The Association of University Administrators (AUA) is the professional body for higher education administrators and managers in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
AUA is committed to:
- the promotion of excellence in higher education management through a professional development scheme, an annual conference, specific training events and publications
- the advancement of a code of professional standards through a framework of values and principles which members are expected to follow
- the provision of information networks through newsletters, electronic media and personal networking
- the development of international links with appropriate organisations and with individuals
- the enhancement of the profile of the profession nationally and locally
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Professional development
AUA provides professional development opportunities for university managers and administrators in the higher education sector. It provides opportunities to help members identify and meet their professional development needs through information services, events and conferences. It also provides a recognised qualification – the Postgraduate Certificate - which is validated by the Open University. Open University is also the name of other institutions See Distance education or the Open Universities category for a list
AUA organises an annual programme of seminars, workshops and conferences. The Annual Conference is the largest professional development conference in the UK HE calendar, with around 130 sessions and keynote presentations. The 2008 Conference was held at the University of York. The 2009 Conference will be held at the University of Exeter.
AUA is governed by its Board of Trustees. The current Chair is Maureen Skinner of Thames Valley University. Bruce Nelson, Academic Registrar at the University of Edinburgh, is Vice-Chair. John Hogan, Registrar at Newcastle University is Treasurer. Alison Robinson is Executive Director.
AUA has a branch structure.
Postgraduate Certificate
The AUA Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice is a portfolio-based scheme validated by the Open University. Open University is also the name of other institutions See Distance education or the Open Universities category for a list Achievement of the Award demonstrates a knowledge of key areas within the HE sector, transferable skills and evidence of the 'professional journey' undertaken.
International connections
AUA has strong links with organisations and individuals worldwide and works closely with the British Council and Association of Commonwealth Universities. The British Council is a Public Body of the United Kingdom Government which specialises in educational and development opportunities The Association of Commonwealth Universities represents over 480 universities from Commonwealth countries Members can apply for travel awards to undertake study visits or exchanges.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Working Groups
AUA has established a number of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) which allow members with similar interests to share good practice and develop their understanding of specific areas of HE policy and practice.
We also have a number of established working groups which meet together to organise events or discuss key issues and exchange best practice, including the Planning Forum and the Equality Advisory Group.
Publications and information services
Members receive free of charge the AUA's quarterly journal, perspectives; quarterly newsletter, newslink; and each new title in the Good Practice Guide series.
AUA's online services
AUA's online services include a number of email discussion groups: aua-news, for electronic bulletins including weekly press digest and fortnightly professional development bulletin; and aua-forum, email list for sharing information and best practice. AUA also has jiscmail lists to aid communication within sub-groups of the organisation (e. g. aua-bc, aua-pgcert) and for special interest groups (e. g. aua-deptadmin). In summer 2007 it introduced a blog, and an online jobs noticeboard.
Code of Professional Practice
This code of values and principles establishes the framework within which AUA expects its members to set the highest standards of professionalism. In order to demonstrate this professionalism and their commitment and contribution to higher education, AUA members are expected to:
- provide high quality professional services
- develop an appreciation of the academic culture, of the traditions and values of the organisations and institutions through which it is sustained, and of the roles of colleagues at all levels and in all branches of higher education
- be sensitive to the multiplicity of clients served by the higher education administrator and to the need to balance conflicting demands
- act with integrity, honesty, fairness, professional impartiality and diligence and without discrimination
- observe due care, objectivity and respect for confidentiality
- be explicit and straightforward in their dealings with colleagues and clients
- ensure that personal interest does not override the needs of clients
- accept responsibility for their actions
- challenge existing practices and ideas when necessary
- be committed to their own personal and professional development by seeking new knowledge and skills to enhance professional performance
- foster the development of others by sharing expertise and good practice and by encouraging employers to support professional development
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