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​Academic Freedom and Tenure

The 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom, jointly authored by AAUP and the Association of American Colleges, is the definitive interpretation of academic freedom and is the model for all subsequent policies and standards. 

Thousands of faculty members call the AAUP each year for advice and help about academic freedom and tenure issues. AAUP responds to academic freedom violations by assisting faculty members to obtain due process through mediation and consultation. Grave violations may result in on site investigations and censure of the administration. Investigative reports are published in the AAUP journal ACADEME thereby informing the academic community of departures from sound practices. AAUP's amicus briefs before the Supreme Court and appelate courts on issues concerning academic freedom safeguard academic practices and advance the court's understanding of academic principles. AAUP's Academic Freedom Fund and its Legal Defense Fund provide financial support in selected cases that raise significant academic freedom issues. 

Government Relations

AAUP is an authoritative voice in Washington and state capitals on higher education issues at a time when government decisions greatly influence what happens on campus. AAUP monitors legislation and provides expert testimony from a faculty perspective. When mandatory retirement was abolished in 1986, AAUP was designated by Congress as a member of the Research committee to determine the effect of uncapping on higher education. 

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Faculty Salary Data and Analysis

AAUP's Annual Report on the State of the Profession is a comprehensive analysis of faculty salaries and fringe benefits. Over 2100 individual institutions are listed by category, with compensation for faculty rank and gender. AAUP members receive the report as a special issue of our journal ACADEME. 

AAUP's Higher Education Salary Evaluation Kit provides guidance in assessing equity in faculty compensation. It also includes comparison group salary reports specific to different types of institutions. 

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Academic Policy and Regulations

The AAUP's policy statements and recommended institutional regulations are acknowledged as the prevailing standards within the academic community. AAUP guidelines are designed to ensure faculty members due process and a substantive role in academic governance. Subjects include: 

• Academic freedom, tenure, and due process

• Preventing discrimination

• College and University Government

• Professional Ethics

• Collective bargaining

• Research and teaching

• Leaves of absence and retirement and insurance plans

Membership services and benefits

Active AAUP membership is open to teaching faculty, research scholars, professional librarians, or counselors with faculty status. Membership categories also include Active entrant, a reduced dues membership offered to non tenured faculty for up to seven years; Active part-time, Graduate Student, and Public member.

The American Association of University Professors has members at more than 2000 institutions with local chapters at 960 campuses and 33 state conferences which unite chapter organizations on a state wide basis.

Members receive a subscription to ACADEME, the AAUP's magazine for higher education and journal of record. Published six times a year, ACADEME offers news, analysis, and discussion of matters of professional concern. 
New members are eligible for a special introductory subscription to the Chronicle of Higher Education.