.
• Clipboard Plus: Combines a full day of hourly check-ins (10:00–17:00) with a Full Night in the Dorm.
• Full Weekend Clipboard: The student remains in the dorm for two consecutive nights and completes two full days of hourly check-ins (10:00–17:00 each day).
• Partial Clipboard: A reduced version of clipboard with hourly check-ins for a specified number of hours, based on the situation.
• On-Campus Suspension: A significant disciplinary consequence including:
  • Early check-in every school night
  • Full Weekend Clipboard
  • Two consecutive nights in the dormitory
• Off-Campus Suspension: Student is temporarily removed from campus for one week. Options include returning home or participating in a Leysin-based homestay (fee: CHF 1500/week).
• Withdrawal: A student may be asked to withdraw for major violations, multiple infractions, or poor academics.
• Withdrawal Policy: Student stays with a local guardian at 300 CHF/day, up to 1500 CHF/week until departure plans are made.

The Sanctuary Policy allows students to voluntarily come forward—before being confronted—for issues such as substance use, unsafe behavior, or emotional distress.

If a student self-reports, disciplinary consequences may be reduced or waived. Instead, the student may be asked to participate in supportive measures such as counseling, community service, or reflection.

Sanctuary is not available if harm was caused to others, if the behavior was already discovered, or if the policy is repeatedly misused.