Pitt professors revive chapter of the American Association of University Professors

Students are not the only ones concerned about the state funding cuts at Pitt — professors are… Students are not the only ones concerned about the state funding cuts at Pitt — professors are getting in on it too.

The Pitt chapter of the American Association of University Professors has come out of nearly a decade of dormancy to take up issues surrounding the budget cuts and their effects on education. Although AAUP does not have a direct voice in dealing with the University’s administration, members of the chapter advocate for AAUP’s principles by working through the existing University structure and serving on senate committees.

As part of a larger, national association established in 1915, Pitt’s AAUP works to promote academic freedom, shared governance and a commitment to higher education.

Beverly Gaddy, an associate professor of political science at Pitt Greensburg, was elected president of Pitt’s AAUP in January. Gaddy estimates that approximately 50 members make up Pitt’s chapter. She said that the group is currently focusing on recruiting new members and has no set plans for future events.

“Even though as an organization we don’t have a voice, as individuals we try to stand up for and uphold AAUP principles and standards,” Gaddy said.

Gaddy said that recent budget issues and cuts in funding from the state, along with concerns of the erosion of tenure, have contributed to restarting Pitt’s AAUP chapter.

“The issues with tenure, faculty salaries and shared governance are something AAUP is concerned about,” she said. “And it’s not just happening at Pitt. It’s happening everywhere.”

While Pitt’s chapter of the AAUP does not act as a union to engage in collective bargaining for wages, Gaddy said that bargaining is the focus of other chapters of the national organization.

The national AAUP, headquartered in Washington, D.C., focuses on protecting academic freedom. According to its website, AAUP provides faculty members “who need guidance in responding to troublesome or threatening professional attacks” with resources and support.

More than 150 chapters at universities nationwide make up the national AAUP.

John Baker, an associate professor in Pitt’s School of Dental Medicine, said the AAUP emphasizes shared governance — the joint decision-making processes and communication with administrators, board members and faculty on university issues.

“The number one issue for most AAUP chapters in the state is shared governance,” he said. “Financial decisions have to be made, and it’s just a matter of being able to be involved in what those decisions are.”

The former president of Pitt’s AAUP and associate professor of sociology at Pitt Lisa Brush joined Pitt’s chapter in 1994, almost immediately after becoming a faculty member at Pitt.

Brush feels most strongly about the AAUP’s commitment to academic freedom and gender and racial equality on campuses.

“I think that it’s important to support an organization that supports solidarity across the ranks of faculty employees, monitors gender and racial equity and has a strong voice in shared governance,” she said.

In 2005, Brush testified as the president of Pitt’s AAUP in front of the Pennsylvania House Select Committee on academic freedom.

Pitt spokesman John Fedele said it was inappropriate for him to comment on any specific expectations for the association.

“Like all campus groups, we expect this organization to continue to support the advancement of the University,” he said.

Gaddy said she plans to hold general membership meetings soon in efforts to bring in new members.

“[AAUP] is interested in the state of education, that education remains the focus of universities and that the universities serve the students,” she said.