Academic freedom policy
16.2.6
SDG16
NCKU's Academic freedom policy
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) upholds the pursuit of knowledge and truth with conscience, regarding academic freedom as a core value essential for cultivating critical thinking, expanding knowledge, and serving the public interest. According to the University Act and the Teachers’ Act, faculty and researchers at NCKU enjoy autonomy within the scope of the law. The University is committed to protecting their rights and supporting free, open, and rational academic discourse.
Scope of Academic Freedom and Institutional Protections
Academic freedom encompasses the rights to freedom in teaching and discussion, freedom in research, freedom to publish research findings, protection from institutional review, and participation in academic communities, and is closely linked to civil liberties and human rights. The University promotes open, democratic, and deliberative governance, ensures job security for academic positions, provides research support, and fosters academic integrity and gender equality in education. Additionally, political interference is prevented by appointing academic leaders from within the faculty.
Preventing Political Interference and Promoting Academic Innovation
Through these policies and systems, NCKU creates an inclusive, transparent, and accountable campus environment, enabling faculty and students to freely explore and disseminate knowledge while advancing academic innovation and public service.
- Organizational Regulations of NCKU
NCKU upholds integrity as the foundation of its academic mission, establishing a comprehensive system for research ethics and academic integrity. A dedicated office oversees education, prevention, and reporting mechanisms, while clear procedures for conflict-of-interest disclosure and review ensure transparency and fairness in research. Through institutional governance and ethics education, NCKU is committed to cultivating socially responsible scholars with a global perspective, fostering a research environment defined by integrity and excellence.- NCKU Regulations on Reviewing Cases Where Teachers or Researchers Are in Breach of Academic Ethics
NCKU has established a comprehensive academic ethics review system that clearly defines the codes of conduct and procedures for faculty and researchers. The system addresses the identification and sanctioning of misconduct such as fabrication, plagiarism, and duplicate publication. An ethics committee composed of experts in law and academia ensures fairness and transparency in reviews, while emphasizing confidentiality, conflict of interest avoidance, and the protection of individual rights. Through these measures, NCKU fosters a research culture rooted in integrity and excellence.- NCKU Declaration of Academic Freedom
NCKU, guided by its motto “Veritas et Conscientia” (Pursuit of Truth with Conscience), upholds the spirit of academic freedom and integrity. The University safeguards the autonomy of faculty and researchers in teaching, research, and publication, prevents political interference and discrimination, and ensures academic job security while promoting gender equality and academic integrity education. Through open and democratic governance, NCKU is committed to cultivating scholars with critical thinking and social responsibility, fulfilling its mission to serve the public good through knowledge.