Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question that’s not addressed here? Reach out to us at info@higheredlaborunited.org and we’ll get back to you (and update the website) ASAP.

Do I have to be part of a HELU member organization to attend the General Assembly?

Individual/at-large members and non-delegate representatives of member organizations are welcome to participate in the General Assembly. Only delegates will be able to vote.

How many delegates can my union or organization send?

HELU member organizations will participate in the General Assembly through delegates they select to represent them. The number of delegates a member organization can send to the General Assembly is determined by the size of that organization’s membership. More information on delegate determination here.

How will the General Assembly be governed?

More information coming soon.

Is there a printable registration form?

No. All registrations must be completed online.

My union/organization is not yet a HELU member organization. How can I participate?

Voting at the General Assembly is limited to delegates of HELU member organizations. Participation in closed sessions is limited to delegates, other representatives of HELU member organizations, and at-large members. If your union or organization is not yet a HELU member organization, there are still ways you can participate:

• Of course, we would love if your union/organization joined HELU as a member organization before the General Assembly in November. Contact us at info@higheredlaborunited.org to learn more.
• Members of non-member organizations can also join HELU as at-large members. At-large/individual members are welcome to participate (but not vote) in the closed sessions.

What are HELU’s constitution and bylaws?

HELU’s constitution and bylaws can be found here.

What does registration cost?

There is no cost to register or attend, although we do welcome individual contributions.

What does General Assembly registration include?

For delegates: Participatory voting access to the GA, including internal discussions and deliberations.

For non-delegate representatives of member unions & HELU individual members: Participatory non-voting access to the GA, including internal discussions and deliberations.

For members of the public: Access to public-facing parts of the GA.

When does the General Assembly start and end?

For detailed information on our schedule, please see the November 2025 HELU General Assembly’s Agenda page.

When will the full General Assembly agenda be released?

We will continue to update the agenda on the website as we know more.

Which positions are up for election at the 2025 General Assembly?

Delegates are encouraged to run for office in HELU. Complete this form to self-nominate for an open position. Nominations close at 5:00 PM ET / 4 CT / 3 MT / 2 PT on November 6, two weeks before the November 20 General Assembly.

Officer positions: Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary Treasurer (two-year terms)

Steering Committee seats (two-year terms, SC members must be delegates, no member union can occupy more than three SC seats):

• Part-Time Adjunct/Contingent Faculty
• Full-Time Contingent Faculty
• Tenured and Tenure-Track Faculty
• Graduate Student Workers
• Undergraduate Student Workers
• Service and Maintenance Staff
• Clerical, Technical, and Research Staff
• Healthcare Staff
• Community Colleges
• Statewide Systems
• Non-collective bargaining advocacy organizations
• Non-collective bargaining jurisdiction organizations
• General Representative (any category)
• General Representative (any category)