The dedicated faculty, staff, and graduate workers of our nation’s colleges and universities help students pursue their passions and realize their dreams. Their success is our nation’s success.
NEA supports higher education professionals by helping them advocate for safe working conditions, fair pay, academic freedom, and so much more. We help faculty and staff understand the challenges of today’s campuses and empower them to work together to solve problems and build power.
2026 NEA Higher Education Conference
"RESILIENCE. RESPECT. POWER! SAVING PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUR DEMOCRACY.”
March 6-8, 2026
Location: Gila River Resort and Casino-Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass, Chandler (Phoenix), AZ
Hotel Rate: $249 per night (single/double), plus taxes and fees
Reserve your room today!
Join us for the 2026 NEA Higher Education Conference! We are excited to offer trainings, professional learnings, and leadership opportunities for our members. Leadership Day (pre-conference) is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Conference registration will begin in January! Check back for the link.
2025-2026 Higher Ed member engagement webinars
The National Council for Higher Education and NEA’s Center for Organizing and Affiliate Support are excited to introduce a year-long member engagement webinar series. Simply click the links below to register!
Degrees not Debt: Navigating loan forgiveness programs - Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 6:00 pm Eastern
Following changes to Federal student loan policies and loan forgiveness programs can be difficult and complicated to navigate. Join us as we discuss recent legislative and regulatory changes around federal student loans, and NEA resources available to members.
Academic Freedom in Higher Education - Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 6:00 pm Eastern
This legal update will focus on the protection of academic freedom in higher education. We will discuss defensive litigation for members facing discipline based on protected speech, as well as challenges to overly restrictive state and federal statutes and funding conditions. We'll also discuss the potential to better protect academic freedom through state legislation.
AI & Academia: What Higher Ed Unions need to know - Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 6:00 pm Eastern
This discussion looks at institution level policies for AI applications across campus. In addition, we will consider how faculty, staff, and students are using AI Generative Tools effectively to prepare students for entering the workforce.
A Look Back and Looking Forward with the NCHE President, Alec Thomson - Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 6:00 pm Eastern
With the current academic year coming to a close, it is a great time to not only reflect on the past year, but we can start the strategic planning process for the coming year. What challenges still need our attention? What should we be anticipating? What programs need to be renewed? Expanded? Modified? Discontinued? What do you want to see as a priority for NEA and NCHE moving forward? Join NCHE President Alec Thomson to hear about what is planned for the coming year and share what your ideas too.
Protecting Higher Education
Public higher education is the cornerstone of democracy, but some politicians are working against it—cutting research funds, limiting what can be taught and said, eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and more. Check out these NEA resources to help you fight back.
2025 Higher Education Salary Analysis
Faculty purchasing power was still lower in 2024 than it was five years earlier. NEA's analysis also reveals persistent inequities for HBCU faculty and women, and much-too-low compensation for grad assistants. The good news? Unions make a HUGE difference!
National Higher Education Month
Check out our 2024 celebration of the dedicated faculty and staff who ensure our students are able to grab their piece of the American Dream through higher education.
CHECK OUT OUR CELEBRATION HERE!
Professional Pay
Faculty, staff, and graduate assistants should be fairly compensated for their work. For decades, the pay earned by college and university workers has failed to keep pace with the rising cost of living. We’re working to fix that.
Organizing Materials
Help build and strengthen our local higher education unions! Download and print these materials, including flyers and posters, to faciliate conversations with potential NEA Higher Ed members.
Professional Growth
We provide cutting-edge resources from NEA experts—our staff, affiliates, and members—on the skills and topics educators need to join, stay in, and advance our profession.
Leadership Development
Ready to take the next step in your career? Start with our leadership resources below for the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective leader on the local, state, and national stage.
Research & Data
College and University Data Analysis System (CUDAS) enables you to research and compare data for your home institution to a group of similar institutions.
Student Debt Forgiveness for Higher Educators
NEA student debt experts walk through the process to fill out the PSLF waiver and ensure higher education faculty & staff get the cancellation they deserve.
National Council for Higher Education
NCHE serves as the instrument through which higher education members of the National Education Association (NEA) utilize their individual and collective power
Contact Us
Let's start a conversation. For questions regarding organizing, state and local affiliate support, and staff-related questions.
Downloadable Posters
NEA HIGHER EDUCATION NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
Scientific Research is Getting Cut—And Why This Matters to You
Fighting for Better Pay and Rights for Adjunct & Contingent Faculty
Project 2025 and Higher Education
