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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, August 8, 2005
Editorial
Changes, April 30, 2009