Academic Freedom at USCB
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 are 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 tenets 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 University has a duty to develop policies and procedures that provide and safeguard this freedom. Such policies and procedures should be developed within the framework of general standards with the broadest possible participation of the members of the academic community. The essential provisions for student freedom to learn include:
Freedom of access to higher education
While the University has the right and responsibility to set admissions policies based on the characteristics and expectations of the students it considers relevant to success in the institutional program, no student will be barred from admission on the basis of race, creed, sex, handicap, religion, ancestry or national origin. Thus, within the limits of its facilities, the University is open to all students who are qualified according to its admissions standards.
Freedom 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.
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. They are nonetheless responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.
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.
Protection against improper disclosure
Information about student views, beliefs and political associations which professors acquire in the course of their work as instructors, advisors 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.
English proficiency
The University has established procedures to certify that all classroom activities are conducted by individuals with sufficient proficiency in spoken and written English. Student complaints concerning the English proficiency of an individual with classroom responsibilities should follow grievance procedures.