Context for Analysis (C)

1C5 Creating and Maintaining a Climate of Intellectual Freedom, Inquiry, Reflection, and Diversity

Western’s Policy Guide states that “academic freedom is the right of members of the academic community freely to study, discuss, investigate, teach, conduct research, publish, or administer as appropriate to their respective responsibilities (2.I.B). It is the responsibility of the administrators to protect and assure these rights within the governing framework of the institution.” (Policy Guide, 2.I.B)

Western maintains a climate of academic freedom, inquiry, and respect for diverse opinions for both students and faculty through the individual courses and degree programs offered by both the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Professional Studies, as well as through specific activities, events, and services.

Western’s core of general studies addresses students’ understanding and appreciation of moral values and ethical choices (1C1). Additionally, courses throughout the curriculum address gender and ethnicity issues, particularly the Liberal Arts and Sciences focus areas. Specifically, 17 courses address ethics, and another 26 courses address international, intercultural content (University Catalog 175).

Individual courses, as well as degree programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS), encourage students to reflect on the value of individual and organizational integrity, to develop personal and professional respect for others, to foster international/intercultural sensitivity, and to promote personal and social responsibility.

The LAS College oversees Western’s Freshman Seminars (enrolling approximately 700 students per year) and Learning Communities (enrolling approximately 200 students per year). These seminars and communities ensure that students become actively engaged in their classroom environment, campus community, and the community in which they live. These Learning Communities emphasize intellectual freedom for faculty members to pursue their own interests in the classroom and to foster new relationships among courses, and topics. These Learning Communities promote intellectual freedom and flexibility in presenting course content, collaborating with other faculty, and interacting in social ways with students. The mission of the College of Professional Studies states that the College promotes and expects high standards of ethics and quality in teaching and professional practice; advances the intellectual, cultural, economic, and social development of students through strong and relevant academic programs; and seeks to increase faculty and student awareness, understanding, and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Western’s commitment to intellectual discovery and diversity is also exhibited in a number of activities, events, and services. Since 1996, the Library, Education, and English Departments of Western have held an Annual Banned Books reading. During this event, students and faculty from various disciplines read and discuss a variety of censored works, emphasizing the need to respect and value artistic and literary works of differing opinions. This annual event celebrates academic freedom and encourages the Western community to inquire, learn from, and challenge the world around them.

Western hosts an annual Convocation on Critical Issues that addresses issues of freedom, inquiry, reflection, and respect. Each year one high profile speaker is invited. Past speakers have been J.C. Watts, Bob Woodward, Bill Bradley, David Gergen, Jean Kirkpatrick, Jerry Linenger, David McCullough, Joseph Nye, Colin Powell, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., Daniel Schorr, Patricia Schroeder, and Steve Forbes. This event is attended by approximately 2,000 to 2,500 students, faculty, staff and the public. The Convocation enables Western to disseminate knowledge, critical ideas, and information about current events to the Western community.

Western’s Center for Multicultural Education (1C4) is committed to student development and to improving the educational experience of all students. Its mission is to stimulate the intellectual curiosity of students, to challenge students to explore cultural differences, and to prepare students for community service. Through education and entertainment, the Center of Multicultural Education increases students’ levels of tolerance and acceptance of others.