Faculty members, guided by a deep conviction of the worth and dignity of the advancement
of knowledge, recognize the special responsibilities placed upon them. Their primary
responsibility to their subject is to seek and to state the truth as they see it.
To this end, faculty members devote their energies to developing and improving 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 faculty members may follow subsidiary interests, these interests
must never seriously hamper or compromise their freedom of inquiry.
As educators, faculty members encourage the free pursuit of learning in their students.
They hold before their students the best scholarly and ethical standards of their
disciplines. Faculty members demonstrate respect for students as individuals and adhere
to their proper roles as intellectual guides and mentors. Faculty members make every
reasonable effort to foster honest academic conduct and to ensure that their evaluations
of students reflect each student's true merit. They respect the confidential nature
of the relationship between faculty and student. They avoid any exploitation, harassment,
or discriminatory treatment of students. They acknowledge significant academic or
scholarly assistance from students. They protect students' academic freedom.
As colleagues, faculty members have obligations that derive from common membership
in the community of scholars. Faculty members do not discriminate against or harass
colleagues. They respect and defend the free inquiry of associates. In the exchange
of criticism and ideas, faculty members show due respect for the opinions of others.
Faculty members acknowledge academic debt and strive to be objective in their professional
judgment of colleagues. Faculty members accept their share of responsibilities for
the governance of the college.
As members of an academic institution, faculty members seek above all to be effective
educators and scholars. Although faculty members observe the stated regulations of
the institution, provided the regulations do not contravene academic freedom, they
maintain their right to criticize and seek revision. Faculty members give due regard
to their paramount responsibilities within their institutions in determining the amount
and character of work done outside it. When considering the interruption or termination
of their service, faculty members recognize the effect of their decision upon the
program of the institution and give due notice of their intentions.
As members of their community, faculty members have the rights and obligations of
other citizens. Faculty members measure the urgency of these obligations in the light
of their responsibilities to their subject, to their students, to their profession,
and to their institution. When they speak or act as private persons, they avoid creating
the impression of speaking or acting for the college. As citizens engaged in a profession
that depends upon freedom for its health and integrity, faculty members have a particular
obligation to promote conditions of free inquiry and to further public understanding
of academic freedom.
Adopted by the Glendale College Academic Senate, April 4, 1996
