PART 16 - MISCELLANEOUS |
| | INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM |
| 556 | The principles of intellectual freedom should be observed and include the right of employees to:| a) | pursue critical and open inquiry; | | b) | participate in public debates and express opinions about their discipline or profession, general social issues and higher education issues; | | c) | participate in decision making processes within the University via appropriate representation on University committees; | | d) | participate in professional and representative bodies, including trade unions, without fear of harassment or intimidation; and | | e) | undertake all aspects of their role without fear of harassment, bullying, intimidation or unfair treatment. |
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| 557 | When an employee declares their affiliation with the University they must disclose the limits of their research in making public comment. |
| 558 | All employees have the right to express unpopular or controversial views but this does not mean that they have a right to defame or slander, harass, vilify, bully or intimidate those who disagree with their views. |
| 559 | Intellectual Freedom rights are linked to the responsibilities of employees to support the role of universities as places of independent learning and thought, where ideas may be put forward and opinion expressed freely, and as institutions which must be accountable for their expenditure of public money. |
| 560 | Intellectual Freedom rights are also linked to the responsibilities of employees outlined in the University's Code of Conduct. |
| 561 | The University reserves the right to issue a public statement rejecting an employee's statements. |
| | ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY |
| 562 | The University is committed to demonstrating leadership in environmental sustainability by establishing systems and processes that will reduce its environmental footprint. To achieve this, the University and its employees agree to work effectively together to develop a culture of environmental sustainability and to build community understanding of ecological issues. |
| 563 | The University and its employees agree to work through the SCU Sustainable Environment Working Group or equivalent. The Working Group will include one employee nominated by the President of the CPSU and one employee nominated by the President of the NTEU. |
| 564 | The Working Group will consult on:| a) | drafting an Environmental Sustainability Policy for the University and updating that policy, the University's Motor Vehicle Policy, and other policies as relevant; | | b) | the planning for an environmental audit of SCU and its work units that will include the participation of staff; and | | c) | targets for the University's carbon emission, water and energy consumption levels. |
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| 565 | When planning buildings and refurbishment projects, the University will pay due regard to recognised efficiency standards. |
| 566 | The University commits to measures that encourage carpooling from home to work, and the sharing of University vehicles by staff travelling to and from the same business destination. |
| 567 | The University will deliver awareness programs for employees on relevant matters such as energy efficiency, waste minimisation, water use and efficient transportation. |
| 568 | Employees will not be disadvantaged by raising matters relating to waste, pollution or environmental management to the Working Group or, in the event of a particular grievance, through the Staff Grievance Policy. |
| | UNION RESOURCES |
| 569 | The University will provide each union with:| a) | an office on the Lismore campus; | | b) | access to a University notice board for posting authorised notices; | | c) | access to the University's telephone system on a user pays basis, internal mail system and a University email account; and | | d) | payroll deductions for union fees. |
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| 570 | The use by unions of University email and telephone systems is subject to the Computing Conditions of Use Policy and Code of Conduct. |
| 571 | The University will include information about union membership on the University's online staff induction program. |
| 572 | Each union may, with the provision of notice in advance, hold meetings of members on the premises of the University in accordance with the University's Timetabling Policy. Union meetings will ordinarily be held during meal or other work breaks and may only be held during working hours if agreed in advance between the union and the University. |
| 573 | The University will grant accredited union representatives leave with pay to attend union training and external union meetings of up to 5 days per year. Approval for such leave will be subject to the needs of the relevant organisational unit. |
| 574 | Employees who have been appointed by a union to be a union representative will be given reasonable time off during working hours for the conduct of essential union affairs. No employee will be disadvantaged as a result of their involvement in union activities conducted in accordance with responsibilities incurred as a result of implementation of this Agreement. |
