Section 3: Comprehensive Standards
3.7.4 The institution ensures adequate procedures for the safeguard and protection of academic freedom.
Judgment of Compliance:
Compliance
Narrative/Justification for Judgment of Compliance:
Christopher Newport University is in compliance with this standard. Policies defining and protecting academic freedom are clearly stated in the University Handbook. Academic freedom is contractually guaranteed. Instructional faculty employment contracts specify that the contract, together with the bylaws and policies of the Board of Visitors and the regulations of the University, constitutes the entire employment agreement. University Handbook Section II.2.B.5. states that the Board recognizes “academic freedom” as “a.) the right to full freedom in the classroom in presenting and discussing subjects within one's own recognized area of academic expertise germane to the course. The Board does not construe academic freedom in the classroom as constituting license on the part of the teacher to deviate from legitimately established definitions of course content or conduct; b) the right to full freedom in scholarly research and publication within the time and resource limits imposed by teaching as a faculty member's primary obligation to the University; c) the right of a teacher, when speaking or writing as a private citizen, to be free from institutional censorship or discipline; provided, the teacher, consistent with one's obligation as a member of a learned profession and employee of the University, should endeavor to be accurate, to exercise appropriate restraint, to show respect for the opinions of others, and to make every reasonable effort to indicate that the teacher is not an institutional spokesperson.”
Section XI Instructional Faculty Personnel Regulations, 4. Academic Freedom states: “Since a vital role of a college or university is to examine intelligently and carefully ideologies and institutions, it is essential that faculty members be able to express their views without fear of unlawful censorship or penalty. This statement is embodied in the Board Policy on Academic Freedom.”
No incidents of violation of academic freedom have been reported. The University Handbook contains clear, detailed policies concerning employment issues such as tenure and promotion requirements, non-renewal and termination procedures, and due process. If there is a complaint, University Handbook Section XI: 7, Instructional Faculty Personnel Regulations, describes administrative action for inappropriate conduct on the part of an instructional faculty member. This process would be followed if the department chair, dean, or Provost determined a faculty member's conduct was inappropriate or in violation of University policy. For written warning and suspensions, instructional faculty may appeal to the next higher level of administration. Faculty grievance procedures enable a faculty member who feels he or she has suffered direct material or professional injury as result of a decision or action by an administrative officer of the University to pursue redress ( Handbook XI.10.a.b.). The University Handbook describes informal and formal grievances procedures an instructional faculty member might use.
Support Documentation:
University Handbook 06-07:
Section II.2.B.5.
Section XI.10.a.b.
Section XI.4.
Section XI.7.
Additional Live Web Resources:
None