AAUP

Michigan Conference

American Association of University Professors

  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AAUP?

The AAUP is a non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of the professoriate. Since its founding in 1915 by John Dewey and Arthur Lovejoy, the AAUP has been dedicated to the preservation of academic freedom, tenure and shared governance.
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What does the AAUP do?

The national office of the AAUP is a hive of activity.
The Department of Academic Freedom, Tenure & Governance advises faculty members on issues of concern and investigates those cases which cannot be sensibly remedied. These investigations can lead to a formal report released by the Committee A – Academic Freedom & Tenure and potentially the censure of an institution.
The Department of Research and Public Policy publishes topical studies, most notably the annual salary survey. In addition, its staff lobbied on behalf of the professoriate at the national level and advises members on lobbying at the local level.
The Department of Organizing & Services supports member activity and chapter development. These people empower AAUP members to take an active role in the future of their profession and institution. They are also usually the first stop for any questions not related to academic freedom or tenure.
The Department of External Relations handles all media interactions. Its staff members bimonthly publish Academe for AAUP and design and author AAUP distribution materials.
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What is Academic Freedom?

The AAUP’s 1940 Statement on Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure defines academic freedom as
  1. Teachers are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of their other academic duties; but research for pecuniary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution.
  2. Teachers are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter which has no relation to their subject.[2] Limitations of academic freedom because of religious or other aims of the institution should be clearly stated in writing at the time of the appointment.[3]
  3. College and university teachers are citizens, members of a learned profession, and officers of an educational institution. When they speak or write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations. As scholars and educational officers, they should remember that the public may judge their profession and their institution by their utterances. Hence they should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate that they are not speaking for the institution.[4]

Currently, over 150 organizations have endorsed this statement.
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Is the AAUP a labor union?

No. The AAUP has endorsed collective bargaining as an effective method of ensuring the economic security and academic due process of its members. The Department of Organizing & Services supports many collective bargaining chapters and assisting in the establishment of new chapters. As an organization, however, the AAUP is not a labor union. Currently, more than half of its members do not belong to a collective bargaining chapter.
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Why should I become a member?

The AAUP’s activity is maintained solely through membership dues. Through the dues, actions and efforts of our members, the AAUP is able to maintain and improve the working conditions of faculty across the country. It is due to the efforts of the AAUP that tenure exists in higher education. Dues allow us to protect the rights of today’s faculty and those of future generations.
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How do I become a member?

Download and fill out the membership form. The completed form can be mailed or faxed in.
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The membership form lists several types of members. What type of member am I?

“Full-time” member – individual holding an academic appointment at an accredited institution
“Entrant” member – non-tenured faculty in first four years of appointment or the first four years of AAUP membership
“Associate” member – individual ineligible for another membership category
“Joint” member – individual whose spouse or partner is a full-time member
“Retired” member – retired individual who previously held an academic appointment
“Part-time” member – individual paid on a percentage or per course basis
“Graduate” member – individual enrolled as a graduate student within the last five years and not eligible for another membership category
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What will the information on my membership form be used for?

All member information is only used internally. Addresses will be used to mail copies of Academe, chapter newsletters and membership renewal information. Increasingly, we are using electronic communication because of its speed and low cost. Conference newsletters are distributed electronically. Under extreme circumstances, e-mail may be used to rapidly convey information. We are sensitive to concerns about unnecessary mailbox clutter and will use this alternative only when no other option is viable.
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What are chapters and conferences?

Chapters are an organization of members at a single institution. It takes a minimum of seven (7) members to form a chapter. Constitution/bylaws templates can be downloaded along with helpful instructions. Chapters may charge dues to their members to fund their activities.

Chapters and members within a state may form a state conference to better coordinate their activities and to facilitate information sharing. The Michigan Conference maintains an office in Lansing across from the state Capitol and lobbies state officials as well as assisting its members in doing so locally.
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How do I become involved in my local chapter?

The AAUP is always looking for members interested in becoming more active and involved. To do so at the local level, please see our list of chapter contacts. If you wish to become active at the state or local level, please contact the Michigan Conference office at (517) 482-2775 or office@miaaup.org.
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I am already a member. What member benefits do I receive?

All members receive a copy of the bimonthly magazine Academe, published by the national AAUP. In addition, members receive a variety of discounts and financial incentives. If you are a member of a collective bargaining chapter, your dues fund all chapter activities including negotiations. Most importantly, your dues protect the integrity and economic viability of your profession. The AAUP provides an outlet and a voice for faculty members whose rights are under attack.
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What should I do if I need help from the AAUP?

The first step is to contact your local chapter contacts. Most chapters routinely handle complaints and grievances and can most expediently address your concerns. If no chapter exists at your school, please contact the Michigan Conference at (517) 482-2775 or office@miaaup.org. Cases which cannot be resolved at the local or state level will be forwarded to the national office. At each level, various committees exist to review and investigate member concerns and provide advice. Please remember time is of the essence. The AAUP is much more effective in blocking an administration action than reversing it.
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What types of problems can the AAUP help with?

The AAUP handles a myriad of problems relating to faculty positions. Here is a sample.

If you have a concern, please contact your local chapter or the Michigan Conference.
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The Michigan Conference of the American Association of University Professors
115 West Allegan St., Suite 320
Lansing, MI 48933-1783
Phone: (517) 482-2775
Fax: (517) 913-6447
E-Mail: office@miaaup.org
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