College and University Professional Association for Human Resources

The College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) is a nonprofit organization that serves as the primary association for human resources professionals in higher education across the United States and abroad.

Mission and Activities

CUPA-HR is dedicated to providing leadership on workplace issues in higher education by monitoring trends, exploring emerging workforce concerns, and conducting significant research, particularly in the areas of compensation and benefits. The association facilitates strategic discussions among colleges and universities to address shared challenges and opportunities.

To support professional development and networking, CUPA-HR hosts conferences, webinars, and offers various tools and resources. Additionally, it engages with other higher education and HR management associations to advocate on legislative and compliance issues impacting the higher education workplace.

Membership and Benefits

Members of CUPA-HR gain access to a wide range of benefits, including:

• Publications: Members receive regular publications such as The Higher Education Workplace Magazine.
• Diversity Tools: Resources to support diversity and inclusion initiatives in higher education institutions.
• E-newsletters and Legislative Updates: Regular updates on HR practices and legislative changes affecting higher education.
• Knowledge Center: Access to over 80 HR toolkits and best practices.
• Online Community: The CUPA-HR Connect online platform for collaboration among members.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Free webinars and video resources like Essentials videos.

Research and Surveys

CUPA-HR is renowned for its comprehensive surveys on salaries and benefits in higher education. These surveys help institutions assess and adjust their compensation packages to remain competitive with peer institutions. The association conducts extensive research on various positions within higher education, including faculty, staff, and administrative roles, providing valuable insights for budget planning and workforce management.

Advocacy and Partnerships

Through partnerships with other associations, CUPA-HR amplifies its voice on national and international issues affecting higher education HR. This collaborative approach ensures that the needs and concerns of higher education institutions are effectively represented in legislative and policy discussions.

Overall, CUPA-HR plays a pivotal role in supporting the human resource functions of colleges and universities, enabling them to address complex workforce challenges and strive for organizational excellence.

[1] https://www.ohr.wisc.edu/cop/articles/cupa-hr-info.pdf [2] https://www.cupahr.org/about/ [3] https://www.highered360.com/associations/default.cfm?DiscID=72 [4] https://www.etsu.edu/provost/pds/ir/external_gov/cupa.php [5] https://www.higheredjobs.com/salary/