Academic Freedom 

Article 1 – Policy Statement

The American University of Madaba (AUM) shall protect and promote academic freedom as a fundamental principle supporting teaching, learning, research, scholarship, and institutional integrity.

Academic freedom ensures that faculty members, researchers, and academic staff are able to:

1. Teach and discuss their academic subjects in accordance with professional standards.
2. Conduct research and publish scholarly work without undue interference.
3. Express academic opinions within their field of expertise.
4. Participate in institutional academic governance.
5. Contribute to the advancement of knowledge and intellectual inquiry.

AUM recognizes academic freedom as an essential condition for achieving institutional mission, educational quality, innovation, and continuous improvement in alignment with international accreditation expectations.

AUM shall ensure that academic freedom is exercised responsibly, professionally, and in accordance with ethical, legal, and institutional standards.

Article 2 – Purpose

This policy establishes the institutional framework governing academic freedom at AUM to ensure:

1. Protection of scholarly independence.
2. Integrity of teaching and research activities.
3. Compliance with international accreditation expectations.
4. Alignment with Jordanian higher education regulations.
5. Responsible and ethical academic conduct.
6. Transparent institutional governance.

Article 3 – Scope

This policy applies to:

1. Full-time faculty members.
2. Part-time faculty members.
3. Visiting faculty.
4. Researchers and research staff.
5. Academic administrators.
6. Graduate teaching assistants.
7. Any individual engaged in academic teaching or scholarly activity under the authority of AUM. 

Article 4 – Definitions

4.1  Academic freedom

The right of faculty members and researchers to teach, discuss, investigate, publish, and express scholarly views without institutional censorship, restriction, or undue interference, subject to professional and ethical standards.

4.2  Scholarly activity

Teaching, research, publication, creative activity, academic service, and professional engagement contributing to the advancement of knowledge.

4.3  Responsible academic conduct

Professional behavior consistent with ethical research standards, institutional policies, applicable laws, and respect for diversity of opinion.

4.4  Institutional integrity

Commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and accountability in academic and administrative activities.

Article 5 – Principles

AUM shall ensure that academic freedom is implemented in accordance with the following principles:

5.1  Freedom in teaching

Faculty members are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their academic subject, while ensuring alignment with approved curricula and learning outcomes.

 5.2  Freedom in research

Faculty members are entitled to select research topics, conduct investigations, and publish results consistent with research ethics, intellectual property regulations, institutional and National Research priorities.

5.3  Freedom of scholarly expression

Faculty members may express scholarly opinions within their academic expertise, while clarifying that personal views do not necessarily represent the University.

5.4  Academic responsibility

Academic freedom shall be exercised responsibly and shall not:

1. Violate professional ethics.
2. Contradict evidence-based academic standards.
3. Breach confidentiality obligations.
4. Violate applicable laws or regulations.
5. Promote discrimination or harassment.

5.5  Institutional neutrality

The University shall not impose ideological restrictions on academic inquiry, provided academic activities comply with professional standards.

5.6  Protection from undue interference

AUM shall ensure that academic staff are protected from:

1.  External political influence.
2. Improper administrative pressure.
3. Censorship of scholarly work.
4. Discrimination based on academic views.

5.7  Relationship with other institutional policies

Academic freedom shall operate within the broader institutional regulatory framework governing professional conduct, non-discrimination, prevention of harassment, research ethics, and institutional representation.

Matters relating to discrimination, harassment, professional misconduct, or misrepresentation of institutional positions shall be addressed through the relevant University policies and procedures, ensuring consistent application of institutional standards while maintaining protection of legitimate scholarly inquiry.

Article 6 – Policy Provisions

6.1  Alignment with International Standards

AUM shall maintain publicly available policies protecting academic freedom consistent with international accreditation expectations.

6.2  Faculty participation in academic governance Faculty members shall have a substantive role in:

1. Curriculum development.
2. Academic program review.
3. Learning outcomes development.
4. Academic standards determination.

6.3  Academic quality assurance

Academic freedom shall operate within structured quality assurance frameworks ensuring:

1. Curriculum integrity.
2. Evidence-based teaching.
3. Peer review of research.
4. Continuous academic improvement.

6.4  Ethical scholarly conduct

All academic activities shall comply with:

1. Research ethics requirements.
2. Intellectual property policies.
3. Academic integrity standards.
4. Anti-plagiarism regulations.

6.5  Balanced institutional responsibility

Academic freedom shall coexist with institutional responsibility to:

1. Ensure academic quality.
2. Maintain regulatory compliance.
3. Protect institutional reputation.
4. Safeguard student learning outcomes.

6.6  Protection from retaliation

No member of the academic community shall be subject to retaliation, disciplinary action, or adverse employment consequences for exercising academic freedom in good faith within the scope of professional responsibilities, ethical standards, institutional regulations, and applicable law.

 The University shall ensure that academic freedom concerns are reviewed objectively and without prejudice to the academic or professional standing of the individual concerned.

Article 7 – Procedures

7.1  Implementation:

Step 1 – Policy communication

Academic Affairs shall communicate the policy to faculty members through: 

1. Faculty handbook.
2. Employment contracts.
3. Orientation programs.
4. Institutional website.

Step 2 – Integration into academic processes

Academic freedom principles shall be embedded in:

1. Curriculum design procedures.
2. Research governance framework.
3. Faculty evaluation systems.
4. Program review processes.

Step 3 – Faculty awareness:

Workshops and guidance shall be provided to ensure understanding of:

1. Rights and responsibilities.
2. Research ethics standards.
3. Academic integrity expectations.

7.2  Protection of academic freedom

Faculty members who believe academic freedom has been compromised may submit concerns through:

1. Department Chair.
2. Dean of Faculty.
3. Academic Affairs.
4. Human Resources Department. 

Formal review shall follow institutional grievance procedures. 

7.3  Conflict resolution

Concerns related to academic freedom shall be reviewed through:

1. Faculty councils.
2. Council of Deans.
3. Institutional grievance procedures.

 Resolution shall consider:

1. Academic standards.
2. Institutional policies.
3. Legal compliance.
4. Professional ethics.

7.4  Monitoring and quality assurance

The Accreditation and Quality Assurance Department (AQA) shall monitor institutional implementation of academic freedom through:

1. Policy compliance review.
2. Program review processes.
3. Faculty surveys.
4. Institutional effectiveness assessment.

Article 8. Roles and Responsibilities

Article 9. Compliance

This policy complies with:

• Jordanian Regulatory Framework

1. Universities Law No. 18 of 2018 and its amendments.
2. Higher Education and Scientific Research Law No. 17 of 2018.
3. AQAC accreditation requirements.

• NECHE Standards for Accreditation

1. Standard 2.21 – Protection of Academic Freedom.
2. Standard 5.1 – Ethical Institutional Conduct (Integrity).

Article 10. Related Policies

1. AUM-PPM-GOV-1.02 Institutional Governance and Organizational Structure
2. AUM-PPM-HRF-7.01 Faculty Appointment and Evaluation
3. AUM-PPM-RES-7.01 Research Governance
4. AUM-PPM-AQA-10.01 Quality Assurance Framework
5. AUM-PPM-STS-6.01 Student Conduct

Article 11– Revision History

Policy History:

Annexes 

Annex A – Academic Freedom Principles Framework

The American University of Madaba adopts the following internationally recognized academic freedom principles:

A.1  Core Academic Freedoms

Academic staff shall have the freedom to:

1. Teach within their academic discipline using pedagogically sound methods
2. Design course content consistent with approved learning outcomes
3. Conduct scholarly research without inappropriate restriction
4. Publish academic work based on scholarly evidence
5. Express academic opinions within their area of professional expertise
6. Participate in academic governance processes 

A.2  Academic Responsibility Obligations

Academic freedom requires adherence to:

1. Scholarly rigor
2. Academic integrity
3. Intellectual honesty
4. Respect for diversity of perspectives
5. Evidence-based reasoning
6. Professional ethical conduct

Academic freedom does not exempt faculty members from:

1. Institutional regulations
2. Accreditation requirements
3. Program learning outcome requirements
4. Ethical research standards
5. Respectful professional behavior.
6. National Applicable Laws.

A.3  Institutional responsibilities

The University shall ensure:

1. Protection from censorship or undue interference
2. Transparent academic governance procedures
3. Fair and consistent academic evaluation processes
4. Support for research and scholarly activity
5. Protection of intellectual independence
6. Alignment with accreditation expectations

Annex B – Faculty Rights and Responsibilities Matrix

Annex C – Academic Freedom Concern Review Process 

Step 1 – Submission of Concern Concern may be submitted to:

1. Department Chair
2. Dean
3. Academic Affairs
4. Human Resources

Step 2 – Preliminary Review

Academic Affairs evaluates whether the matter relates to:

1. Academic freedom
2. Academic quality standards
3. Research ethics
4. Institutional policy compliance 

Step 3 – Consultation Consultation may involve:

1. Faculty council
2. Dean
3. Legal advisor if required
4. AQA (for policy compliance alignment)

Step 4 – Resolution Possible outcomes:

1. Clarification of academic freedom scope
2. Confirmation of academic rights
3. Recommendation for corrective action if policy violation exists
4. Policy interpretation guidance

Step 5 – Documentation Records maintained by:

1. Human Resources
2. Academic Affairs
3. AQA (for institutional effectiveness evidence)

Annex D – Alignment with NECHE Standards

Annex E – Examples of Academic Freedom Applications

E.1  Permitted Activities

1. Presenting scholarly interpretations supported by evidence
2. Publishing research findings
3. Participating in academic conferences
4. Developing innovative teaching approaches
5. Academic debate within professional norms

E.2  Not Protected Under Academic Freedom

1. Academic misconduct
2. Plagiarism
3. Falsification of research data
4. Discrimination or harassment
5. Violation of research ethics standards
6. Deviation from approved curriculum without authorization
7. Promotion of non-evidence-based content inconsistent with academic standards

Annex F – Institutional Implementation Evidence Sources

Evidence demonstrating implementation of academic freedom may include:

1. Faculty handbook provisions
2. Research governance policy
3. Faculty contracts
4. Program review documentation
5. Faculty surveys
6. Academic grievance records
7. Institutional effectiveness reports
8. AQA monitoring reports 

Annex G – Academic Freedom Clause for Faculty Contracts

The following clause should be inserted into all faculty employment contracts, appointment letters, and faculty handbook:

The American University of Madaba affirms its commitment to academic freedom consistent with international higher education standards. Faculty members are entitled to freedom in teaching, research, scholarly publication, and professional academic expression within their fields of expertise, subject to professional responsibility, ethical standards, institutional policies, and applicable laws.

Academic freedom shall not be interpreted as permitting deviation from approved curricula, violation of research ethics, breach of confidentiality obligations, or conduct inconsistent with the University's mission, integrity standards, or regulatory requirements.

The University shall ensure that academic staff are able to carry out scholarly activities without undue interference, while maintaining responsibility for academic quality, integrity, and compliance with accreditation standards. 

Annex H – Academic Freedom Statement for Faculty Handbook

The following statement should appear in the Faculty Handbook under Academic Policies:

Academic Freedom Statement

The University recognizes academic freedom as fundamental to achieving excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship.

Faculty members are entitled to:

1. Pursue scholarly inquiry
2. Present academic material consistent with professional standards
3. Express reasoned academic opinions
4. Participate in academic governance
5. Develop innovative pedagogical approaches 

Academic freedom is exercised within the framework of:

1. Academic program learning outcomes
2. Research ethics requirements
3. Institutional policies
4. Professional conduct expectations
5. Applicable accreditation standards

 The University encourages constructive academic dialogue that contributes to intellectual growth, innovation, and continuous institutional improvement.

Annex I – Academic Freedom Governance Alignment Matrix

Annex J – Relationship to Research Governance (RES-7.01)

Academic freedom is closely linked to research governance requirements. Academic freedom operates alongside:

1. Research ethics approval procedures
2. Intellectual property policy
3. Research integrity standards
4. Publication ethics requirements
5. Grant compliance obligations 

Faculty members retain freedom to select research topics, provided compliance with:

1. Ethical review requirements.
2. Funding regulations.
3. Conflict of interest disclosure.
4. Institutional research priorities where applicable.

Academic freedom shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with applicable legal and regulatory requirements governing externally funded research, international collaborations, and contractual obligations.

Where academic activities are supported through external grants, international agreements, or cross-border institutional cooperation, compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual conditions shall be managed through the relevant research governance, legal compliance, and institutional policy framework. 

Such compliance requirements shall not be interpreted as institutional limitation of legitimate scholarly inquiry, but rather as necessary alignment with applicable legal frameworks governing funded academic activities.