ACADEMIC FREEDOM POLICY
ACADEMIC FREEDOM POLICY
1.0 Definitions
1.1 The following words and expressions shall have the meaning hereby assigned to them:
1.1.1 Academic Freedom: The right to freely study, discuss, investigate, teach, conduct Research, and publish, as appropriate to the individual’s respective roles and responsibilities.
1.1.2 Academic Management: Academic Members assigned administrative duties of a: President, Vice President, Associate Vice President, Academic Manager, Director, Dean, Associate/Assistant Dean, Department Head, Program Head and other Heads (as applicable).
1.1.3 Academic Members: Faculty Members and Instructional Members.
1.1.4 Course: A set of Learning Sessions in a particular subject, with a defined scope and duration, and specific Learning Outcomes.
1.1.5 Faculty Members: Members of the Teaching and/or Research staff, whether on part-time or full-time contracts, holding the following ranks: Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Senior Lecturer/Senior Technical Instructor, or Lecturer/Technical Instructor.
1.1.6 Instructional Members: Members of the Teaching staff, whether on part-time or full-time contracts, holding the following titles: Assistant Lecturer/or Workshop/Lab/Clinical Instructor, Assistant Technical Instructor, Trades Technical Instructor, or Teaching Assistant.
1.1.7 Learning Outcomes: The knowledge, skills, and competencies that a Student can demonstrate upon completion of an educational activity, Course, or Program.
1.1.8 Learning Session: Classes, labs, placements or work term prescribed by a Course.
1.1.9 Research: The systematic and organized investigation of a subject/topic, and study of the materials and sources in order to establish new knowledge and/or reach new conclusions.
1.1.10 Scholarly/Creative Activities: The empirical (experiential and applied) Research that is aligned to the focus of the University, and the orientation of the vocational and technical type of the education the University is providing, and intellectual attainment including; published journal papers, peer reviewed conference articles, book chapters, as well as other activities that are peer reviewed and/or publicly disseminated and which include the discovery of new knowledge; development of new materials/practices and/or new uses for existing materials/practices; and which broaden and expand the learning communities in which Academic Members function and in which the University is situated.
1.1.11 Service: Engagement by Academic Members in University wide or departmental activities such as leadership on University committees, program development and accreditation support activities, special project assignments, Academic Advising, or other such work in fulfillment of the University's strategic and academic priorities; in their professional organizations through attendance at meetings, professional presentations, or other such work; and service to the broader community such as representing the University in the broader community, professional presentations to audiences outside the campus; or other such activities.
1.1.12 Teaching: The delivery of theoretical and/or practical instruction for the purpose of Student learning and development, that is generally organized by disciplines and/or interdisciplinarity of study and administered within an established model and timeframe.
1.1.13 University: University of Doha for Science and Technology established by Emiri Resolution No. 13 of 2022.
1.1.14 University Community: Staff and Students.
1.2 Where a word or phrase is given a particular meaning, other parts of speech and grammatical forms of that word or phrase have corresponding meanings.
1.3 Where the context requires, words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice-versa.
2.0 Policy Purpose
2.1 The purpose of this policy is to recognize the freedom of inquiry and expression as indispensable in a productive academic environment.
3.0 Policy Scope
3.1 This policy applies to all Academic Members at the University.
4.0 Policy Statements
4.1 The University recognizes that freedom of inquiry and expression is indispensable to creating a productive academic environment.
4.2 The University recognizes that the free pursuit and presentation of truth and understanding, as well as full freedom in Research and publication are essential, as is the freedom to discuss scholarly topics in Learning Sessions.
4.3 The University will, within the scope of this policy and subject to the respect of and adherence to the culture, values, and morals of the Qatari community, the laws of the State of Qatar, and University policies and procedures, recognize that Academic Members’ Academic Freedom implies that Academic Members are:
4.3.1 Entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects in ways that enhance learning and promote Student development;
4.3.2 Entitled to freedom in Research and the publication of their findings, in adherence to the commonly accepted practices of conducting and publishing Research;
4.3.3 Entitled to participate in professional and representative academic bodies inside and outside the State of Qatar.
4.4 In exercising their Academic Freedom, Academic Members must acknowledge that:
4.4.1 Academic Freedom does not exempt an Academic Member from acting responsibly and carrying out the responsibilities and duties defined in the relevant academic policies and procedures, regulations, rules, and governing documents.
4.4.2 Academic Members’ unique position in the community imposes special obligations which include: maintaining accuracy at all times, exercising appropriate restraint, showing respect for the opinions of others, and making every effort to clearly indicate that they are not necessarily representing the views of the institution.
4.4.3 An Academic Member must:
4.4.3.1 Foster mutual respect and trust of others;
4.4.3.2 Endeavor to understand and respect the customs and traditions of the University Community;
4.4.3.3 Respect the culture and traditions of the State of Qatar, exercise appropriate restraint, and refrain from engaging in activities that are illegal, or that disrespect or insult the culture, values, and morals of the Qatari community.
4.5 An Academic Member who feels that his/her Academic Freedom has been threatened or limited in some way can address the issue through the appropriate grievance procedures.
5.0 Procedures
5.1 The Vice-President, Academics will ensure that procedures are developed for the execution of this policy, and are implemented accordingly.
6.0 Related Documents
6.1 PL-AC-08: Funded Research Policy.