Academic Rights and Responsibilities

Ohio state student pointing to a part of a book with another student

Academic freedom and intellectual diversity have been hallmarks of the ethic of The Ohio State University since it opened its doors in 1873.

The Office of Academic Affairs leads the institutional effort to inform faculty and students about relevant policies and procedures and to promote frank, open, and respectful discussion about the issues of freedom of thought and expression.

Our university’s commitment to these ideals is underscored by its support of the statement on academic freedom and intellectual diversity on American campuses promulgated by the American Council on Education (ACE). ACE is the major coordinating body for the nation's higher education institutions.

The ACE statement, released in 2005, includes the following principles:

Academic freedom and intellectual pluralism are core principles of America’s higher education system.
Government’s recognition and respect for independence of colleges and universities is essential for academic excellence.
Colleges and universities should welcome diverse beliefs and the free exchange of ideas.
Grades and other academic decisions should be based solely on considerations that are intellectually relevant to the subject matter.
Neither students nor faculty should be disadvantaged or evaluated on the basis of their political opinions.
Any member of the campus community who believes he or she has been treated unfairly on academic matters must have access to a clear institutional process to address grievances.

Ohio State’s formal endorsement of these principles in 2006 publicly acknowledged our unwavering commitment to academic freedom, respect for multiple points of view, and the civil and open discussion of these views.

The university provides clear mechanisms for addressing the concerns of those who believe they have experienced treatment that is inconsistent with that commitment.

Faculty who have concerns about possible infringements upon academic freedom or responsibility may address these concerns to the University Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Responsibility.
Faculty and students may refer to the faculty rules associated with issues of academic rights and responsibilities: Chapter 3335-8 Instruction (23 - Alteration of Marks) and Chapter 3335-5 Faculty, Governance, and Committees (4 - Hearing procedures for complaints against faculty members)

Other Sources of Information