BSC Faculty Handbook

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associations and by numerous other organizations within the profession. The AAUP Statement
reads, “Tenure is a means to certain ends; specifically: (1) freedom of teaching and research and
of extramural activities, and (2) a sufficient degree of economic security to make the profession
attractive to men and women of ability. Freedom and economic security, hence, tenure, are
indispensable to the success of an institution in fulfilling its obligations to its students and to
society.”
In the interpretation of this principle it is understood that the following represents acceptable
academic practice:
ACADEMIC FREEDOM
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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.
For more information on the AAUP guidelines please refer to:
.
During the final year of a tenure-track probation period, the tenure-track professor will be
considered for tenure, and, if tenure is granted, his or her service should be terminated only for
adequate cause, or under extraordinary circumstances because of financial exigencies. When
tenure is granted, the next annual contract will indicate that the faculty member has tenure status.
Appointment to tenured status in the Faculty may be granted to a strictly limited number of
individuals who lack the terminal degree of their disciplines, but who bring to the College great
skills and high abilities by their proven performance in a distinguished career. Such
appointments to tenure shall be the exception and not the rule.
Faculty members should have a corresponding feeling of responsibility to the College. A
member who plans to leave the College should feel obligated to notify the administration as soon