ABSTRACT
Although they enjoy a rich mix of traditions and histories, most universities around the world today share remarkably similar goals and objectives. There is almost universal recognition that universities exist to promote the social, cultural and economic development of nations. They are charged with preserving, transmitting and advancing knowledge through teaching, research and service to their communities. It is also generally accepted that universities can best fulfil these missions if they are autonomous and free of religious, political, ideological and other external influences. Even if it is not always respected, most universities and most governments widely acknowledge that academics must enjoy academic freedom — that is, the right to teach, research, publish and participate in the governance of the institution without restriction or censorship. 2
