American Association of University Professors AAUP

Overview

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is a nonprofit professional association founded in 1915 to advance academic freedom, shared governance and the economic security of faculty and academic professionals in higher education. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AAUP serves over 500 campus chapters and 39 state organizations across the United States. The association plays a pivotal role in shaping higher education by developing standards and procedures that maintain quality in education and academic freedom in U.S. colleges and universities.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

Established in response to concerns over academic freedom and faculty governance, the AAUP was founded in 1915 by prominent scholars including John Dewey and Arthur O. Lovejoy. The association was formed following a protest against the firing of a faculty member at Stanford University. Over the years, the AAUP has been instrumental in defining and defending academic freedom, developing standards for higher education and advocating for faculty rights.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: The AAUP's mission 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.

Vision: The AAUP envisions a higher education system where faculty and academic professionals are empowered to contribute to the common good through their teaching, research and service, within an environment that upholds academic freedom and shared governance.

Objectives:

• Advocate for policies that protect academic freedom and shared governance.
• Develop and promote standards for higher education institutions.
• Support faculty and academic professionals in securing fair compensation and benefits.
• Provide resources and training to help faculty engage in governance and advocacy.
• Foster a community of scholars committed to the principles of academic freedom and quality education.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

The AAUP operates as a nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors elected by its membership. The association's structure includes over 500 local campus chapters and 39 state organizations, each operating with a degree of autonomy while adhering to the AAUP's national standards and principles. This decentralized structure allows the AAUP to address the unique needs of faculty and academic professionals at various institutions while maintaining a unified commitment to its core mission.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

While the AAUP does not serve as an accrediting agency, it plays a significant role in supporting accreditation processes through the development of standards and guidelines that inform institutional practices. The association provides resources and training to help institutions navigate accreditation requirements and improve their academic and administrative operations. The AAUP's involvement in accreditation-related activities contributes to the overall quality assurance landscape in higher education.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The AAUP engages in international cooperation to promote global standards in higher education. The association collaborates with various organizations and participates in international networks to share best practices and address global challenges in academic services. Through its international initiatives, the AAUP supports institutions in enhancing their global engagement and improving services for international students and scholars.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

In the current landscape, the AAUP continues to influence higher education by providing timely resources and professional development opportunities that address emerging trends and challenges. The association's focus on areas such as digital transformation, data privacy and inclusive practices positions it to have a lasting impact on the evolution of academic services. Looking ahead, the AAUP aims to further its role as a thought leader in higher education, advocating for policies and practices that enhance student success and institutional effectiveness.

7. Summary

The American Association of University Professors is a pivotal organization in the higher education sector, offering leadership, resources and standards that support institutions in delivering quality academic services. Through its comprehensive programs and global network, the AAUP contributes to the advancement of higher education by fostering professional excellence and promoting best practices in admissions, enrollment management and student services.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the AAUP?
  The AAUP is a nonprofit professional association that advocates for academic freedom, shared governance and the economic security of faculty and academic professionals in higher education.
• When was the AAUP founded?
  The AAUP was founded in 1915 in New York City in response to concerns over academic freedom and faculty governance.
• How can I become a member of the AAUP?
  Individuals interested in joining the AAUP can apply for membership through the association's official website, where they can find information on membership categories and benefits.
• Does the AAUP accredit institutions?
  While the AAUP does not serve as an accrediting agency, it supports accreditation processes by developing standards and providing resources to institutions.
• How does the AAUP support international education?
  The AAUP engages in international cooperation to promote global standards in higher education, collaborating with other organizations to share best practices and address global challenges.

Organization Name

American Association of University Professors

Acronym

AAUP

Year of Establishment

1/01/1915

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

1133 Nineteenth Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington
20036 District of Columbia United States

Phone

+1 (202) 737 5900

Fax

+1 (202) 737 5526

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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American Association of University Professors's Facebook page

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Wikipedia Article

American Association of University Professors's Wikipedia article

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