Freedom to Teach, Freedom to Learn

Augustana College is committed to the acquisition of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and promotion of the general well being of society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals. As members of the Augustana community, students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgement and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth. The freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of this academic freedom. The freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community. The responsibility to secure and to respect conditions conducive to the freedom to learn is shared by all members of the college community. Augustana has developed policies and procedures that provide and safeguard this freedom. These policies and procedures are developed within a framework of general standards that are not meant to limit the constitutional right to freedom of expression.

The professor in the classroom and in conference shall encourage free discussion, inquiry, and expression. Student performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.

Protection Against Improper Academic Evaluation
Students have protection through orderly procedure against prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation.

Protection Against Improper Disclosure
Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations which is disclosed to a faculty member in confidence, is at all times to be considered confidential. Protection against improper disclosure is a serious professional obligation. Judgements of ability and character may be provided under appropriate circumstances, normally with the knowledge or consent of the student (refer to Student Records for amplification of policy and procedures).