7-2 Academic Responsibility and Professional Ethics
The primary justification for and purpose of academic freedom is to serve society's need for independent criticism and new ideas. Members of the academic community, guided by a conviction of the worth and dignity of the advancement of knowledge, recognize this fundamental responsibility.
The faculty's primary responsibility is to advance and preserve a body of common knowledge and seek and state the truth as they see it. To this end, faculty members devote their energies to enhancing 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 they may follow subsidiary interests, these interests must never hamper or compromise their freedom of inquiry.
As teachers, faculty members encourage the free pursuit of learning by their students. They hold before students the best scholarly standards of their discipline. They demonstrate respect for the student as an individual and adhere to their proper role as academic guides and advisors. They make every reasonable effort to foster honest academic conduct and ensure that their evaluation of student work reflects the true merit of that work.
As colleagues, faculty members have obligations that derive from their membership in the community of scholars. They respect and defend the free inquiry of their associates. In the exchange of criticism and ideas, they show due respect for the opinions of others. They acknowledge academic debts and strive to be objective in their professional judgment of colleagues. They accept their share of responsibilities for the governance of the institution.
Above all, United States University Faculty Members seek effective teachers, professional practitioners, and mentors. They are expected to bring the currency of their daily professional activities into the classroom. Although they observe the stated regulations, they maintain their rights to criticize them and seek revision. The Faculty determine the amount and character of work they perform outside United States University regarding their primary commitment to the University and its paramount responsibilities. Faculty members ensure that their outside work does not interfere with their duties to United States University.
Faculty are expected to acknowledge, understand, and play the appropriate role in implementing all academic policies and procedures.
Faculty members have the rights and obligations of all citizens. When faculty members speak or act as private persons, they must avoid creating the impression that they speak or act for United States University. As citizens engaged in a profession that depends upon freedom for its health and integrity, faculty members have a particular obligation to promote free inquiry conditions and further public understanding of academic freedom.