MICHIGAN
TECHNOLOGICAL
UNIVERSITY                The Senate of Michigan Technological University
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                                                  (version of 29 Mar 95)

                           PROPOSAL 30-95

           (Voting Units: Academic Degree-Granting Department
                    and other Course-offering Units)

         REVISION OF PROPOSAL 17-94, POLICY ON ACADEMIC FREEDOM


  [The proposed revision is indicated in capitals in the text below.]

Academic freedom is the right of all faculty members to speak freely as
they teach, debate issues of university governance, undertake
professional activities, conduct scholarship and research, present the
results of such scholarship and research, and create and present works in
the visual and performing arts.  When faculty exercise their rights as
private citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or
discipline.   

Academic freedom is a fundamental and long standing tradition at
institutions of higher learning, and a basic right of all faculty at
Michigan Technological University.  This right must be understood in the
context of prevailing professional and legal standards and institutional
requirements.
 
The Board of Control of Michigan Technological University is committed to
maintaining Michigan Technological University as an institution where
faculty are free to pursue scholarship in an open and creative
environment.  The rights of the faculty members to undertake scholarly
approaches to their disciplines in the classroom, in the laboratory, and
in publications are guaranteed.  [INSERT THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE] 
Likewise, the rights of students to question, without fear of reprisal,
the positions and points of view espoused by faculty must be assured.  An
academic community must be dedicated to excellence in teaching and
scholarship; and both of these goals suffer when the freedom to pursue
either in a fully open manner is compromised.
 
Academic freedom carries with it certain responsibilities, including the
continuing search for and distribution of knowledge, the commitment to
pursuing accuracy and avoiding misrepresentation, consideration of the
opinions and circumstances of others, and support of high standards of
ethical and professional behavior.
 
The system of tenure should be designed to be compatible with the concept
of academic freedom for faculty.  In the event of a conflict between the
policy on academic freedom and the tenure policy, the policy on academic
freedom takes precedence.  Moreover, the tenure policy shall be construed
to promote academic freedom.


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Development of Proposal

Mar 1995: After informal discussion with members of the Board of Control,
          Provost Dobney recommended inclusion of statement regarding
          students in the Policy on Academic Freedom.
Mar 1995: Senate President Bornhorst designates revision Senate Proposal
          30-95.

.