Get Involved

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 the Chapter Support Council 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.

*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.

The CUPA-HR board of directors 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 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 board help the association influence important opportunities and challenges for higher education human resources professionals and the higher education workforce. 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 board consist of chair, chair-elect, past chair, treasurer, and at-large members. Position terms of the treasurer and at-large board members are three years. Board members can expect one to three hours of engagement per week. They 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.

Next Steps

Learn more about serving on the board or directors and the application process.

*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.

The work of the Member Engagement Council and the Chapter Support Council has a real and lasting impact on the CUPA-HR member experience and on our chapters’ success. Council members, through their active participation and leadership, help CUPA-HR stay relevant and connected with the needs of our members.

Why Serve?

Individuals who serve on CUPA-HR councils help the association engage more deeply with CUPA-HR members and chapter leaders and support the work of CUPA-HR’s strategic priorities and core values. Members of the Member Engagement Council lead, shape and influence the membership and engagement experience with CUPA-HR. Members of the Chapter Support Council help support and develop leaders on our chapter boards.

All council members attend the annual Association Leadership Program, compliments of CUPA-HR, and receive registration discounts to attend CUPA-HR conferences. Chapter Support Council members also receive expense reimbursement, within CUPA-HR guidelines, for costs associated with travel to chapter events. 

Next Steps

Learn more about serving on a council and the application process.

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. Members of the board of directors 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 a volunteer interest form.