Faculty Members as Scholars
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The University of Kentucky encourages and respects the academic freedom of all faculty members. Academic freedom includes freedom of inquiry, discourse, teaching, research, and publication. The University seeks to protect faculty members against internal and external influences which might restrict them in the exercise of these freedoms in their area of scholarly interest.
Faculty members and students are permitted and encouraged to investigate any theory, challenge any premise, engage in political and social debate, and express dissent. Their academic careers are not jeopardized by such activities unless the behaviors violate laws or University regulations, interfere with the normal operation of the education, research, and service programs of the University, interfere with the rights of others, or create situations which result in conflict-of-interest by the faculty member.
Faculty members who believe their academic freedom has been violated may present their concerns to the Advisory Committee on Privilege and Tenure of the University Senate. Information regarding the termination of appointments of tenured faculty is contained in GR X-4-5. The academic freedom of non-tenured faculty is specified in GR X-6.
All faculty members are urged to become members and to participate in meetings of national, international, regional, and state organizations and associations in their own fields. Funds may be available to defray the expenses of those who are authorized to attend meetings by the appropriate administrative officers.
Faculty Members as Citizens
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Faculty members have the same freedoms as other citizens. When faculty members speak or write as citizens or as members of professional or other groups, they should indicate that they are not speaking for the University and should not use University letterhead or other material indicating a University origin.
Like other citizens, faculty members are free to engage in political activities. Participation in political activities must be consistent with the law and the faculty's obligations as teachers and scholars.
Faculty Rights & Responsibilities
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The Code of Faculty Responsibilities applies to all faculty members and to all graduate students and others with teaching and/or research assignments in the sectors; these individuals are referred to collectively as "teaching and research personnel."
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Teaching and research personnel are to respect the following rights:
- the right to pursue academic and administrative activities
- the right to free and orderly expression
- the right to privacy, including privacy of desk, carrel, and office space, and freedom from improper disclosure of social or political views or activities
- the right to proper and fair treatment regardless of race, religion, political belief, age, or gender
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The full Faculty Code is contained in Section VII of the University Senate rules.