A.POLICY

A faculty member’s primary responsibility to their subject is to state the truth as they see it. To this end, the faculty devote their energies to developing and improving their scholarly competence. The faculty accept the obligation to exercise critical self-discipline and judgment in using, extending, and transmitting knowledge. Although they may follow subsidiary interests, these interests must never seriously hamper or compromise a student’s freedom of inquiry and expression.

B.POLICY GUIDELINES

As a teacher, the faculty member encourages the free pursuit of learning in their students. Holding before them the best scholarly standards of their discipline, the faculty demonstrates respect for the student as an individual and adhere to their proper role as intellectual guides and counselors. They make every reasonable effort to foster honest academic conduct and to assure that the evaluation of students reflects their true merit.

The faculty member respects the confidential nature of the relationship between teacher and student. They avoid any exploitation of students for private advantage and acknowledges student contributions.

As a colleague, the faculty member has obligations that derive from common membership in the college community. They respect and defends the free inquiry of their associates. In exchange of criticism and ideas, the faculty always show due respect for the opinions of others.

As members of the institution, faculty accept a share of responsibilities for the governance of the institution. The faculty seek to be effective teachers and scholars. Although faculty observe the stated regulations of the institution, provided they do not contravene academic freedom, they maintain the right to criticize and seek revision of policy and procedure. They determine the amount and character of the work they do outside the institution with due regard to their paramount responsibilities within it. When considering the interruption or termination of their services, the faculty member recognizes the effect of that decision upon the program of the College and gives due notice of their intentions.

As members of the community, faculty members have the rights and obligations of any citizen. They measure the urgency of these obligations in the light of their responsibilities to their subject and to their students, to the profession, and to the College. As citizens engaged in a profession that depends upon freedom for its health and integrity, college instructors have a particular obligation to promote conditions of free inquiry and public understanding of the community college and of education. (Adapted from “Statement on Professional Ethics,” AAUP)