Academic Freedom Home

It is important for the UCCS community to have common understandings of academic freedom—what it is, how it applies to faculty, how it applies to students, and what our rights and responsibilities are according to its tenets.  Higher education exists to serve the common good rather than the personal interests of individuals or the institution itself. This public benefit is only possible when the unrestrained pursuit and communication of truth are protected. Our campus community engages in conversations about academic freedom supported by Regent Law (Article 5 and Article 7), and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure.

Academic freedom is essential because it allows the university community to engage responsibly with a wide range of social and political perspectives. By upholding the values of open exchange and integrity, UCCS ensures that protecting diverse viewpoints does not undermine the core mission of higher education: the collective pursuit of knowledge and truth. The Office of Faculty Affairs is available to provide guidance, answer questions, and support faculty in understanding and upholding the principles of academic freedom.