Chapter Two

Sec. 2.5.1 Academic Policy-Statement of Academic Freedom

Academic institutions in a democratic society exist for the pursuit of truth, the development and conservation of knowledge, the transmission of learning, and the enhancement of the general well-being of such society. Free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the attainment of these goals. The University of Louisville is, therefore, committed to protecting the academic freedom of all members of the University community.

Freedom to learn and freedom to teach are inseparable facets of academic freedom. Students have a right to their own views on matters of opinion, rather than fact, and a right to express those views in appropriate ways without fear of arbitrary reaction or improper disclosure of such opinions outside the classroom.

Teachers are entitled to full freedom in research, publication, academic evaluation, and classroom expression. Academic freedom carries the corresponding responsibilities to be thoroughly prepared and well informed in their fields of knowledge and to be scrupulous in distinguishing between personal and professional judgments and between fact and opinion.

Membership in the academic community imposes on students, faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees of the University an obligation to adhere to standards of academic honesty, to respect the dignity of others, to acknowledge their right to express differing opinions, and to foster and defend intellectual honesty, freedom of inquiry and instruction, and free expression both on and off the campus. Members should refer to the University’s Viewpoint Neutrality Policy for the University’s affirmation of commitment to intellectual diversity.

Sec. 2.5.2 Administrative Procedure

A. Officers and employees of the University shall send any official recommendations and communications to their administrative superiors, who shall transmit them to the next higher officers with such comments and recommendation as they wish to make thereon.

B. Committees of any unit, division, institute, or department shall report to the official who appointed the committee. Where a committee is elected, the report shall be to the dean, director, or chair of the administrative entity and to the constituency in which the election was held, unless otherwise specified when the committee was established.

C. All recommendations and communications forwarded under this section shall be considered as preliminary and advisory opinions and privileged communications. When final action has been taken on any matter, all information relevant to the decision shall become part of the appropriate record.

Sec. 2.5.3 Intellectual Property Policies

Intellectual property policies of the University shall be those adopted by action of the Board of Trustees. Each person affected by the University's intellectual property policies shall be provided with a copy of these policies at the time of employment or matriculation and shall be bound by them, as they may be subsequently amended, as conditions of employment or enrollment at the University.

Sec. 2.5.4 Equal Opportunity Policy

The University of Louisville is committed to equal opportunity in employment and education. All administrators, faculty, staff, and student body members who believe that their rights under this policy have been violated are entitled to bring the question of possible violation to the attention of Human Resources or the University’s Integrity and Compliance Office.

Sec. 2.5.5 Personnel Policies

All appointments and personnel actions shall be made in accordance with federal, state, and local fair employment practice laws and in accordance with the University's Equal Opportunity Policy.

Sec. 2.5.6 Archives and Records Policy

The University Archives and Records Center is the official repository for all University records and is responsible for the University's compliance with state and federal records laws, including those governing personal privacy; public access; micrographic, photographic, or electronic storage and reproduction; overall disposition; and destruction. The University Archivist shall serve as the official custodian of University records.

The University Archives and Records Center shall preserve proper and adequate documentation of University policies, decisions, procedures, functions, and essential transactions.

Sec. 2.5.7 Athletic Policies

Intercollegiate Athletics shall be under the purview of the Board of Trustees in conformity with the regulations of the athletic organizations with which the University is affiliated.