Academic freedom of the faculty is indispensable to fulfilling the University's mission. The University endorses the following excerpt from the statement on academic freedom from the AAUP Policy Documents and Reports, (1990):

1. Teachers are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of their other academic duties; but research for pecuniary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution.


2. Teachers are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter which has no relation to their subject. Limitations of academic freedom because of religious or other aims of the institution should be clearly stated in writing at the time of the appointment.


3. College and University teachers are citizens, 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, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations. As scholars and educational officers, they should remember that the public may judge their profession and their institution by their utterances. Hence they should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate that they are not speaking for the institution.

Tenure is a means both to protect academic freedom in teaching, research, and of extramural activities and to ensure a sufficient degree of economic security to make the profession attractive to men and women of ability. Once awarded, tenure will be strictly observed in accordance with the guidelines in the AAUP Policy Documents and Reports (1990) and consistent with official University of Alabama System guidelines.

The definition of tenure to be used in each campus policy should recognize that tenure is an affirmative commitment by the Board of Trustees to a faculty member, generally offered after a probationary period of employment, of a right to continuing employment except upon dismissal for cause, retirement, resignation, bona fide financial exigency of the campus or division in which tenure is held, or major curtailment or formal discontinuance of a program or department of instruction.

Table 3.7.4.a Full-Time Faculty Tenure Status at UAH

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


2. As teachers, professors encourage the free pursuit of learning in their students. They hold before them the best scholarly and ethical standards of their discipline. Professors demonstrate respect for students as individuals and adhere to their proper roles as intellectual guides and counselors. Professors make every reasonable effort to foster honest academic conduct and to ensure that their evaluations of students reflect each student's true merit. They respect the confidential nature of the relationship between professor and student. They avoid any exploitation, harassment, or discriminatory treatment of students. They acknowledge significant academic or scholarly assistance from them. They protect their academic freedom.


3. As colleagues, professors have obligations that derive from common membership in the community of scholars. Professors do not discriminate against or harass colleagues. They respect and defend the free inquiry of associates. In the exchange of criticism and ideas professors show due respect for the opinions of others. Professors acknowledge academic debt and strive to be objective in their professional judgment of colleagues. Professors accept their share of faculty responsibilities for the governance of their institution.


4. As members of an academic institution, professors seek above all to be effective teachers and scholars. Although professors observe the stated regulations of the institution, provided the regulations do not contravene academic freedom, they maintain their right to criticize and seek revision. Professors give due regard to their paramount responsibilities within their institution in determining the amount and character of work done outside it. When considering the interruption or termination of their service, professors recognize the effect of their decision upon the program of the institution and give due notice of their intentions.


5. As members of their community, professors have the rights and obligations of other citizens. Professors measure the urgency of these obligations in the light of their responsibilities to their subject, to their students, to their profession, and to their institution. When they speak or act as private persons they avoid creating the impression of speaking or acting for their college or University. As citizens engaged in a profession that depends upon freedom for its health and integrity, professors have a particular obligation to promote conditions of free inquiry and to further public understanding of academic freedom.

Faculty members are authorized to engage in political activity provided that it does not result in a conflict of interest or interfere with their performance of assigned duties at the University. Public support of a political candidate or cause may be given by University employees if they clearly indicate that they speak for themselves and not for the University. Employees may not lend the name of their University positions or departments to the political campaigns of public candidates or to any causes that become matters of civic concern. Violations of this policy are grounds for dismissal.

University employees desiring to seek election to public office must first obtain written consent from the chancellor through appropriate reporting channels.

No University employee may use or permit to be used University resources, time, or property for or on behalf of any political candidate, campaign, or organization or for any contribution or solicitation of any contribution to any campaign or organization.

Political activity on the part of a University employee must comply with Board Rule 302 of the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama and existing state and federal laws. Employees who have a question about their involvement in such activities should seek guidance and approval from the University.