Academic Freedom
Academic Freedom and Integrity of Research
FAQ
How does NOSM University define academic freedom, and to whom does it apply?
At NOSM University, Academic Freedom supports the University’s core purposes of teaching,
learning, research, and scholarly inquiry. It protects the freedom to examine, question, investigate,
speculate, teach, learn, and comment without adherence to prescribed doctrine and without
institutional censorship. Academic Freedom does not require neutrality; rather, it makes intellectual
discourse, critique, and commitment possible. Academic Freedom applies to NOSM University,
including academic staff— faculty, professional librarians, Clinical Faculty in academic roles,
residents, adjuncts, and invited scholars The University, the administration and all members of the
University’s community share responsibility for supporting and safeguarding this principle.
Academic Freedom is an institutional commitment. Within NOSM University, it coexists with the
professional, ethical, and legal obligations that govern medical education, research, and clinical
practice. These responsibilities—including regulatory standards, human rights obligations, research
ethics requirements, and clinical policies—continue to apply.
NOSM University’s commitment to Academic Freedom is inseparable from its responsibility to
uphold the Integrity of Research, ensure ethical conduct, and protect investigators from undue
influence or interference in the communication of research findings, including risks identified in
human‑subject research.
Who protects academic freedom?
At NOSM University, all members of the University share responsibility for supporting and safeguarding
Academic Freedom, as set out in University policy and the Collective Agreement. The University is
committed to promoting and protecting Academic Freedom, and is upheld through collective
agreements, University policies, governance structures, and shared collective responsibility.
See: OPSEU NOSM University Local 677 Unit 1 Collective Agreement (JULY 1, 2023, TO JUNE 30, 2026)
Section: ARTICLE 1.3 – ACADEMIC FREEDOM
See also: Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT), Universities Canada/Universités Canada
(formerly AUCC), and UNESCO.
What about institutional responsibility?
NOSM University has a positive obligation to support academic freedom, The university seeks to put in
place structures, procedures, and practices that promote independent thinking and that safeguard the
institution and its members from external political, religious, commercial or other undue interference.
How are concerns or breaches of Academic Freedom reported or addressed?
Concerns about potential breaches are addressed through the existing, collective agreement and
University policies that apply to the nature of the issue. Depending on the circumstances, an Academic
Freedom–related concern may fall under one or more of the following:.
- Collective Agreements and Faculty Relations processes (e.g., concerns involving working
conditions, academic responsibilities, or alleged interference with academic freedom). - Professionalism, clinical governance, or regulatory standards, for concerns arising in clinical
teaching and practice environments. - Human rights, anti‑discrimination, workplace harassment, or equity policies, when the issue
involves discrimination, intimidation, or a poisoned environment. - Safe disclosure (whistleblowing) or protected disclosure policies, for situations where an
individual reports misconduct, wrongdoing, or systemic concerns.
Faculty—including Clinical Faculty—are entitled to raise concerns in good faith through these
mechanisms without fear of retaliation. Protections under safe‑disclosure, human rights, and
collective‑agreement provisions prohibit reprisals for reporting legitimate concerns.
If a faculty member is unsure where their concern fits, their Union or Association or the University (if
they are not represented by a union or Association) can guide them to the appropriate policy or process.
Faculty are encouraged to seek confidential advice through their Faculty Association or Union on
relevant institutional offices.
Does academic freedom apply in clinical settings?
Yes. Clinical faculty retain academic freedom in their teaching, research, and intramural and extramural
expression. In clinical environments, however, this freedom is exercised within the professional, ethical,
and legal frameworks that govern the practice of medicine. Patient safety, quality of care, regulatory
requirements, and site-specific policies take precedence in the delivery of clinical services.
Academic Freedom includes the freedom to examine, question, teach, learn, investigate, speculate, and
comment—even critically—without institutional censorship or adherence to prescribed doctrine. It
protects clinical faculty in conducting academic work, pursuing research and scholarship, and publishing
or disseminating the results. It does not require neutrality and fully permits informed scholarly
commitment.
At the same time, Clinical Faculty must comply with the standards and responsibilities set by regulatory
bodies, applicable laws, and clinical policies, including those related to patient referral, informed
consent, and continuity of care.
Some additional information can be found on the following link from the CAUT Clinical Faculty
Committee site https://www.caut.ca/our-governance/executive-committee/clinical-faculty-committee/
Can academic freedom override patient safety requirements?
No. Patient safety, regulatory requirements, and legal obligations take precedence in clinical care
settings.
Can faculty conscientiously object to providing certain treatments?
Faculty may hold and express personal or scholarly views; however, when engaged in clinical care, they
must comply with regulatory requirements, including transfer-of-care obligations where applicable.