ACUI Organizational Profile

The union is the community center of the college campus, serving students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. By whatever form or name, a college union is an organization offering a variety of programs, activities, and services that, when taken together, represent a well-considered plan for the community life of the college.

ACUI recognizes the college union in its many shapes and sizes. Not having a building does not mean you don't have a union. Many schools offer excellent union activities and programs without facilities. Often they do it with a lot less than some larger institutions — less money, less staff, less facilities — and may do it just as well or better. The solutions don't always involve more money, more staff time, or more facilities. Most often the solutions are based on more creativity, more resourcefulness, and a higher level of commitment.

Two of ACUI's functions are to facilitate the exchange of ideas among all its members and to advocate the important roles college unions and student activities have in higher education. ACUI wants the professionals and students who make things happen to share their successes and failures with each other. As a member institution, you and your staff would receive information about the profession through our award-winning bimonthly magazine and newsletter, have access to the professional community through opt-in participation in our many popular listserves, and gain a wealth of growth and development opportunities through our professional development seminars, conferences, and ACUI publications and videotapes.

Institutional membership gives your staff a vote and a voice in the direction of a high-profile association in higher education. Recently, ACUI has been invited to participate in the Presidents' Summit for Volunteerism and the White House Conference on Hate Crimes.

Join ACUI, share your knowledge, and let others share their knowledge with you. You'll benefit — learning new creative ideas from members at similar institutions and getting help thinking "outside the box" from those at institutions of a different size or type than yours.

Your involvement will also improve ACUI's services. You can help shape the Association’s educational programming and services so they address your challenges and concerns. Chances are others share the same concerns and needs!

ACUI strives to help all institutions, regardless of size, deal with their problems. You will benefit your institution and your personal professional growth by becoming part of ACUI. Learn more about membership in ACUI.