Become a Member

Gain an unmatched selection of resources, expertise, and community created by and for leaders of state colleges and universities.

AASCU enhances member efforts to foster student success, influence public policy, strengthen the higher ed leadership pipeline, partner with public and private businesses, explore grant funding, and promote international connections.

Apply today.
The AASCU Difference

AASCU ensures state colleges and universities thrive in the ever-changing higher education landscape.

  • We serve state colleges and universities, reaching 350 institutions nationwide and globally.
  • Our comprehensive programs make AASCU the one-stop shop for leaders of state colleges and universities.
  • AASCU is a trusted source for timely news, commentary, and analysis on key issues affecting higher education.
  • AASCU presidents and chancellors help design programs and set AASCU’s priorities for issues of national significance.

We are the collective voice of 350 public colleges, universities, and systems changing students’ lives and moving their communities forward.

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Guam
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands
Bahamas
Canada
Mexico

    Our Programs

    Each of our programs helps our members educate the leaders and citizens for the workforce of today and tomorrow.

    Prioritize equitable outcomes.

    Prepare graduates from every background for life in a dynamic economy and global society.

    Explore Student Success programs.

    Help shape legislative priorities.

    Engage in critical discussions around college access, success, affordability, and accountability.

    Explore Policy & Advocacy efforts.

    Equip campus
    leaders.

    Support presidents, chancellors, and their leadership teams through individualized, equity-centered programs.

    Explore Leadership Development programs.

    Develop global citizens.

    Gain guidance and tools to prepare students for civic and global responsibility.

    Explore Civic & Global Engagement programs.

    Make vital
    connections.

    Join a community of leaders from 350 state colleges and universities nationwide and internationally.

    Explore Communities & Convening opportunities.

    Access customized supports.

    Find research, tools, and services custom-built for regional public universities and the leaders who support them.

    Explore Resources & Expertise offerings.

    Explore the ways our members transform their students, their families, and their communities.

    James Madison University (VA)

    2022 Leadership Development and Diversity Award: James Madison University (VA)

    Impact3 Leadership Development Program

    Growing a Culture

    Since 2003, 214 high-achieving leaders have participated in IMPACT3 at James Madison University (JMU). These leaders commit to a year-long customized program designed to develop their skills and grow a leadership culture at the university. 

    Model for Leaders

    The program focuses on well-researched core competencies, skills, and characteristics such as communication, integrity, and service and serves as a model for rising leaders in higher education.

     

    Power of 3

    The name, IMPACT3, relates to the difference effective leadership can make and the three places the impact can be made: individually, on the university level, and in society. In addition, three university facilitators guide discussions, support learning, and challenge the participants.

    Member Benefits

    Opportunities abound for presidents and chancellors, spouses and partners, and senior leadership teams to maximize the value of membership.

    • Exclusive meetings for member presidents and chancellors
    • Regular communications on the latest data, news, and policy information
    • Customized leadership development programs
    • Access to member-only programs and initiatives
    • Tailored connections with public and private sector partners
    • Opportunities to help shape national policy
    • Confidential spaces to receive advice and counsel from trusted peers
    • National recognition for your institution and its successes through our awards programs

    Here’s what campus leaders are saying about the benefits of AASCU membership.

    “I look forward to attending AASCU meetings and participating in various programs as a college president, and before as a chief academic officer. I now encourage my deans and CAOs to participate because I know that they would likely meet and connect to lifelong friends and colleagues as I did. My AASCU colleagues are the people I call to check in or to discuss the challenges we are all facing as leaders in higher education.”

    Jann L. Joseph, Ph.D.

    President
    Georgia Gwinnett College

    “AASCU is working on important issues that affect the changing higher education landscape in our country and provides tools, information, and best practices for the leaders of member institutions to effectively manage these issues and challenges. AASCU membership has provided me the opportunity to connect with colleagues and peers from across the country from whom I can learn and jointly influence the future of higher education in the United States.”

    Zulma R. Toro, Ph.D.

    President
    Central Connecticut State University

    “AASCU provides an important service to us as a public institution of higher education, and to me as a president, by offering a way for leaders and stakeholders in our institution to receive the best resources and tools to do their jobs. The AASCU focus on celebrating a culture of teaching and learning, as well as their passionate advocacy for that culture at all levels, means they have the best interests of our students and faculty at heart. I can say with confidence that our institution has benefitted from our membership in the organization.”

    Ronald S. Rochon, Ph.D.

    President
    University of Southern Indiana
    ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION PROCESS

    Learn more about AASCU membership eligibility & our application process.

    Available to any regionally accredited institution of higher education and any in process of securing accreditation, which (i) offers programs leading to the degree of bachelor, master or doctor, (ii) is wholly or partially state-supported and state-controlled; and (iii) at least 25 percent of degrees conferred by such institution are at the baccalaureate level and are in areas of study defined in AASCU policies and procedures. Institutional Members shall be Voting Members with voting rights and their representatives may serve as Directors and Officers and committee members.

    Available to system offices of multi-campus governing boards of eligible state-supported and state-controlled institutions of higher education which are wholly or partially state-supported and state-controlled. System Office Members shall be Voting Members with full voting rights and their representatives may serve as Directors and Officers and committee members.

    Available to coordinating committees, boards and commissions of higher education which report to state executive or legislative bodies; state commissions of eligible institutions; institutions of higher education whose principal source of operating funds is the federal government; and former two-year institutions that have been designated as four-year institutions by the responsible authorities within their state, but have not yet met the requirements for AASCU membership. Associate Members are eligible to participate in activities of AASCU, but their representatives may not vote or serve as Directors or Officers. Their representatives may serve on non-Board committees.

    Available to (1) institutions outside the United States and its territories that are: (i) recognized by the appropriate governmental entities as eligible to award degrees at the baccalaureate level or higher; and (ii) wholly or partially government-supported and publicly governed, and (2) associations comprised exclusively of such institutions. International Associate Members are eligible to participate in activities of AASCU, but their representatives may not vote or serve as Directors or Officers. Their representatives may serve on non-Board committees.

    For more information on AASCU membership dues, please complete the Questions about Membership form below. 

    Ask your questions about membership.

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