BAHÇEŞEHİR UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND RIGHTS POLICY
At Bahçeşehir University (BAU), academic freedom refers to the institutional environment that enables academicians to conduct teaching, research, and scholarly activities without undue interference. This freedom is a fundamental element of the University’s mission to generate new knowledge and effectively transmit accumulated understanding to students and society. Academic freedom is inseparable from academic responsibility, which requires all members of the University community to express their views respectfully, engage constructively with others, and conduct academic work with integrity, professionalism, and adherence to ethical principles. BAU is committed to enabling individuals to freely pursue intellectual inquiry while also respecting the rights of others to learn, research, and contribute to the academic mission.
Policy Statement
Bahçeşehir University affirms its unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of academic freedom and freedom of expression. These principles are foundational to the pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking, and scholarly excellence. BAU ensures that academic freedom is respected and upheld for all members of its community including academicians, researchers, staff, and students in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye and internationally recognized standards on academic rights and freedoms.
Definition of Academic Freedom
At BAU, academic freedom encompasses the rights of individuals to teach, research, publish, and express ideas freely, without institutional censorship or arbitrary restriction. This freedom is essential for the advancement of science, innovation, and intellectual development. Academic freedom includes, but is not limited to:
(a) The right of academic staff to teach, conduct research, and disseminate research findings.
(b) The right of academic staff and students to engage in intellectual inquiry and public discourse within their fields of study.
(c) The right to express opinions on institutional policies, academic matters, or issues of public concern.
(d) The right of academic staff to participate in academic, professional, and representative organizations.
(e) The right of students to establish, join, and participate in student associations and academic communities.
Teaching and Research Freedom (for Junior and Senior Academicians)
Academic staff have the autonomy to determine the content, methodology, and pedagogical approach of their teaching and research, provided they meet professional academic standards and align with the University’s educational objectives. This includes the freedom to choose their areas of research and to speak and teach publicly about the area of their research.
Junior Academicians (Teaching and Research Freedom for Junior Academics):
The University supports junior academicians by providing mentorship, access to resources, and professional development opportunities to help them establish independence in teaching and research.
Senior Academicians (Teaching and Research Freedom for Senior Academics):
The University ensures that senior academicians can freely exercise and share their accumulated expertise and knowledge in their chosen research areas.
BAU actively encourages innovative, interdisciplinary, and socially relevant academic work, and prohibits any form of institutional retaliation based on academic viewpoints, methodologies, or research focus.
Intellectual Inquiry and Freedom of Expression
BAU fosters an environment in which academic staff and students can explore, debate, and critically engage with ideas in an open and respectful manner. The University promotes participation in academic conferences, publication in scholarly journals, and public engagement that advances knowledge and contributes to societal progress.
Members of the University have the right to express their views on academic, institutional, or societal matters, provided such expression respects the rights, dignity, and safety of others and complies with applicable ethical and legal standards.
Participation in Academic and Professional Bodies
Academicians have the right to participate in professional development, serve on academic committees, and contribute to national or international academic bodies. Such participation is considered an integral part of academic life and is supported by the University.
Student Rights and Participation
Students are entitled to participate in student organizations, academic societies, and civic initiatives. These activities are essential for personal development, leadership, and active citizenship, and are supported institutionally as part of BAU’s educational vision.
Reporting and Addressing Violations
Any academician, student, or staff member who believes that their academic freedom or freedom of expression has been compromised is encouraged to report the matter to the relevant University office, including the Human Resources Department, the Legal Counsel's Office, or the Health, Culture, and Sports Department (Dean of Students). Reports will be handled confidentially, impartially, and promptly, in accordance with University procedures and ethical principles.
Implementation, Oversight, and Review
Implementation: This policy applies to all members of the BAU community and is integrated into University governance, academic planning, and daily operations. Academic and administrative leaders are responsible for ensuring that institutional practices, resource allocations, and decision-making processes align with the principles outlined herein.
Oversight: The Office of the Rector, in coordination with the University Senate, monitors adherence to this policy, addresses emerging concerns, and ensures that institutional actions remain aligned with both national regulations and international best practices.
Review Cycle: This policy shall be reviewed at least once every three years by a Senate-appointed committee, with input from academicians, staff, and student representatives. Amendments shall be approved by the University Senate and communicated to the community.
Created: 2021
Updated: 2024
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