CUPA-HR’s 41 chapters exist to support CUPA-HR’s mission to serve higher education by providing the knowledge, resources, advocacy, and connections to achieve organizational and workforce excellence. Each chapter agrees to hold annual meetings in accordance with its bylaws and provide meaningful professional development and engagement opportunities that thoughtfully address the needs of the profession and the chapter, are connected to the CUPA-HR Learning Framework, and are consistent with the goals and objectives of the association. Chapters are geographically focused, and participation in a chapter is open to all individuals from any institution of higher education in the chapter area, regardless of their membership with the national association. Chapters also receive support and guidance from their associated region board to ensure alignment with the strategic priorities of the national organization. Chapters are asked to send one representative to participate in the Association Leadership Program held each July.

Why Serve?

There is no better way to engage with your HR peers across your local area than by participating in and serving at the local chapter level! Each chapter has a board of directors that meets periodically throughout the year to drive the programming and planning for the chapter members. This includes the following officers as well as at-large* members: past president, president, president-elect (or past chair, chair, chair-elect), secretary and treasurer. Position terms can vary from one to three years based on the chapter. Time commitments can range from an hour or so a week to several hours, depending on the complexity of the event(s) the board has determined are needed. Time commitment can also vary depending on the time of the year and number of planned meetings or activities.

Next Steps

Each chapter manages the selection process for its board. To learn more, visit your chapter's website or contact a chapter board member.

As part of the national organization, CUPA-HR’s four regions exist to support the mission and priorities of CUPA-HR. The role and expectations of CUPA-HR region boards are as follows:

• To connect and support chapters within the region. The region boards are tasked with ensuring that CUPA-HR’s chapters are connected to the mission, priorities and work of the national organization. Region board members are asked to assist with chapter programming as necessary and to help ensure leadership succession among the chapter boards. The regions provide summaries of chapter activities and overall health to the national board as requested.
• To be connected to the mission, priorities and work of the national organization. Each region board is expected to select one representative to be actively engaged in each of the national board committees related to the priorities of CUPA-HR. Region board members are also asked to assist with programming and engagement during the CUPA-HR Spring Conference(s).
• To identify opportunities to advance the mission/priorities of CUPA-HR in tandem with the national board or to take on projects as assigned by the national board. Projects may vary from year to year and may not be done on an annual basis.

Why Serve?

Serving with one of CUPA-HR’s four region boards is about not only giving back at the local level but also engaging with your peers across the region to advance learning and development opportunities. Region leaders are helping to build the next generation of the higher ed HR workforce! Positions on the region boards consist of chair, chair-elect, past-chair, national board representative and at-large* members. Position terms for the national board representative and at-large members are three years.  Time commitments can range from one to three hours per week. Region board members are also asked to participate in the Association Leadership Program held each July.

Next Steps

The nomination window for region boards opens in January of each year. When nominations open, you'll find the link for each region's nomination form on its region board web page.

The CUPA-HR national board is responsible for driving the mission of CUPA-HR to serve higher education by providing the knowledge, resources, advocacy and connections to achieve organizational and workforce excellence. This is achieved through CUPA-HR’s stated values, strategic priorities, focused committee work, and multiyear plans. The CUPA-HR national board has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the stability of the association and availability of resources for the association to achieve its mission. This board is also responsible for setting the priorities for today and into the future!

Why Serve?

Individuals who serve on the national board help the association influence important opportunities and challenges for higher education human resources professionals and the higher education workforce. National board members also have the opportunity work with peers from across the country to lead and support the work of CUPA-HR’s strategic priorities and core values. Positions on the national board consist of chair, chair-elect, past chair, treasurer, a representative from each of CUPA-HR’s four regions, and at-large members. Position terms of the treasurer, region representatives and at-large board members are three years. National board members can expect one to three hours of engagement per week. Board members are also asked to participate in the Association Leadership Program held each July, as well as two additional in-person board meetings during the year.

*What is an at-large board member? An at-large board member is an individual who has the same authority as the remainder of the board but may have evolving roles based on the talents and interests of the individual as the organization moves forward.

Next Steps

Learn more about serving on the board and the nomination process here.

CUPA-HR has committees which are tasked with moving the strategic priorities of the association forward. These committees are directly related to the priorities of the association and are as follows:

• Learning and Professional Development Committee
• Public Policy Committee
• Creating Inclusive Communities Steering Committee
• Research Advisory Committee

Why Serve?

CUPA-HR Committees are a great way to serve in a specific capacity that may directly relate to your interests or strengths. All committees meet virtually, and no travel is required to participate. Committee meetings vary based on the duties and assignments of the group and can range from once or twice per month to quarterly. Committee meetings typically last an hour.

National board members serve on one or more committees as part of their service on the board.

Next Steps

Committees are formed at the beginning of each fiscal year in July. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please complete an interest form.