CAFT Members:

Judith Brown, Plant Sciences (5/05-4/08)
Albrecht Classen, German Studies (5/05-4/08)
Owen K. Davis, Geosciences (5/04-4/07)
Antonio Estrada, Mexican American Studies (5/05-4/08)
Caryl Flinn, Women's Studies (5/06-4/09)
Roberto Guzman, Chemical & Environmental Engineering (5/06-4/09)
Patricia B. Hoyer, Physiology (5/04-4/07)
Charles Hutchinson, Arid Lands Studies (5/06-4/09)
K. Tsianina Lomawaima, American Indian Studies (5/05-4/08)
Carrie J. Merkle, Nursing (5/04-4/07)
Shitala P. Mishra, Special Education, Rehabilitation and School Psychology (5/04-4/07)
Susan Wilson-Sanders, University Animal Care (5/06-4/09)

Mission Statement:

The Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure (CAFT) shall have jurisdiction to make inquiry in two general areas: 1) matters involving contractual agreements between members of the General Faculty and the University/Board of Regents; and 2) internal matters relating to grievances against or by any member of the General Faculty. Protection of academic freedom and tenure is a principal obligation of CAFT. CAFT shall review, investigate or hold hearings, as necessary.

Committee actions:

1. One case was heard by the Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure (CAFT) during the 2006-2007 academic year. This case involved alleged denial of academic freedom. It was accepted after consideration by the Committee on Conciliation. The CAFT hearing panel was chaired by Patricia Hoyer and included four additional CAFT members plus one alternate who dropped out at the point of deliberations. Prior to the hearing, the panel chair met individually with the complainant and respondent. Documentation from both parties was assembled by Pam Bridgmon, Faculty Center, and distributed to the Panel, complainant and respondent. The Panel met on December 18 and 19, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, to receive testimony from the complainant, respondent and witnesses, with all proceedings transcribed by a court reporter. After deliberation, the Panel chair sent the Panel’s findings and recommendations to President Shelton, who approved the Panel’s finding in favor of the respondent. President Shelton accepted four of the Panel’s additional recommendations, rejected one, modified one, and passed two to the Dean of the College for consideration.

2. CAFT received one inquiry regarding termination of appointment by an appointed professional, which was referred to the Committee on Conciliation.

3. CAFT received one inquiry regarding improper administrative procedures by a University of Arizona administrator, which was also referred to Conciliation.

The work of the Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure could not have been completed without the cooperation and support of the personnel of the Faculty Center. Their efforts are very much appreciated, particularly those of Pamela Bridgmon involving the scheduling and services-procurement needed during CAFT hearings. She remains a crucial resource for The University of Arizona faculty in general, and we of the Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure thank her.

Respectfully submitted,

Owen K. Davis, 2006-07 Chair, Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure

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