ANNUAL REPORT TO THE FACULTY SENATE

COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND TENURE
2000-2001 Academic Year
Elizabeth L. Glisky, Chair

CAFT Members:

Term ending 4/01
Ms. Victoria Mills, University Library
Dr. Marek Rychlik, Mathematics
Dr. Edward Williams, Political Science (resigned 2/01)
Dr. Amy Williamsen, Spanish and Portuguese

Term ending 4/02
|Dr. Muniram Budhu, Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics (11/00 – 4/02)
Dr. Adela de la Torre, Mexican American Studies
Dr. Elizabeth Glisky, Psychology
Dr. John Maré, Veterinary Science and Microbiology, Vice Chair (retired, 11/00)
Dr. Joseph (Jay) Stauss, American Indian Studies

Term ending 4/03
Dr. Don Bourque, Biochemistry
Dr. Ralph Fregosi, Physiology (7/00 - 4/03)
Dr. Dana Fox, Language, Reading and Culture (resigned from the University, 6/00)
Dr. Mark Isaac, Economics (resigning from the University, 6/01)
Dr. James Ratner, Law Instruction

Term ending 4/04
Dr. Anne E. (Betty) Atwater, Physiology
Dr. Darrel Goll, Nutritional Sciences
Dr. Julie Plax, Art
Dr. Ann Weekes, Humanities

Temporary CAFT Members:
Dr. Richard Friedman, Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. David Galbraith, Plant Sciences
Dr. Darrel Goll, Nutritional Sciences
Dr. Josef Knott, Music
Dr. Ki Moore, Nursing

Experts/Non-CAFT Members:
Dr. Charles Nugent, Endocrinology
Dr. Gary Wenk, Psychology

Charge:
According to the Constitution of the General Faculty of The University of Arizona, Article V, Section 9b:

The Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure shall have jurisdiction to make inquiry and to conduct hearings in two general areas, namely: in regard to those matters contained in the Conditions of Service dealing with the contractual employment relationship between the General Faculty member and the University/Board of Regents; and in regard to any internal matters relating to grievances against or by any member of the General Faculty. The Committee shall consider the protection of academic freedom and tenure as a principal obligation.

Further, according to the University Handbook for Appointed Personnel, second edition, 1995, section 2.13.09, entitled Misconduct in Research, Scholarship or Creative Endeavor:

For purposes of this policy "misconduct" means (1) fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or other serious deviations from accepted practice in proposing, conducting or disseminating the results of research, scholarship or creative endeavor, (2) material failure to comply with federal and other requirements for protecting researchers, human subjects and the public or for ensuring the welfare for laboratory animals; and (3) failure to meet other material legal requirements governing research, scholarship and creative endeavors…and … When an inquiry has found cause to think that misconduct has occurred, the Vice President for Research must ask the Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure (C.A.F.T.) to conduct a formal investigation.

Cases:
Four cases came to CAFT this year.

In March, 2000, a complaint was accepted by CAFT from a faculty member alleging improper administrative procedures and violation of academic freedom and constitutional rights. The complainant named the program director, the dean and two other members of his college as respondents to the complaint. A five-member panel, consisting of three permanent CAFT members and two temporary CAFT members from the University community, conducted a formal investigation and hearing. The hearing took place in August, 2000 and a final report and recommendation were sent to the President in September, 2000.

In May, 2000, CAFT received an appeal of dismissal of a faculty member. Because of the court ruling that the hearing on which the dismissal was based was invalid, a new hearing of the previous allegations of scientific misconduct was scheduled. An eight-member panel was formed, that ultimately consisted of two permanent CAFT members (of the CAFT members initially appointed, one resigned from the University, two resigned from the panel because of other commitments, and one resigned for medical reasons), three temporary CAFT members, one who has since been elected to CAFT, two faculty members serving as experts, and one faculty member serving as both a CAFT member and an expert. The hearing began in February, 2001 and is ongoing.

In January, 2001, CAFT accepted a complaint from a faculty member alleging denial of academic freedom by a department head. A formal hearing by a five-member CAFT panel is scheduled to take place in May, 2001.

In January, 2001, a complaint was forwarded to CAFT from the Committee on Conciliation. The complaint involves an allegation of improper procedures by a dean. Discussions are ongoing between the complainant and members of CAFT. The formation of a three-member hearing panel is anticipated.

Other Business:
CAFT contributed to the revision of the Grievance Policies, currently being re-written by APPC. CAFT was strongly opposed to the proposal to reduce CAFT to six members. A number of other issues were also raised by CAFT members and forwarded to the APPC for consideration.

Respectfully submitted, 
Elizabeth L. Glisky, Chair
April 23, 2001

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