Suan Dusit University (SDU) recognizes the vital role of higher education institutions in advancing academic freedom, which forms the foundation for knowledge creation, research innovation, and independent teaching. Upholding this principle is essential for fostering academic excellence and social progress. In alignment with its commitment to institutional integrity and sustainable governance, SDU issued the “University Announcement on the Use of Academic Freedom, B.E. 2565 (2022)”, establishing an official policy framework to protect and promote academic freedom for all members of the academic community.
เปิดหน้าตามลลิงค์ https://sdulaw.dusit.ac.th/wp-content/regular/file/2565-U06C-880.pdf
This policy affirms that all faculty members, researchers, and students are entitled to exercise academic freedom in learning, teaching, research, academic services, and public expression of scholarly opinions. The University promotes an academic environment that values open dialogue, diversity of thought, and mutual respect, all grounded in the principles of integrity, ethical responsibility, and good governance.
The announcement serves as the University’s core policy on academic freedom, encompassing both senior and junior academics. It mandates institutional support for developing an enabling environment that sustains research freedom and teaching freedom, including the allocation of academic resources, funding for independent research, and opportunities for scholars to disseminate their work at national and international levels without interference.
In the area of Research Freedom, Suan Dusit University encourages faculty members and researchers to freely select and pursue their research interests in both theoretical and applied disciplines. The University provides research grants, infrastructure, and mentorship to junior researchers, enabling them to generate new knowledge that contributes to local and national development. Meanwhile, senior academics are supported in conducting advanced research within their fields of expertise, ensuring autonomy in inquiry and scholarly exploration without external or administrative constraints.
Regarding Teaching Freedom, SDU affirms the right of faculty members to design curricula, choose course content, and employ diverse teaching methodologies suitable to their learners. The policy encourages creativity in pedagogy, academic debate, and collaboration between senior and junior academics to continuously enhance teaching quality and uphold professional standards.
Moreover, the University emphasizes that the exercise of academic freedom must be accompanied by ethical responsibility and adherence to legal and professional standards. This balance between freedom and accountabilityensures that academic integrity remains the cornerstone of higher education. SDU has established governance mechanisms—such as academic ethics committees and quality assurance systems—to safeguard the rights of educators and researchers while maintaining transparency and fairness in academic operations.
The issuance of this policy on 15 August 2022 demonstrates Suan Dusit University’s strong commitment to sustainable academic development and responsible governance. It reflects the University’s proactive approach to fostering a transparent, inclusive, and ethically driven academic culture, consistent with the principles of sustainability and institutional accountability.
In conclusion, Suan Dusit University’s Policy on Academic Freedom embodies the institution’s dedication to preserving freedom of thought and academic responsibility—the twin pillars of a sustainable and equitable learning society. By embedding these principles into its governance and operational frameworks, the University continues to build an environment that supports independent learning, creative research, and the open exchange of knowledge, thereby advancing sustainable higher education in harmony with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Reference: