Academic freedom and institutional autonomy

Magna Charta Universitatum is a reference for the fundamental values and principles of the universities. This document emphasizes the importance of institutional autonomy and academic freedom of the universities. These two concepts are generally considered together and often seem to be considered as two sides of the same coin. However these two terms have different meanings.

Academic freedom is the freedom of the academics to pursue their research, teaching, and learning. Magna Charta stated that 'freedom in research and training is the fundamental principle of university life, and governments and universities, each as far as in them lies, must ensure respect for this fundamental requirement'.

Academic freedom according to some school of thoughts has no limits; research and teaching can be done in any way imaginable. However majority will agree that academic freedom cannot be misused as an excuse for laziness or silly behaviour. Academic freedom does not grant freedom to academics to the extent that their research, teaching, learning and deriving conclusions and opinions are not abide by any standards. These work always need to be in accordance with the standards of their academic disciplines. Therefore, in this sense, academic freedom is not absolute.

Institutional autonomy include the right of universities to design their internal structures such as faculties and departments, develop their own policies with regard to their governance including appointment/ election of their their top level authorities. This protects universities from undue interference by governments. However, this doesn't mean that all universities can offer all degrees which would cause problems with regard to the requirements and expectations of the society and the industry. Governments need to carefully design minimum criteria and implementation mechanisms to ensure quality standards before a university could offer a new programme.

Most universities are at least partially funded by the government. Government funding means that money has come from the tax payers of the country. Therefore, accountability measures are needed to be in place to trace the financial handling at the university level and this should not be regarded as a threat to academic freedom and the institutional autonomy.

Some policy instruments which can either promote or impede academic freedom and institutional autonomy are legislation and regulation, education systems and structures, funding, projects and performance review.

References:


http://www.portlandpresspublishing.com/sites/default/files/Editorial/Wenner/WG_86/0860041.pdf


http://media.ehea.info/file/20161208-09-Bratislava/12/8/BFUG_SK_ME_52_9_Fundamental_values_669128.pdf