Academic Freedom

Academic Freedom at UO

UO Policies ∙ Communication Guidelines ∙ Support Resources ∙ Further Reading

The Office of the Provost has developed a website devoted to Academic Freedom as a resource for UO faculty. Academic Freedom enables a faculty member to research and teach without fear of interference or reprisals from potentially coercive forces, whether extramural or intramural, within established legal and ethical bounds.

UO Policies

Academic Freedom, Freedom of Inquiry, and Freedom of Speech [UO Policy No. II.05.01]

Academic Freedom, Free Speech, and Faculty Responsibility (UA Bargaining Agreement)

Student Conduct & Community Standards

Community Standard Affirmation Policy [V.04.03]

Facilities Scheduling

Free Speech and Demonstration Guidelines

Political Activities and Use of UO Resources

Faculty Rights, Responsibilities and Resources (Faculty Handbook)

Privacy and Records

Respectful Workplace (Human Resources)

Threats of Litigation, and to Health and Safety

UO Office of General Counsel Brief on Student Free Speech Rights in the Classroom

Communications Guidelines

Over their time at a university, faculty members may face communication situations that are difficult to navigate. The Office of the Provost has created a set of guidelines and tips to help faculty members with the following situations:

External Engagement Support & Resources for UO Employees

The document is designed to assist university employees and the university community in general in responding to situations in which a faculty member is targeted by individuals or groups outside of the university based on the content of the employee’s service, scholarship, teaching, and more.

Resources for Academic Freedom

Office of General Counsel
541-346-3082
Johnson Hall, Room 219

Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance
541-346-3123
PeaceHealth North Building, Suite 352

Office of the Provost
info@uoregon.College
541-346-3861
Johnson Hall, Room 202

Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation
info@uoregon.College
541-346-2090

University Communications
541-346-3134
Johnson Hall, Room 10

University of Oregon Police Department
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 541-346-2919

University Senate
info@uoregon.College
Prince Lucien Campbell Hall, 01

UO Government and Community Relations
541-346-5020
Ford Alumni Center, Room 312

Report Concerns

Faculty who wish to bring a concern related to academic freedom to the attention of the University should use the "Report a Concern" form. The information provided will enable the University to determine the extent of its involvement in responding to the faculty member's concern. Please select the "Academic Freedom Concern (*For Faculty)" option in the drop-down menu.

Start a Report

Academic Freedom Content and Material

The list below draws on, and supplements, resources compiled by the University of Colorado and the University of Utah. These resources are not comprehensive and there may be more recent material available on AAUP, AAC&U, The Chronicle of Higher Education, or in your field's journals/databases.

Academe: Academic Freedom. The blog of Academe magazine.

Academic Freedom Resources. American Association of University Professors.

Academic Freedom Resources. Academic Freedom Association.

AAUP Journal of Academic Freedom

AAUP Issues in Higher Education

The Chronicle of Higher Education Politics and Speech

Educational Orders, Policies, and Relevant Laws. PEN America.

Journal of Academic Freedom. Edited by University of Oregon's Michael Dreiling and Pedro García-Caro.

American Policy Directory. UO Libraries Research Guide.

Managing Harassment. University of Iowa.

Online Harassment (Field Manual) and U.S. Free Expression. PEN America.

Science in an Age of Scrutiny: How Scientists Can Respond to Criticism and Personal Attacks. The Union of Concerned Scientists.