14
INTRODUCTION
by their respective 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:
(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.
Personal Attention
Our obligation as a liberal arts college is to help you develop your
capacity to make and communicate responsible decisions based on
information accurately gathered and astutely analyzed. Guiding you to that
end, the faculty will direct you in developing your skills in reading, writing,
and speaking; in understanding the methods and principles of the sciences
and their significance in the modern world; in cultivating appreciation of
the arts; in understanding and appreciating our spiritual, social, political,
and economic institutions and heritage; and in achieving competence in at
least one field of knowledge that will help prepare you for a profession or
vocation.
Our faculty comprises a talented and well-qualified group of men
and women who recognize effective teaching as their primary obligation
