The American Association of University Professors (AAUP), established in 1915, is the only exclusively National Organization representing faculty of higher education. AAUP has pioneered the fights for tenure, academic freedom, and due process for all faculty.
The Portland State Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (PSU-AAUP) was first chartered as the bargaining unit for faculty in 1978. In approximately 1995 the bargaining unit was expanded to include Academic Professionals. We operate as both a professional association and as the exclusive collective bargaining agent.
PSU-AAUP represents instructional faculty and academic professionals employed by Portland State University at .5 FTE and above. With over 1,130 members, we are the largest bargaining unit at Portland State, and one of the largest faculty bargaining units in higher education in the State of Oregon.
We are a union campus. We are the largest of 6 collective bargaining units on campus. Approximately 80% of the faculty and academic professionals are members of the Association and pay member dues for collective bargaining and contract enforcement.
In addition to your appointment letter, the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the university and PSU-AAUP is your employment contract. An important provision of this contract is recognition of past practice, where you are guaranteed to be treated in the same manner, and provided the same rights and privileges, as the faculty that came before you.
We currently employ an Executive Director for Organizing, Membership & Strategic Communications, an Executive Director for Contract Enforcement & Bargaining, and an Administrative Director to run the day to day operations of the Association. All positions report to the elected President, who in turn presides over an Executive Council of thirteen faculty and staff members elected yearly from the membership. The Executive Council meets bi-weekly during the academic year.
We are an active group. We have a number of committees that serve the membership working on negotiations; investigations, research, and dispute resolution; membership drives; communications, legislation; etc. If you call with questions or concerns, chances are you will interact with one of these committees. Once you become a member, you may be interested in serving on one of them.
Become a Member
You must complete a membership application in order to become a member. If you are interested in joining, please complete a membership application (email aaup@psuaaup.net with any questions).