AAUP chapters promote principles and programs that are critical to the quality of higher education and professional life. The Conference can help faculty members at institutions that do not presently have an active chapter of the AAUP bring the organization to their campus.

Calling an Organizational Meeting
Members can establish a chapter at an institution that is either accredited or is a candidate for accreditation when seven active members of the national Association call an organizational meeting to elect officers. Officers must include a president, vice president, secretary, and a treasurer (or secretary-treasurer). Many chapters also have an executive council comprised of these officers and several others elected at large. Upon receipt of the names of the officers and a copy of the bylaws by the Washington office, the Association will extend official recognition to the chapter.

Drafting Chapter Bylaws
A committee to draft chapter bylaws is ordinarily appointed at the first organizational meeting. This committee should attempt to do its work promptly, and may be guided by the annotated sample chapter bylaws available upon request from the Conference. The chapter's bylaws must be in harmony with the principles and procedures of the Association and with its constitution.