FACULTY MEMBERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF ACADEMIC FREEDOM AT SAUDI UNIVERSITIES: A MIXED METHODS STUDY

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate faculty members’ perceptions of academic freedom at Saudi public universities. The sample of this study consisted of 93 full time faculty members who teach at eight Saudi public universities. A convergence mixed methods design was utilized to explore faculty perceptions of academic freedom. The major findings of this study revealed that faculty members were able to define the academic freedom from their perspectives. However, the majority of faculty reported the absence of academic freedom policies and regulations at their institutions, which has impeded the practice of academic freedom at Saudi universities. The findings of this study confirmed that Saudi universities do not have a solid foundation and tradition of academic freedom. Thus, there is a significant need to establish a formal policy for academic freedom to reinforce the best practice of academic freedom in the areas of teaching, research, and off-campus activities.