Yost Award nomination deadline; Capitol Hill Day preparation

As the AAUP’s annual conference approaches, the Committee on Government Relations would like to inform you of some exciting advocacy events on the horizon. We also ask that you, as chapter, state conference and national leaders, distribute the following to your AAUP networks.

Henry T. Yost Award for Congressional Leadership

Background

This award was created in memory of Henry (Tom) Yost, who served as the chair of the national AAUP’s Committee on Government Relations for a number of years and then as president of the Association from 1980–­81.

Eligibility

The award is given to a member of the United States House of Representatives or Senate in recognition of outstanding leadership in higher education, preferably during, but not limited to, the previous year.

Guidelines

Nominations are submitted in the form of supporting letters and biographical material. An AAUP member, chapter, or state conference can provide the primary nomination of the award. Nomination letters should discuss any examples of the candidate's strong commitment to higher education and any examples of collaboration between the candidate and the AAUP, or any other higher education organization or institution.

Email a nomination with supporting details to the Committee on Government Relations (govtrelations@aaup.org).

Nominations are due April 1, 2012.

Capitol Hill Day

Attending the Annual Conference on the State of Higher Education in Washington? Don’t forget to register for Capitol Hill Day! Join AAUP members from across the country to discuss academic freedom, tenure, funding, and other higher education issues with members of Congress. AAUP staff and members of the Committee on Government Relations will provide training on effective lobbying techniques and be available to answer your questions. The day is capped with a reception on Capitol Hill. We invite you to mingle with members of Congress, faculty delegations from several states, AAUP leaders, and Hill staffers. Complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

If you are a state conference leader, please begin scheduling your visits with members of Congress now. If you are a chapter leader, contact your AAUP state conference to find out whether a state delegation is planned. E-mail us at the address given above for help scheduling your delegation’s meeting with your member of Congress, or with any other questions about Capitol Hill day.

Capitol Hill Day is June 14, 2012.

Online registration closes June 8, 2012; more information is at http://www.aaup.org/AAUP/about/events/anconf