Academic Freedom Statement

The University seeks to foster in its students a mature independence of mind, and this purpose cannot be achieved unless students are free to express a wide range of viewpoints, in accordance with the standards of scholarly inquiry.  The faculty are responsible for ensuring that student freedom of scholarly inquiry is fostered and preserved. Examples of student academic freedom include the right to free inquiry and exchange of ideas; the right to critically examine, present, and discuss controversial material relevant to a course of instruction, enjoyment of constitutionally protected freedom of expression; and the right to be graded by faculty, in accordance with   academic considerations administered fairly and equitably under policies established by the University. 

For students to develop a mature independence of mind, they must be free in the classroom to express a wide range of viewpoints in accord with standards of scholarly inquiry and relevance to the topic at hand. No student can abridge the rights of other students when exercising their right to differ. Students should be free to take civil and reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. The faculty has authority for all aspects of the course, including content, structure, relevance of alternative points of view, and evaluations. All decisions affecting a student’s academic standing, including assignment of grades, should be based upon academic considerations administered fairly and equitably under policies established by the University. In professional curricula, such decisions may include consideration of performance according to accepted professional standards. 

Students may also serve as instructors under supervision of the faculty. The faculty retains authority over all aspects of the course, including content, structure, evaluations, and delegation of authority for the course, and must base the guidance of student instructors on accepted scholarly and professional standards of competence in teaching. Subject to such authority, however, such student instructors share with faculty the freedom and responsibility to present concepts, to lead discussions in class, and to ensure the appropriate and civil treatment of other members of the academic community. 

Faculty guidance and supervision of student research is desirable and appropriate. Students’ freedom of inquiry while conducting research may not be abridged by decisions contrary to accepted scholarly and professional standards. Students are entitled to the protection of their intellectual rights, including recognition of their participation in supervised research and their research with faculty, consistent with generally accepted standards of attribution and acknowledgement in collaborative settings and in accordance with duly established university policies and procedures. 

(Adapted from the University of California General University Policy Regarding Academic Appointees, Appendix B)