Academic Freedom
Navigating Academic Freedom in Difficult Times: Insights from Students and Academic Staff
Monash University’s Campus Cohesion Project has launched the Academic Freedom initiative, bringing together students, scholars and practitioners across disciplines to safeguard the core values of higher education: the freedom to teach, learn and pursue research without fear or favour; the institutional autonomy necessary for universities to govern themselves free from undue external interference; and the equitable, accountable and socially responsible conditions that allow these freedoms to flourish.
About the Project
The Campus Cohesion Research Project invites students and academic staff to join a collaborative study on academic freedom. By centering your lived experiences, especially during times of campus tension, this project aims to shape more inclusive policies and practices that uphold both free inquiry and community wellbeing.
Who Can Participate?
A – Students: Undergraduates, honours, coursework or research postgraduates from any discipline, including those who have engaged in campus activism
B – Academic & Teaching Staff: Tutors, lecturers, research fellows, senior lecturers, associate professors, professors, and all others involved in teaching and learning activities, e.g., curriculum developers across all faculties and career stages
How It Works?
You will participate in a collaborative discussion (90 mins)
- Small groups (3–6 participants) in person (Clayton, Caulfield, Peninsula, Parkville)
- Open, respectful dialogue guided by themed questions
You will complete a follow-up survey
- Short online questionnaire to reflect on insights gained
Anticipated Impacts
- Evidence-based policy recommendations that reflect the lived experiences and priorities of students and staff.
- Amplified voices of those directly engaged—ensuring every insight shared in discussion sessions informs institutional change.
- Practical toolkits for respectful dialogue and risk-aware teaching practices informed by participants’ insights
- Strengthened campus cohesion driven by the very community members whose contributions shaped each strategy.
- Evidence of impact, captured through participant feedback loops and follow-up surveys, demonstrating how your involvement has guided tangible reforms.
Learn More & Get Involved
Dr. Mali Rezaei (Chief Investigator) - mali.rezaei@monash.edu
Assoc Prof. David Slucki - david.slucki@monash.edu
Dr. Susan Carland - susan.carland@monash.edu
Navigating Academic Freedom in Difficult Times: Insights from Students and Academic Staff
The Research Ethics ID Number: 47524