Who Can Join

During the 2005 Convention, the AAUW Bylaws were amended to reach a broader base of potential members. Currently the Bylaws now admit to membership a graduate holding an associate or equivalent degree or higher from a qualified educational institution.

An associate degree is a two-year prescribed course of study "awarded by community colleges, junior colleges and bachelor's degree-granting colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada. It is the equivalent to the first two years in a four-year college or university..." The equivalent of an associate degree is an academic degree or diploma awarded by a qualified institution such as a business college or a hospital, which may not be called "associate degree" but has the same academic requirements or greater. For example, the RN diploma or associate degrees awarded by business colleges/schools qualify.

In principle and in practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. Becoming a member does not require an invitation and, yes, men can join too.