The Special Plan is no longer operative

Article 15: Academic Freedom and Responsibilities

15.1 The parties to this Agreement acknowledge that the University is committed to the pursuit of truth, the advancement of learning, and the interpretation and the dissemination of knowledge. To this end, they agree to abide by the principles of academic freedom as expressed in the following statement: academic freedom is the freedom to examine, question, teach, and learn, and it involves the right to investigate, speculate, and comment without deference to prescribed doctrine, as well as the right to criticize the University and society at large. Specifically, and without limiting the above, academic freedom entitles faculty and librarians to:

1. freedom in pursuing research and scholarship and in publishing or making public the results thereof; and
2. freedom from institutional censorship.

Academic freedom does not require neutrality on the part of the individual nor does it preclude commitment on the part of the individual. Rather, academic freedom makes such commitment possible.

15.2 A faculty member’s professional obligations and responsibilities to the University shall involve a combination of the following:

1. teaching, including undergraduate and/or graduate instruction and supervision
2. research, scholarly or creative activities,
3. service to the University
4. service to society and/or scholarly and professional organizations.

These duties constitute a faculty member’s principal obligation, but the combination may vary from individual to individual (see Article 19). Such responsibilities are detailed in the “Faculty Policies Handbook” in Section C under “Faculty Responsibilities.“

15.3 A librarian’s professional obligations and responsibilities to the University shall involve a combination of the following:

1. library service;
2. research, scholarly or creative activity;
3. service to the University;
4. service to society and/or scholarly and professional organizations.

These duties constitute the librarian’s principal obligation, but the combination may vary from individual to individual. Such responsibilities are detailed in the “Terms and Conditions of Employment for Professional Librarians”, Section B.2.

15.4 Faculty members and librarians are expected to carry out their responsibilities with all due attention to fair and ethical dealings with students, colleagues, and staff.

15.5 The University acknowledges a continuing commitment to maintain the best possible climate in which to carry out academic and professional functions and to provide appropriate and necessary facilities and support services. The University will act to protect faculty and librarians from all infringement on academic freedom. No University Policy, officer, or agent will be permitted to infringe on any aspect of the exercise of academic freedom and all necessary steps will be taken to protect faculty and librarians from harassment, threats, or abuse by any individuals or groups designed to limit or inhibit the exercise of academic freedom.