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 Convention?

While members of the public can’t participate in the closed, deliberative sessions around internal HELU decision-making, access to the Convention’s public-facing keynotes, panels, educational sessions, etc. is open to everyone.

Individual/at-large members and non-delegate representatives of member organizations are welcome to participate in all sessions, including internal discussions and deliberations. Only delegates will be able to vote.

How can a union register multiple delegates at once?

If your union is ready to register multiple delegates at once, please use this organizational registration form.

How do I get there? Where do I stay?

For these and other travel-related questions, please see the convention’s location & lodging page.

How many delegates can my union or organization send?

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

How will the convention be governed?

We will be using a version of Robert’s Rules. 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 convention 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 Convention in May. Contact us at info@higheredlaborunited.org to learn more.
• Members of non-member organizations can register for and participate in the hybrid public sessions on Friday (5/17), Saturday evening (5/18), and Sunday (5/19). These are open to everyone.
• 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 on Saturday (5/18) and Sunday (5/19).

What are delegate roles and responsibilities?

Delegates of member organizations are able to vote on behalf of their unions. During the Convention, votes will be taken on the constitution and bylaws, vision platform, elected leadership positions, and resolutions. More information and specifics coming soon. Details will be emailed to delegates.

What are HELU’s constitution and bylaws? How will they be addressed at the Convention?

HELU’s constitution and bylaws are the work of many months of the Organizational Structure Committee, convened originally in 2022. We ask that all delegates study it carefully before the Convention. No amendments will be taken from the floor. A Constitution Committee formed at the Convention will be charged with reviewing the constitution and bylaws over the following six months, as well as any proposed amendments or resolutions.

What does registration cost?

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

What does convention registration include?

For delegates: Participatory voting access to all sessions, including internal discussions and deliberations.

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

For members of the public: Access to public-facing keynotes, panels, educational sessions, etc.

When does the convention start and end?

In-person convention sessions will begin early on the afternoon (approximately 1pm ET) of Friday, May 17 and continue until early the afternoon (approximately 1pm ET) of Sunday, May 19.

Online/hybrid portions will start the evening (approximately 6pm ET) of Friday, May 17 and continue throughout the convention until closing on Sunday afternoon (approximately 1pm ET).

For more detailed information on our schedule, please see the convention’s agenda page.

When will the full convention agenda be released?

We will continue to update the agenda on the website as we know more. We aim to have the full, detailed convention agenda online by May 1, 2024.

Which positions are up for election at the 2024 convention?

Delegates are encouraged to run for office in HELU. Deadlines will be announced and posted here as they are determined. Local organizations that would like to see one of their delegates run for an elected position should be looking out for an announcement about deadlines for nominations and other materials.

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
• 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