3.5.1. Academic Freedom and Responsibility

Each faculty member has individual freedom of inquiry and expression in research, publication and teaching. Academic freedom and responsibility are here defined as the liberty and obligation to study, to investigate and to discuss facts and ideas concerning all branches and fields of learning. No limitations on such freedom shall be imposed other than those required by generally accepted standards of responsible scholarship and research.

A faculty member speaking, writing or acting as a citizen shall be free from institutional censorship or discipline. However, the faculty member should avoid conveying the impression that one is speaking on behalf of the institution.

No individual shall be excluded from initial appointment or from academic tenure, nor shall any individual be deprived of appointment or academic tenure because of the individual’s views or associations.

In the event of an alleged violation of academic freedom, any faculty member has the right of a hearing through an appeals committee. This committee shall be a joint trustee-faculty committee consisting of (1) three members elected by the faculty, (2) three members appointed by the chairperson of the executive committee of the board of trustees and (3) the president.

To avoid conflict of interest on the parts of faculty and students, faculty are not to use their academic positions to market, engage in or develop professional services with or for students currently enrolled in their classes.