Academic freedom is key to academic integrity and is a value that both students and faculty members should respect. The right to academic freedom includes the right to engage in civil debate, discussion in all academic settings, and to question the judgment and views offered by others. The exercise of academic freedom does not excuse responsibility for learning the content of courses as presented or teaching the curriculum as it is designed. Academic Freedom is more about the ability to debate views, hear different views, critically assess the possibilities, and less about supporting a discriminating view, or showing a strong bias that affects learning and open dialog. Academic Freedom can never condone support for violent actions against others or to dehumanize any person, culture, gender, race, or protected classes by federal or state agencies.
Faculty members and students are expected to aspire to the same high level of ethics and professionalism that is demanded of licensed professionals in nursing. Both are expected to conduct themselves as professionals, and to provide an education in a professional environment of respect and fair treatment. Academic integrity includes, but is not limited to:
- Providing fair and objective evaluation of academic work.
- Using a syllabus for each class outlining course outcomes, faculty expectations, and evaluative methods.
- Treating all with respect and freedom from harassment, unfair treatment, or discipline not in compliance with Collegepolicies.