Academic Freedom

PURPOSE / SCOPE: 

The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) acknowledges that academic freedom is a cornerstone of higher education and is dedicated to upholding and safeguarding the principles outlined in this policy.

POLICY:

ICOM recognizes that academic freedom is fundamental to the pursuit of knowledge, the advancement of learning, and the scholarly mission of the college. It is committed to fostering a culture of academic freedom that allows faculty, students, staff, and researchers to engage in open inquiry, critical thinking, and free expression without fear of censorship, retaliation, or undue interference. This policy outlines the principles and guidelines governing academic freedom within our institution.

I.    Purpose:

The faculty member is entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of their other academic duties. 

Research for pecuniary return must be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution in advance of the acceptance of employment.

II.     Principles of Academic Freedom:

The ICOM faculty and staff members are part of a learned profession and officers of an educational institution. The faculty member’s primary responsibility is to the institution, the profession, the ICOM Code Conduct (Employee Handbook), and their growth and development as a scholar, a person, and a faculty/staff member. 

III.     Responsibilities:

Academic freedom comes with the responsibility to exercise these freedoms in accordance with ethical standards, the law, and the policies of ICOM.

IV.     Limitations:

The faculty/staff member possesses the right as a private individual to speak and write, subject to special obligations arising from their position as an employee of ICOM to be accurate, exercise proper restraint, show respect for the opinions of others, and make every effort to indicate that in their role as a private individual they are not an institutional spokesperson. 

Moreover, the faculty/staff member should allow for the fact that many members of the general public will find it difficult to disassociate their utterances as private individuals from their ICOM institutional identification. The faculty member should not use official ICOM stationery or their institutional title in issuing public statements, which are made purely in the faculty member’s role as a private individual.

V.     Protection and Support:

ICOM  is committed to protecting and supporting academic freedom. Faculty and staff members and students who believe their academic freedom is being threatened or violated may seek redress through established grievance procedures.

POLICY OWNER:

Dean and Chief Academic Officer

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:

Provide information and link to other policies or supporting documents referenced within this policy. 

APPROVAL:

Effective: 11/9/23

Last Reviewed: 12/1/23

Review Requirement: 5 Years