Faculty Responsibilities to Self and Profession

No. 9-4 Rev. 12-1-87 Date 3-7-74

 

 

I. REFERENCE

AAUP Statement of Professional Ethics (1966)

II. POLICY

A. Ethical Canons

Faculty, guided by a deep conviction of the worth and dignity of the advancement of knowledge, recognize the special responsibilities placed upon themselves. Their primary responsibility to their subjects is to seek and state the truth as they see it. To this end faculty devote their energies to developing and improving their scholarly competence. Faculty accept the obligation to exercise critical self-discipline and judgment in using, extending and transmitting knowledge. They practice intellectual honesty. Although they may follow subsidiary interests, these interests must never seriously hamper or compromise their freedom of inquiry (based upon the AAUP Statement of Professional Ethics, 1966).

B. Standards of Behavior

1. A central responsibility of faculty members is to seek and to state the truth in their subject as they see it. To this end they will continue their studies and research beyond whatever advanced degree or formal professional training they receive. They are obligated to keep themselves informed and knowledgeable about their field.

2. Faculty members have the duty to guard their freedom (to inquire and to state the results of inquiry in lectures, publications or other appropriate mode of expression), not only against overt assault but also against any personal commitments which are incompatible with that freedom. Acceptance of commitments which might reasonably be expected to include provisions for such breach of freedom of inquiry or expressions must be weighed carefully against this responsibility.

3. Faculty members will actively participate in professional organizations and meetings. They can reasonably expect support of the institution in this activity including but not limited to travel funds when available and official absence from the campus without penalty. Special considerations should be given to faculty members presenting professional papers at such meetings.