ACADEMIC FREEDOM
Freedom of inquiry and freedom of expression define St. Mary's University College. The rights and obligations of academic freedom derive from the nature of academic life, and are consistent with the objectives of the University College as a community of scholars that pursues the highest academic standards; promotes intellectual and spiritual growth; recognizes ethical and moral implications both of methods and discoveries; maintains respect for the inherent dignity of individuals as persons; and lives in the tradition of Catholic belief and its rich scholarly heritage.
Specific principles of academic freedom include freedom to teach and learn according to one's obligation and vision, and in accordance with the methods proper to each academic discipline; freedom to disseminate the fruits of study and research inspired by the scholarly obligation to pursue truth vigorously and honestly; and freedom to speak and write on issues in fulfillment of the obligations and legal rights of citizenship.
Correlative obligations include respectful allowance for the exercise of these freedoms by others; proper acknowledgement of the contributions made by others to one's work; preservation of the confidentiality necessary in personal, academic, and administrative deliberations; and adherence in the course of one's conduct, utterances and work, to the by-laws, mission, educational philosophy and educational objectives of the University College.
Members have the freedom to exercise professional judgment in the acquisition of materials, and in ensuring these materials are freely accessible to all for bona fide teaching and research purposes, no matter how controversial these materials may be.