Independent Teaching and Scholarly/Creative Work

As stated in Article 5.B.2.(B) of the Laws of the Regents, all university employees whose duties include independent teaching and/or scholarly/creative work are afforded the right of academic freedom relative to these duties. This administrative policy statement defines independent teaching and scholarly/creative work, thereby providing clarification on who has the right of academic freedom.

Independent teaching and scholarly/creative work is defined as activity that is primarily conducted free of direct oversight by another individual.

1. Course coordinators/directors and curriculum committees are not considered to be providing direct oversight of teaching.
2. Scholarly or creative work, including collaborative work, qualifies as independent provided the individual is directly responsible for managing their own activity or assigned work.

• Article 5, Part B – Academic Freedom​
• Regent Policy 5.B – Academic Freedom

• Adopted:  December 5, 2019; became effective July 1, 2020, with the rollout of the new regent article and policy 5 regarding faculty.
• Revised: N/A.
• Last Reviewed: July 1, 2020.