Successful summer institute held in San Diego

Almost two hundred people participated in the AAUP's twenty-third annual summer institute, held this July at San Diego State University. The institute, which was cosponsored this year by the California Faculty Association, is designed to help AAUP members develop their chapters and conferences into more effective organizations of faculty advocacy by providing them with training in strategic planning skills, data and statistical information, nuts-and-bolts expertise, and networking contacts.

"No exaggeration-this was one of the highlights of a pretty fine summer," says Greg Tropea, a professor of philosophy at California State University-Chico, adding that "the summer institute provides an invaluable refresher on the role of the AAUP in maintaining the health of higher education, as well as hands-on exposure to specific techniques for carrying out this vital mission."

This year, sessions were offered on effective faculty handbooks, higher education data and research, chapter and conference leadership, organizing the new academic labor force, strategic communications, and intellectual property. Workshops on contract negotiations and contract and grievance administration were offered for members of AAUP chapters that serve as collective bargaining agents. As always, the institute provided time for socializing and informal networking.