About AAUP

For over seventy-five years, the American Association of University Professors has been engaged in developing standards for sound academic practice, freedom, and tenure, and in working for the acceptance of these standards by the community of higher education.

Its purpose is to facilitate a more effective cooperation among teachers and research scholars in universities and colleges, to promote the interests of higher education and research, and in general to increase the usefulness and advance the standards, ideals, and welfare of the profession.

Local:
Drawing members from across division lines, the local AAUP chapter provides an opportunity for faculty to be informed on professional issues and to share opinions and insights. As an organization outside the usual chain-of-authority, the AAUP chapter can voice faculty concerns directly to the appropriate administrator, as well as provide feedback from the administration to the faculty. The local chapter also assists individual faculty members as the need arises. The chapter sends representatives to the state AAUP meetings, and each spring the chapter presents the AAUP Dr. Melvin Perry Outstanding Future Educator Award at the Georgia Highlands College Honors Assembly.

State:
The Georgia Conference has in the past established a viable relationship with the Board of Regents and the Chancellor. The state AAUP Executive Secretary usually attends Board meetings and consults with the Board of Regents on policies and problems in the University System. Each year the Georgia Conference adopts a legislative agenda, including salary recommendations, for presentation to the General Assembly. In addition to retaining a lobbyist at the Georgia legislature, the state conference has a number of working committees dealing with such issues as academic freedom and retirement funding. State conference officers stand ready to assist any faculty member, whether an AAUP member or not, in need of advice and protection.

National:
AAUP's policy statements and recommended institutional regulations are acknowledged as the prevailing standards within the academic community. AAUP's legal office responds to inquiries from across the country on higher education law. AAUP is an authoritative voice in Washington on higher education issues. AAUP initiates projects concerning faculty and the academic profession. AAUP's Committee A investigates violations of academic freedom and tenure nationwide and recommends censure for offending institutions at the annual meeting. In addition, AAUP issues publications, such as Academe, to keep members informed of important issues and policies.