Academic Freedom and Responsibility

At Ferris State University, academic freedom is balanced by academic responsibility.

Faculty are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of other academic duties; but research for monetary return using University facilities should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution.

Instructors are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom in discussing their assigned subjects and disciplines, and should alert their students to the various scholarly views related to those subjects, and avoid presenting totally unrelated material. This should not be interpreted to unreasonably restrict others from freedom of speech.

College or university teachers are citizen members of a learned profession, and officers of an educational institution. When they speak or write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline. They should remember that the public may judge their profession and their institution by their utterances.

No limitations are placed on study, investigation, presenting and interpreting facts and ideas concerning human society, the physical and biological world and other branches of learning subject to accepted standards of professional responsibility. The right to academic freedom herein established shall include the right to support or oppose political causes and issues outside of the normal instructional activities.

Instructors are responsible for decisions regarding the classroom instruction of students, in accordance with departmental procedures. Faculty also has the responsibility to remain abreast of the latest developments in their fields of study and to continue to put thought and effort into improving their skills as teachers. It is a faculty member's responsibility to treat all students with respect and fairness, without regard to ancestry, religious or political belief, country of origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. Student performance should be evaluated strictly on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.