The mission of the AAUP is to advance academic freedom and shared governance; to define fundamental professional values and standards for higher education; to promote the economic security of faculty, academic professionals, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and all those engaged in teaching and research in higher education; to help the higher education community organize to make our goals a reality; and to ensure higher education's contribution to the common good. Founded in 1915, the AAUP has helped to shape American higher education by developing the standards and procedures that maintain quality in education and academic freedom in this country's colleges and universities.
AAUP chapters at campuses across the country work to advance the mission of the AAUP through advocacy, organizing and, where possible, collective bargaining. In some states, state conferences support chapters and work on state level issues.
Our Programs
Through training for campus organizers and activists, legal work, support for collective bargaining, assistance and advice to individuals, research, and other means, the AAUP helps shape American higher education and ensure higher education's contribution to the common good.
For AFT Higher Ed Members
Welcome! As a result of our affiliation with the American Federation of Teachers, many AAUP resources are available to AFT higher ed members at no cost.
AAUP Governance
The national AAUP is governed by an elected Council within the bounds of our constitution. Officer and Council elections take place at biennial meetings on a staggered schedule. Campus-based chapters elect leaders locally. In many states, chapters form state conferences to work on statewide issues. State conference leaders are also elected locally.
Staff
AAUP staff work at our headquarters in Washington, DC, and across the country. See a staff directory and learn how to contact us.
Employment Opportunities
Explore career opportunities with the AAUP and help advance academic freedom and equity in higher education.
Affiliated Organizations
The AAUP is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. The AAUP Foundation is the charitable arm of the AAUP and shares with it a commitment to academic freedom, shared governance, and the quality of higher education in a free and democratic society.
Committees
AAUP standing committees work on a variety of topics of importance to higher education and to faculty.
History
The AAUP was formed in 1915 by Arthur Lovejoy and John Dewey. More than a century later, the AAUP is still addressing the kinds of abuse that spurred Lovejoy and Dewey to organize the Association.