Academic Freedom for Faculty Members and Students: A Case Study of the Faculty of Education at Tribhuvan University in Nepal

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions of faculty members, students and members of the academic leadership on academic freedom. Furthermore, the role of the Faculty of Education in relation to safeguarding academic freedom of faculty members and students is examined in the study. The study provides insights that help to understand the concept of academic freedom and offers valuable information for those who are particularly interested in the issue of academic freedom. The study uses a research strategy focusing on a qualitative case study in order to examine and collect comprehensive and detailed information on academic freedom. Semi- structured interviews are conducted to obtain faculty members , students and the academic leadership s views regarding academic freedom. Additionally, relevant official documents are analysed for the study. The results indicate that the meaning of academic freedom is perceived as something, which is essential for both faculty members and students to conduct academic activities. However, the rights of faculty members and students to conduct academic activities and participate in the governance of the university are limited to some extent by the rules and regulations of the university as well as a lack of financial resources. The results also reveal that both faculty members and students enjoy the right to form and join associations on the basis of their interests. Political instability is the major threat for academic freedom of faculty members and students at Tribhuvan University insofar as political parties directly interfere in the management and the operation of the university. The results of this study indicate that there is a lack of higher education policy regarding academic freedom due to the negligence of both the government and the university. There is also no particular internal policy to safeguard academic freedom at the Faculty of Education. Furthermore, the study reveals that the Faculty of Education has not paid significant attention to the protection of academic freedom to its members.