AAUP Stanford Chapter

Defending Higher Education

Who We Are

We are the revitalized Stanford University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors.

Our membership includes faculty and staff from every School in the University. Looking to hear from members in your school? Contact our team and we can help you build relationships within your program and across the university.

Our Mission

  1. Support the policies and goals of the Association as set forth in Article 1 of the AAUP constitution, and in all matters act in harmony with the principles and procedures of national AAUP (hereafter “the Association”) and its constitution;
  2. Facilitate the cooperation of teachers and research scholars in universities and colleges, and in professional schools of similar grade, for the promotion of the interests of higher education and research, and in general to increase the usefulness and advance the standards, ideals, and welfare of the profession;
  3. Defend academic freedom at Stanford and throughout academe; Protect and advance the professional status and the economic, social, and political well-being of all faculty; and Facilitate the dissemination of information on higher education principles and practices.

Members can review the Chapter Bylaws in their entirety here.

Leadership Team (2025-2026)

Co-President
Jessica Riskin, PhD
History

Co-President
Alyssa Burgart, MD, MA
Anesthesiology

Vice President
Lauren Tompkins, PhD
Physics

Secretary
Robert Hawkins, PhD
Linguistics

Treasurer
Dawn Waters, MD
Neurosurgery

Chapter Committees

  • Communications Committee: social media, newsletters, press, op-eds
  • Advocacy committee: organizes actions, demonstrations, interfaces with legislature
  • Litigation Committee: Pursue avenues of legal action on behalf of the chapter
  • Department Liaison Committee: Comprised of members from departments throughout the university who share information and organize, and bring back Departmental issues and concerns to the Chapter

Interested in bringing your unique talents and perspective to one of our committee? Tell us about your interests and we’ll connect you with Commitee leaders.

Past Leadership

Ross Shachter