University of Mosul Policy on Supporting Academic Freedom

1. Title

University of Mosul Policy on Supporting Academic Freedom

2. Purpose / Objective

This policy aims to strengthen the principles of academic freedom as a cornerstone for knowledge development. It safeguards the rights of faculty members, researchers, and graduate students to express their scholarly ideas, pursue research interests without undue restrictions, and freely disseminate their findings, while upholding ethical values and academic standards.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all faculty members, researchers, and students engaged in teaching, research, or academic publishing at the University of Mosul. It covers research activities, educational practices, and scholarly debates both within and beyond the campus.

4. Principles / Commitments

• Freedom of Research: Encouraging diversity and innovation in the choice of research topics.

• Freedom of Scholarly Expression: Protecting the right of academics to share their views and research outcomes.

• Independence in Teaching: Empowering faculty to design and deliver their courses without undue non-academic restrictions.

• Integrity and Respect: Promoting ethical research practices, mutual respect, and intellectual pluralism.

5. Procedures / Implementation Mechanisms

• Provision of Resources: Ensuring adequate infrastructure and support for independent and diverse research.

• Scholarly Participation: Encouraging faculty to attend conferences, seminars, and contribute to public academic discourse.

• Curriculum Design: Allowing faculty the autonomy to select teaching methods and academic references within quality assurance frameworks.

• Reporting Mechanism: Establishing a secure and confidential channel for reporting violations of academic freedom.

6. Responsibilities

• University Administration: Creating a safe environment that protects academic freedom and research independence.

• Faculty and Researchers: Adhering to ethical standards and maintaining scholarly integrity.

• Higher Academic Committee: Overseeing policy implementation and recommending improvements.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Compliance Tracking: Preparing annual reports on the state of academic freedom within the University.

• Periodic Assessment: Conducting regular surveys to measure faculty satisfaction with academic freedom.

• Corrective Actions: Addressing any violations promptly and transparently.

8. Periodic Review

This policy shall be reviewed every three years, or as needed, to align with academic developments and international recommendations, ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness.

9. Link to Global Goals

• Goal 4: Quality Education.

• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

• Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Approved by: Presidency of the University of Mosul.

Last updated: 24-12-2024.