Membership

Membership Categories and Criteria

Membership with ACCU is institution- or organization-based, with all individuals affiliated with the ACCU member eligible to receive the benefits of membership.

ACCU has three categories of membership: full, international, and affiliate. Below you will find the criteria for each of the respective categories, along with additional member category information..
 

Full Member Criteria

In order to qualify for ACCU membership, full members must meet all of the following criteria:

• The institution's principal campus is in the United States. 

• The institution is incorporated as not-for-profit, with a primary mission in higher education and whose governance features a president who reports to a board of trustees. 

• The institution has verification as a Catholic institution of higher learning encompassed by Ex corde Ecclesiae by at least one of the following means:

     • Kenedy Directory listing
     • Vatican Index listing
     • Identified in writing by the local ordinary
 

International Member Criteria

In order to qualify for ACCU membership, Catholic colleges and universities outside the United States must meet all of the following criteria:

• The institution's principal campus is outside the United States and meets relevant national or accrediting standards.
• The college or university has verification as a Catholic institution of higher learning encompassed by Ex corde Ecclesiae by at least one of the following means:

     • Vatican Index listing
     • Identified in writing by the local ordinary

Affiliate Member Criteria

In order to qualify for ACCU affilate membership, organizations must meet all of the following criteria:

• The organization must be either: 
  • A regional, national, congregational, or international not-for-profit association of Catholic colleges and universities, or
  • a not-for-profit association of scholars or professionals from or working with such institutions.

• The organization must focus, in part or in full, on strengthening Catholic identity in an affirmative, constructive manner.
• The organization must appear in the Official Catholic Directory or be connected to an organization(s) that is listed in such directory.

Organizations that are engaged in peace and justice activities, Catholic mission and identity initiatives, and strengthening the religious charism of a religious order are particularly encouraged to apply. 

New Member Application Process

Membership Renewal Process

Additional questions regarding ACCU membership? Contact the Director of Member Services at accu@accunet.org.

Member Directory

Check our directory of member colleges and universities. You may also want to view our listing of U.S. member institutions by sponsoring congregation

Benefits

ACCU members benefit from reduced fees on events and publications, access to members-only events, and much more

Membership FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the benefits of ACCU membership