ABOUT CAFT

The Committee on Academic Freedom and Tenure has jurisdiction to make inquiry and to conduct hearings in two general areas, namely: in regard to 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 considers the protection of academic freedom and tenure as a principal obligation.

All hearings regarding complaints of and recommendations against members of the General Faculty shall be conducted by the Committee, unless otherwise specifically provided for by the Code of Conduct. In particular, the Committee shall review, investigate or hold hearings, as necessary, in those cases where there has been made any of the following:
    i. a recommendation for dismissal or suspension of a tenured member of the General Faculty;
    ii. a recommendation for release, dismissal or suspension of a non-tenured or continuing-eligible member of the General Faculty prior to the end of the affected member's contract period;
    iii. a claim of discriminatory or other unconstitutional action, including violations of due process or academic freedom;
    iv. a claim of improper procedure in matters of performance review, sabbatical leave, or leave of absence;

The Committee shall also act in those noncontractual situations where the following occurs:
    v. a grievance or complaint made against or by a member or a group of members of the General Faculty that has not been reconciled by procedures available to the Committee on Conciliation;
    vi. a referral to the Committee for investigation and/or hearing has been made by the President of the University or the Board of Regents.

The following matters are not within the jurisdiction of the Committee:
    a. Nonretention at the end of an appointment period of a nontenured or continuing-eligible member of the General Faculty (except as provided for in iii, above);
    b. Suspension or removal of a member of the General Faculty from an administrative position (see University Handbook on Appointed Personnel, Chapter 5 and the Arizona Board of Regents Policy Manual, 6-101).
As soon as practicable within 90 days of receipt of the request for the hearing and after the conclusion of its hearing on the matter, the Committee or its designated panel shall forward to the President of the University and to all concerned parties copies of its report, findings and recommendations.

Meeting Schedule - this committee meets as needed.

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last updated 08/04/09