AAUP: History and Mission
The AAUP’s origins can be traced all the way back to an unfortunate incident that occurred in California at the turn of the previous century. In 1900, noted economist Edward Ross lost his job at Stanford University because Mrs. Leland Stanford disapproved of his views on immigrant labor and railroad monopolies. That incident rankled many in the profession and was not forgotten by Arthur O. Lovejoy. Some fifteen years later, Lovejoy-along with fellow philosopher John Dewey-organized a meeting at Johns Hopkins University with the intention of forming an association to protect academic freedom.

In its early days, membership in the Association was restricted to regular faculty and was extended by invitation only. Over the years, however, the Association has grown and adapted with the profession. The AAUP now boasts some 45,000 members and includes part-time and emeriti faculty, graduate students, librarians, counsellors, and other academic professionals.

The AAUP remains the leading organization primarily dedicated to protecting academic freedom in America’s accredited institutions of higher education. Largely through the work of the Association’s many standing committees, faculty determine the principles of the profession and the procedures which best protect those principles. The AAUP speaks with the voice of the profession.

The AAUP’s mission is to safeguard academic freedom, to define values, standards, and best practices for the profession, and to ensure higher education's contribution to the common good.

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CA-AAUP Mission Statement

Consistent with the mission of the AAUP to safeguard academic freedom, to define values, standards, and best practices for the profession, and to ensure higher education's contribution to the common good, the California Conference of the AAUP (CA-AAUP) serves the interests of academic professionals and higher education at the state level.

The CA-AAUP recognizes the profound value that is derived from having a membership drawn from all sectors of higher education--the community and junior colleges, the California State Universities, the Universities of California, religiously affiliated colleges and universities, and other private institutions; we view it as our task to articulate the interests of our various constituencies and to initiate, advance and coordinate actions to advance and protect those interests in California consistent with the principles and policies of the AAUP.

The CA-AAUP promotes sound academic practices, for ALL segments of California higher education while working to ensure that such practices are accepted by the higher education community, state and national policy making bodies, and the general public.

The CA-AAUP fulfills this role by: a) facilitating communication between local and national bodies; b) educating and influencing state legislators and policy making bodies; c) advising local faculty on governance, academic policy, and employment issues; and c) fostering public awareness of the significance and needs of the higher education community.

AAUP: Activities and Services

Academic Freedom Services
Endorsed by more than 170 disciplinary and professional organizations, the AAUP's 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure is the definitive articulation of our principles and practices relating to academic freedom. The AAUP's procedures ensuring academic due process remain the model for professional employment practices on campuses throughout the country. Many college presidents and administrators rely on the Association’s policy statements and procedural recommendations for guidance on matters ranging from distance education and intellectual property to graduate student education and employment.

In fact, more than a thousand faculty members call on the AAUP each year for advice and assistance, especially with situations involving alleged violations of academic freedom or due process rights. As a non-profit (501(c)(3)) organization, we serve the profession as a whole, and the services of our Committee A on Academic Freedom and Tenure are offered to all members of the profession, rather than just to the Association's members. The decision to conduct an on-campus investigation or otherwise assist in a particular case are based wholly on the merits of the case and the principles and standards which it implicates.

Lobbying and Educational Outreach
In addition to our "case work," the Association works with Congress as well as with state legislators to promote effective higher education legislation. The Association also assists its members in developing more comprehensive lobbying programs at the state level, and monitoring pending legislation potentially affecting higher education and faculty in all 50 states. Because of our status as an educational charity, the AAUP-while lobbying on issues-does not endorse political parties or candidates. In addition to our legislative work, the AAUP strives to promote a better understanding of the profession and the purposes of higher education in the general public.

Legal Services
In support of our standards, the AAUP’s legal department files amicus briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as with federal and state appellate courts, to address significant issues of academic freedom. Our policy statements are frequently cited in court decisions and have become a sort of common law for the profession. The AAUP’s legal department also conducts studies and analyses of particular situations under the law which may be of particular concern to faculty. The results of much of this work are available online from the AAUP’s national web site.

Research Services
The AAUP annually publishes a nationally acclaimed faculty salary report that includes a comprehensive analysis of faculty salaries and benefits. In addition to its regular programs, the AAUP issues reports each year on subjects of special interest. Recent initiatives include reports on the use of part-time and non-tenure-track faculty, faculty workloads and state intervention, the future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and tenure in medical schools.
For a list of upcoming activities and events, please visit our calendar page.

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Committee Charges

As approved by the CA-AAUP Executive Board, 25 September 2004

1. General Guidelines for CA-AAUP Committees

The CA-AAUP Executive Board directs that CA-AAUP committees shall observe the following guidelines except where a committee's charge explicitly directs otherwise.

Committees shall generally have no fewer than three, and no more than seven, members. Terms shall be for three years and shall be renewable for a second term. A third term may be approved by the Board, in extraordinary cases. Every effort shall be made to ensure that committees are broadly representative of the Conference's diverse constituencies. Terms on committees shall be staggered. When a new committee is established, the initial terms of its members shall be staggered by mutual agreement of the new committee members or, failing that, by lottery.

Appointments shall be made by the President upon the advice and recommendations of the Board. Except in extraordinary circumstances, all those appointed to serve on committees of the Association must be members in good standing of the CA-AAUP.

2. Contingent Faculty

This committee shall address issues of concern to contingent faculty. It will work to limit institutions’ abuse of, and over-reliance on, contingent faculty members while pressing for equitable treatment of all faculty in matters of workload, compensation, evaluation, and professional development. Every effort shall be made to ensure that at least one, and preferably two, members of the Steering Committee are serving on this committee at any given time.

3. Government Relations

This committee shall monitor legislation of concern to faculty in California; analyze pending legislation and initiatives; and recommend appropriate policies, positions, and actions to the CA-AAUP's Board. The committee shall advocate positions at all levels of government that are beneficial to the higher education community, and shall keep the membership informed of their efforts. Members of the committee may be asked to testify at legislative and executive hearings on matters of concern to higher education.

4. Communications

This committee shall coordinate with other bodies in the Association to ensure that the CA-AAUP effectively promotes its work and principles to California's higher education community. The committee should also strive to keep the general public informed of the contribution that California's faculty make to the common good. This committee shall have oversight of the CA-AAUP's mass communications (including, but not limited to, the CA-AAUP's website, newsletter, and advertisements). Generally, the CA-AAUP's Newsletter Editor shall chair this committee.

CA-AAUP Constitution

The California Conference of the American Association of University Professors Constitution

Contents

Articles
I. Name
II. Purpose
III. Membership and Affiliation
IV. Organization
V. General Membership
VI. Executive Board
VII. Steering Committee and Officers
VIII. Elections
IX. Standing, Special, and Ad Hoc Committees
X. Ratification and Amendments
XI. Relationship Between National AAUP and California State Conference
XII. Procedural Matters
XIII. Prohibition against Private Inurement

Ratified: October 25, 2003
Amended:

Article I: Name
1. This organization shall be named the California Conference of the American Association of University Professors. Hereinafter it is referred to as "the Conference". The Conference shall operate as a social welfare organization under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code for the below stated purposes. The Conference is formally chartered by the national AAUP, which is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and, as a chartered entity, shall work in harmony with the national AAUP.

CA-AAUP Constitution

Article II: Purpose
1. The purpose of the Conference shall be to initiate, advance, and coordinate action on the state level consistent with the principles and policies of the American Association of University Professors (hereinafter designated "the AAUP"), within the State of California. Those principles and policies include promoting the interests of higher education and scholarly research; protecting academic freedom and tenure; facilitating cooperation among all facets of college and university communities; and advancing the standards, ideals and welfare of the academic profession. The Conference shall foster the mission of the AAUP in coordination with other AAUP bodies.

CA-AAUP Constitution

Article III: Membership and Affiliation
1. All AAUP members in California are eligible for membership in the Conference.

2. For the purposes of participating in the affairs of the Conference and of receiving its services, an individual member must remain a member in good standing of the national AAUP, and must not be more than 3 months in arrears in paying her/his Conference dues. Members of the Conference who do not belong to affiliated chapters (see below) shall be considered At-Large members of the Conference.

3. The Conference is primarily a federation of AAUP chapters in California. Any such chapter is eligible for affiliation according to the terms below.

4. For the purposes of participating in the affairs of the Conference and of receiving its services, a chapter shall be considered an affiliate if it is not more than one year in arrears in paying Conference dues on all its members.

5. Notwithstanding Section 4 above, chapters that affiliated with the Conference under terms negotiated prior to this Constitution taking effect shall be considered affiliates in good standing as long as they honor the terms of the previous agreement. Such chapters shall be encouraged to renegotiate terms of affiliation consistent with this document as soon as possible, and must negotiate such terms after the expiration of any agreement providing exceptions to the terms described herein.

6. A newly organized chapter is eligible for affiliation as soon as that chapter has been officially recognized by the national office of the AAUP. If the AAUP revokes a chapter's charter, that chapter shall lose its Conference affiliation.

CA-AAUP Constitution

Article IV: Organization
1. The Executive Board (Article VI.) shall consist of the President, four Vice Presidents representing the Conference's four primary constituencies (private institutions, community colleges, the California State University, and the University of California), a Secretary-Treasurer, the appointed Editor (if any) of the Conference newsletter, and the Chairpersons of the Conference Committees.

2. The General Membership (hereinafter "the Membership") shall consist of all members of chapters that are affiliates of the Conference and of all At-Large members.

3. The officers of the Conference shall be the President, four Vice Presidents, and Secretary-Treasurer. Together they shall constitute the Steering Committee of the Conference.

4. The Executive Board may create, task, and dissolve standing, special, and ad hoc committees as circumstances and needs warrant, excepting the Nominating Committee whose structure or designated functions may only be altered as a result of an amendment to this Constitution passed in accordance with Article X, Section 2.

5. The Nominating Committee shall be chaired by the Immediate Past President of the Conference and shall comprise the Past President and one designee from each of the four current Vice Presidents.

6. The Steering Committee may appoint paid and voluntary employees of the Conference. The Board shall set the term of service for each, shall conduct regular reviews of the services provided, and, if necessary, shall dismiss for cause, following AAUP principles in such matters.

7. The President has primary responsibility for making Conference appointments including the Newsletter Editor, appointments to Committees, and the appointment of External Observers in cases where the decision has been made to provide one upon the request of an individual member or an affiliated chapter.

8. The Newsletter Editor shall oversee the issuing of the newsletter and other Conference publications.

9. The Conference shall establish and maintain its own bank account. The Conference shall obtain its own federal employer identification number.

CA-AAUP Constitution

Article V: General Membership
1. The Membership elects the officers of the Conference according to the procedures described in Article VIII. It also must approve any changes to the Constitution according to the procedures described in Article X.

2. Recognizing the geographic size of California and dispersal of the Conference's membership, regular meetings of the Membership are not practicable. The Membership shall be provided with an annual report of the Conference's activities for the previous calendar year no later than March 31st of the next year. Said report may be issued as an edition of the newsletter and must contain a year-end budget report, list of current officers and committee members, contact information for the Conference, and adequate explanation for how an individual member might request additional information, including but not limited to a copy of the Constitution and the agenda and minutes of Board and Committee meetings (excluding business conducted in Executive session).

CA-AAUP Constitution

Article VI: Executive Board
1. The Executive Board (hereinafter "the Board") shall meet at least once a year. Additional meetings may be called by the President or on unanimous petition of the four Vice Presidents. Upon receiving instructions from the President or petition from the Vice Presidents, the Secretary-Treasurer shall schedule a meeting for an appropriate time and place. At least two weeks notice must be provided to all Board members and to the presidents of all the Conference's affiliated chapters of any such meeting.

2. Meetings of the Board shall be open to all Conference members, excepting those meetings, or parts of meetings, that the Board is in Executive Session.

3. A quorum shall consist of 50% of the Board's members.

4. The Steering Committee shall have the responsibility to interpret the Constitution between meetings of the Board, but the Steering Committee's interpretations may be overruled by the Board at its next meeting. All interpretations, whether from the Steering Committee or from the Board, shall be reported to the Membership as part of the annual report.

5. The Board shall manage the affairs of the Conference in accordance with the Constitution. The powers and duties of the Board shall include the following specific matters:

a. Authorize establishment and dissolution of standing, special, and ad hoc committees; approve changes to them; approve the President's appointment of committee members; review committee deliberations and actions, and approve committee reports.

b. Establish the Conference budget.

c. Determine the level of Conference dues, fees, and fees for service.

d. Act upon allegations of nonfeasance or malfeasance on the part of any Conference officers. If, by a two-thirds vote, this body finds the allegations sustained, it shall declare the office vacant.

e. Approve actions taken by the Steering Committee between meetings of the Board.

CA-AAUP Constitution

Article VII: Steering Committee and Officers
1. The Steering Committee shall conduct the business of the Conference between meetings of the Board. The actions of the Steering Committee between Board meetings shall be submitted to the Board for approval.

2. The Steering Committee shall meet at least twice annually. Additional meetings may be called by the President or on unanimous petition of the four Vice Presidents. Upon receiving instructions from the President or petition from the Vice Presidents, the Secretary-Treasurer shall schedule a meeting for an appropriate time and place. At least two weeks notice must be provided to all Board members and to the presidents of all the Conference's affiliated chapters of any such meeting.

3. Meetings of the Steering Committee shall be open to all Conference members, except those meetings, or parts of meetings, that the Committee is in Executive Session.

4. A quorum shall consist of 4 of the Steering Committee's 6 members.

5. The President shall be elected for a two-year term. Candidates for the position of President shall be selected according to a rotation through the Association's four primary elements. The first President shall be from the Community College sector and shall serve a one-year term. The rotation shall be Community Colleges, CSU, Private Institutions, and UC, unless the Steering Committee decides unanimously at a scheduled meeting to make an exception to the rotation schedule. The President shall chair all Board and Steering Committee meetings and shall set the agenda for those bodies. The President shall only vote on motions in the event of a tied vote. Should the President become unable to fulfill the functions of the office, the Secretary-Treasurer shall act in his/her stead until the next election cycle at which time a new President shall be elected. Should such an event result in the elections of Secretary-Treasurer and President falling in the same election cycle, an additional year shall be added to the Secretary-Treasurer's term.

6. Vice Presidents shall serve two-year terms and may serve up to 3 consecutive terms. Each Vice President will represent a particular sector of higher education. The initial two Vice Presidents chosen to represent the CSU and the UC systems shall serve one-year terms. Each Vice President shall have primary responsibility for the Conference's outreach in the sector they represent and shall work to advance the AAUP's principles and expand the organization in their sector.

7. The Secretary Treasurer shall serve a two-year term and may serve up to 3 consecutive terms. The Secretary Treasurer shall oversee the Conference's finances and be responsible for maintaining the official records of the Conference, updating the Conference's website, and ensuring that the Conference maintains an up-to-date database of AAUP members in the State. The Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare the Conference's annual report submitting it first to the Board for approval and subsequently to the Membership.

CA-AAUP Constitution

Article VIII: Elections
1. Designations for the Nominating Committee shall be made on or before July 1st of each year, and the Committee shall conclude its work by September 1st.

2. In alternate years, the Nominating Committee shall find at least one, and not more than two, candidates for President. Candidates shall be selected from the appropriate sector for that election cycle, and the Committee shall consult with Chapter Presidents and statewide officers as appropriate in making their selections. Upon petition of 5% of the members from the sector slated to provide the next President, additional candidates may be added to the ballot. Such petitions must be delivered to the Secretary-Treasurer on or before September 1st.

3. In alternate years, the Nominating Committee shall find at least one, and not more than two, candidates for Secretary-Treasurer without regard to constituency. The Committee shall consult with Chapter Presidents and statewide officers as appropriate in making their selections. Upon petition of 2% of the Membership, additional candidates may be added to the ballot. Such petitions must be delivered to the Secretary-Treasurer on or before September 1st.

4. The Nominating Committee shall find at least one, and not more than two, candidates for each open Vice Presidency in that election cycle. Candidates shall be selected from the appropriate sector for that election cycle and the Committee shall consult with Chapter Presidents and statewide officers as appropriate in making their selections. Upon petition of 5% of the members from the appropriate sector, additional candidates may be added to the ballot. Such petitions must be delivered to the Secretary-Treasurer on or before September 1st.

5. Ballots will show the names of all candidates selected by the Nominating Committee, as well as the names of any additional candidates nominated by petition and received by the Secretary-Treasurer on or before September 1st. The Secretary-Treasurer shall confirm that those nominated are eligible to run and that those submitting nomination petitions are eligible to make such nominations. Ballots shall be distributed to the Membership on or before September 15th.

6. Returned ballots received on or before October 15th shall be counted.

CA-AAUP Constitution

Article IX: Standing, Special, and Ad Hoc Committees
1. By action of the Board, the Conference shall establish such standing, special, and ad hoc committees as are necessary to advance its work. This power to establish committees entails also the power to dissolve them.

2. The Board shall determine the size, composition, length of members' terms, and the charge to each committee. It shall advise the President regarding the appointment of committee members.

3. Substantive changes to the charge of a committee, whether proposed by the committee itself or by others, shall be subject to approval by the Board.

4. All those in the Membership shall be eligible to serve on a committee. In exceptional cases in which the Board deems it appropriate, other qualified persons, whether AAUP members or not, may be appointed to serve on Conference committees.

5. Committee meetings shall be open to the Membership unless a committee officially rules that it is to meet in Executive Session. Chairs may invite other individuals, whether AAUP members or not, to attend Committee meetings.

CA-AAUP Constitution

Article X: Ratification and Amendments
1. Initial ratification of this Constitution shall be conducted by a vote of the Membership. Approval shall require two-thirds majority of those voting.

2. Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by any affiliated chapter, by the Board, by any Conference committee, or on petition by 2% of the Membership. Such proposals shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary-Treasurer. Upon receipt of such a proposal, the Secretary-Treasurer shall submit the proposal to the Board for consideration and comment. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also communicate the proposal to each affiliated chapter. Within 90 days of receipt of the proposal by the Secretary-Treasurer, the proposal, along with the majority opinion of the Board, shall be submitted to the Membership for a vote. Enactment of amendments shall require two-thirds majority of those voting.

CA-AAUP Constitution

Article XI: Relationship Between National AAUP and California State Conference
1. The California State Conference is authorized to speak on behalf of itself in promoting AAUP policies and principles.

2. The California State Conference is not a legal agent of the national AAUP and the national AAUP is not a legal agent of the California State Conference. Neither the national AAUP nor the California State Conference shall have the right or power to bind or obligate the other party in any manner. Neither the national AAUP nor the California State Conference shall be liable for any act, error, omission, debt, or other liability or obligation of the other party.

CA-AAUP Constitution

Article XII: Procedural Matters
1. Rules of Order. Except as otherwise provided in the Constitution, meetings shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order (most current edition). Individuals chairing meetings of the Conference (including, but not limited to Executive Board and Steering Committee meetings) may appoint a parliamentarian for each meeting.

2. Dissolution. In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Conference, the last Board shall cause all of the property and assets of the Conference to be assigned, transferred, and conveyed to the national AAUP, which is currently located at 1012 14th Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C., 20005.

3. Voting. Unless otherwise specified, voting shall be conducted by mail ballot.

4. Resolutions. Resolutions brought before the Board may be passed on behalf of the Conference by a two-thirds majority of Board members voting.

5. Enabling Act. This Constitution will go into effect immediately upon adoption by the Conference membership.

CA-AAUP Constitution

Article XIII: Prohibition against Private Inurement
1. Prohibition Against Private Inurement. No part of the net earnings of this organization shall inure to the benefit or be distributed to any director, employee or other individual, partnership, estate, trust or corporation having a personal or private interest in the Conference. Compensation for services actually rendered and reimbursement for expenses actually incurred in attending to the affairs of the Conference shall be limited to reasonable amounts.

CA-AAUP Constitution

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