About Us
The EMU-AAUP is the local chapter of the national organization of the American Association of University Professors. 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.
Members of the EMU-AAUP enjoy all of the benefits of membership of the national AAUP organization.
The Four Pillars of the EMU-AAUP
Public Higher Education is a Public Good
To stand up and fight for the basic principle that public higher education is a public good, and to defend the institution against the corporatization of our universities. The EMU-AAUP will stand with other labor organizations, community groups, student groups and others who will fight the attacks on working people, and stand with those who believe we are always better off if we act and work together.
Academic Freedom and Shared Governance
Our mission is to advance the core values of the American Association of University Professors: academic freedom and shared governance. The AAUP has been standing up for these principles since its founding 1915, and we believe that these values ensure that higher education will enhance the common good.
Professors Acting Collectively for the Betterment of EMU
The EMU-AAUP is the union and collective bargaining agent for the tenure and tenure-track faculty at Eastern Michigan University, and has represented the faculty since 1974. As a union, we work to act collectively to make EMU a better place, so that we can best educate and learn with the dedicated students of EMU.
Promote Research and Knowledge Dissemination
We promote the interests of education and research in higher education, so that we can create and disseminate knowledge. This research will help us understand the world around us, which will make a difference in our local communities and beyond.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is the elected leadership of the EMU-AAUP. The committee oversees the daily operations of the organization and is dedicated to realizing the mission of the AAUP. The committee represents and supports faculty in multiple capacities, and is currently representing the faculty in contract negotiations with EMU administrators.
Matt Kirkpatrick - President
Jillian Graves - Vice President
Caren Putzu - Treasurer
Sarah Fabian - Secretary
Alankrita Pandey - Member-at-Large
Joe Rodriguez - Member-at-Large
LaMar Stewart - Member-at-Large
Noel Brock - Member-at-Large
Mohamed El-Sayed - Immediate Past President