The EMU-AAUP is the local chapter of the national organization of the American Association of University Professors. As it says on its web site, the mission of the national AAUP is "to advance academic freedom and shared governance, to define fundamental professional values and standards for higher education, and to ensure higher education's contribution to the common good."

Our chapter was formed in 1974 as the bargaining unit (the "labor union") of all faculty at EMU, and the first faculty contract was negotiated that year. As the faculty's union, the EMU-AAUP advises its members on the process of tenure and promotion (based on each academic department's contractually mandated "Department Evaluation Document") and works with EMU administrators to assure that the terms of the negotiated faculty contract are met. When necessary, the EMU-AAUP represents individual faculty in grievances against the university administration, and it protects the entire faculty through a variety of actions. The EMU-AAUP also provides seminars and services on retirement and financial planning, and members of the EMU-AAUP enjoy all of the benefits of membership of the national AAUP organization.

Online copies of these documents are available via the following links:

EMU AAUP Constitution

EMU AAUP By-laws

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Eastern Michigan University - Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (EMU-AAUP).

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote the interests of higher education and research, to advance the standards and welfare of the academic profession, and to serve as the collective bargaining agent for the faculty of the University.

ARTICLE I. CHAPTER

A. Dues

1. Each Active Member of EMU-AAUP shall pay nine-tenths (.9) of one (1) percent of total salary in dues. These dues shall include national and state AAUP dues as well as local dues.

2. Associate Members shall pay the appropriate national and state AA UP dues and four (4) dollars in local dues.

3. The Executive Committee may propose alterations in the dues structure. Ratification of proposed changes in the dues structure shall require a majority vote of those Active Members- who cast ballots on the changes. Voting shall be by secret, mail ballot.