The Michigan Conference of the AAUP maintains six committees to provide specialized assistance and information regarding higher educational concern and organizational needs. Committee members volunteer their time. Through their effort, committees regularly release reports relating to their charges. In general, these reports attempt to identify statewide trends to allow faculty members and unions to instigate changes to improve the academic environment for themselves and their students.
Committee A investigates and advises on questions of Academic Freedom and Tenure. To assist faculty, it maintains a contact list of attorneys specializing in tenure and academic freedom issues.
Members
Charles B. Smith, University of Michigan, Co-Chair
James Cipiwlewski, Oakland University, Co-Chair
The Committee on Government and Public Relations administers the external relations of the association. Its members author and approve position papers regarding germane higher education issues in addition to building positive and constructive relationships with state and local lawmakers, community leaders and the media.
Members
Charles Parrish, Wayne State University, Chair
Grover Hudson, Michigan State University
Paul Wilson, Western Michigan University
The Committee on College and University Governance works in conjunction with faculty senates and unions to strengthen and solidify shared governance. The committee provides advice regarding faculty handbooks and periodically reports on the activities, extent and effectiveness of faculty governing bodies.
Members
Joel Russell, Oakland University, Chair
The Committee on the Economic Status of the Faculty annually compares the salaries and benefits of each school within Michigan, within their respective conferences and with other schools of comparable rank. In addition, the committee summarizes grievances filed and arbitration outcomes.
Members
Howard Bunsis, Eastern Michigan University, Chair
The Committee on Membership advises members and chapters on effective membership building strategies and materials. The committee also oversees the publication of the association’s newsletter.
Members
Tom Dietz, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Chair
The Committee on Diversity investigates, advises and advances the environment for minority faculty members. To this end, it works in conjunction with the Committee on the Economic Status of the Faculty, Committee A, and local chapters.
Members
Karen Merkel, Oakland University, Chair