The basic functions of the University are the advancement and dissemination of knowledge, the development of critical intelligence, and the education of citizens and professional workers for the society of which the University is a part. The indispensable condition for the successful discharge of these functions is an atmosphere of intellectual freedom. Unless he or she is free to pursue the quest for knowledge and understanding, wherever it may lead, and to report and discuss the findings, whatever they may be, the University faculty member cannot properly perform his or her work. As a participant in an enterprise that depends upon freedom for its health and integrity, the faculty member has a special interest in promoting conditions of free inquiry and furthering public understanding of academic freedom.
Freedom entails responsibilities.
It is incumbent upon the faculty member to accept the responsibilities which are concomitant with the freedom he or she needs. To make these responsibilities operational, it is necessary that ethical and professional standards be adopted to guide faculty members in their conduct and that effective mechanisms be established to monitor and enforce compliance with these standards. As a teacher, the faculty member has the responsibility for creating in his or her classroom or laboratory a climate that encourages the student's endeavors to learn. The faculty member should exemplify high scholarly standards and respect and foster the student's right to choose and pursue his or her own educational goals. The faculty member must make clear the objectives of the course or program, establish requirements, set standards of achievement, and evaluate the student's performance.