Crossroads Events

Event Description

Academic Freedom and Civil Discourse in Higher Education: A Discussion of Findings and Recommendations from a National Study

The study the session will be based upon can be found here: https://www.aacu.org/research/academic-freedom-and-civil-discourse-in-higher-education-a-national-study-of-faculty-attitudes-and-perceptions

Here’s a 2006 briefing paper from AAC&U on Academic Freedom as a way of helping to frame the conversation:

Dr. Ashley Finley is the Vice President of Research and Senior Advisor to the President for the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). She oversees AAC&U’s Office of Research and Public Purpose which develops integrative approaches to linking students’ career preparation, civic engagement, and well-being. Through research,campus-based projects, and partnerships, this work advances higher education’scommitments to supporting economic, community, and individual thriving. Herpublications include: Academic Freedom and Civil Discourse in Higher Education: A National Study of Faculty Attitudes and Perceptions; The Career-Ready Graduate: What Employers Say About the Difference College Makes; and The Effects of Community-Based and Civic Engagement in Higher Education. She also currently serves as a commissioner for the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Dr. Finley was previously the senior director of assessment and research at AAC&U andalso national evaluator for Bringing Theory to Practice. She also served as the AssociateVice President for Academic affairs and Dean of the Dominican Experience at DominicanUniversity of California, where she implemented a comprehensive framework for student learning and success centered around high-impact practices. Dr. Finley began her career as a faculty member at Dickinson College. She received a BA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an MA and PhD, both in sociology, from the University of Iowa.