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RIGHTS AND
FREEDOMS OF STUDENTS
PREAMBLE
Academic
institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the
development of students, and the
general well-being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are
indispensable to the attainment of these goals. As members of the academic
community, students should be
encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a
sustained and independent search for truth.
Freedom
to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The
freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the
classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community.
Students should exercise their
freedom with responsibility.
The
responsibility to secure and to respect general conditions conducive to the
freedom to learn is shared by all members of the academic community. The
purpose of this statement is to enumerate
essential provisions for students’
freedom to learn.
IN
THE CLASSROOM
The
professor in the classroom and in conference should encourage free discussion,
inquiry, and expression. Student performance should be evaluated solely on an
academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic
standards.
1. Protection of Freedom of Expression
Students should be free to take
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.
2. Protection Against
Improper Academic Evaluation
Students should have protection
through orderly procedures against prejudiced or capricious academic
evaluation. At the same time, they are responsible for maintaining standards of
academic performance established for each course in which they are enrolled.
3. Protection Against
Improper Disclosure
Information about student views, beliefs, and
political associations which professors acquire in the course of their work as
instructors, advisers, and counselors should be considered confidential.
Protection against improper disclosure is a serious professional obligation.
Judgments of ability and character may be provided under appropriate
circumstances, normally with the knowledge and consent of the student.
If
students believe their rights have been violated they should follow the process
outlined in the section: Concerns or complaints regarding instructors or
academic advisors located in the current college catalog.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Approved: President
Allen G. Edwards,