Academic Freedom and Student Records

Introduction

 Middle Georgia State University recognizes that there are rights and responsibilities that exist concomitant with the academic freedoms underpinning the professional work of its faculty. Accordingly, Middle Georgia State University operates under the principles of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) articulated in the 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure (with 1970 Interpretive Comments), which can be found at the AAUP website.

Furthermore:

1. The University reaffirms that the principles of academic freedom and responsibility are an essential component of the search for knowledge, and that the search for and dissemination of knowledge is the fundamental purpose of all academic endeavor.

2. “Academic freedom is the freedom, without institutional discipline or restraint, to discuss all relevant matters in the classroom, to explore all avenues of scholarship, research, and creative expression, and to speak or write on matters of public concern as well as on matters related to professional duties and the functioning of the University.” (University of Minnesota, 2011).

3. Academic responsibility implies the faithful performance of professional duties and obligations, the recognition of the demands of the scholarly enterprise, and the candor to make it clear that when one is speaking on matters of public concern, one is not speaking for the institution (adapted from University of Minnesota, 2011). Additionally, faculty members must disclose any external funding or other relationships that could possibly be perceived as creating a conflict of interest. Faculty members should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, and should show respect for the opinions of others.

4. No faculty member shall be subjected to disciplinary action for exercising their academic freedom as defined above.

MGA complies with BOR Policy 6.5.1 Board of Regents Policy Manual | 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom | University System of Georgia (usg.edu)