Academic Freedom Policy

Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) strongly upholds academic freedom as essential to its mission of advancing knowledge and fostering innovation. In alignment with national and international standards, including SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), the institution guarantees faculty members the freedom to research, teach, and publish without undue interference.

Research Freedom

CCDC ensures that both senior and junior academics enjoy the liberty to explore and conduct research in their chosen fields. Research is supported through:

• Institutional and Employee-Initiated Research: Faculty may pursue their own research interests or contribute to institution-prioritized projects, provided they align with the college’s research agenda.
• Funding and Credit Units: Research efforts are supported through institutional funding, load credits, and honoraria. Faculty may apply for research units that count toward their academic workload.
• Review and Ethics Process: Proposals undergo review by the Research Office and Research Management Committee to ensure quality, ethics, and alignment with academic goals.
• Freedom to Publish: Faculty retain the right to publish or present findings in national and international venues.

These mechanisms empower academics at all ranks to meaningfully contribute to their disciplines and the community.

Teaching Freedom

CCDC affirms the right of its faculty to exercise professional judgment in teaching. This includes:

• Curriculum Design: Faculty are free to develop course content and select materials, provided they meet academic standards.
• Pedagogical Methods: Educators may use diverse teaching approaches to foster learning and student engagement.
• Assessment: Faculty have the discretion to evaluate student performance based on approved academic criteria.

Teaching freedom is practiced within a framework that promotes quality education, respect, and institutional values.

Hence, CCDC’s policy reflects international principles endorsed by UNESCO and supports the academic freedom indicator in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. By protecting intellectual freedom and fostering scholarly integrity, the institution contributes to building accountable and innovative academic environments.

Academic freedom at CCDC is a protected right and shared responsibility. Through structured support for research and respect for teaching autonomy, the institution creates an environment where inquiry, dialogue, and discovery can flourish—benefiting students, scholars, and society.

 

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