About CAPA
What Is CAPA?
Academic Professionals and Administrators (P&A) at the University of Minnesota (U of MN) now number about 4,300. We work in 133 job categories throughout the University system. Among other things we teach students, conduct research direct programs, counsel people, manage budgets, run departments, and reach out to citizens in all 87 Minnesota counties. In 1980, we comprised 6 percent of the employee population at the University and by 2001 we made up 24 percent.
History
We established the P&A class in 1980 because the existing employment classifications did not adequately accommodate several converging trends at the University in the 1970s and early 1980s. More research was being conducted, and the proposal and reporting requirements were becoming increasingly complicated. Legal mandates, particularly affirmative action, required considerably more administration and new federal programs allowed for expanded University outreach opportunities.
Tasks that had been appropriate for civil service staff no longer seemed appropriate. New positions demanded autonomy, flexible hours, and professional or academic preparation. At the same time, University administrators decided it was unwise to expand tenure to accommodate this new work because of the uncertain financial situation. A dramatic increase in tenured positions was not possible, nor was conferring tenure status on career administrators.
This new class was developed with the understanding that P&As would be able to carry out their administrative and professional duties free from intimidation and political interference. The intent was that all matters relating to P&A fringe benefits, pay, and raises were to be covered by the same policies that applied to the faculty. The drafters of the original P&A policy did not intend to create a class of employees who were vulnerable to nonrenewal. They envisioned probationary appointments leading to continuous appointments. However, they also thought the number of P&As would be fairly limited, and they did not expect the burgeoning number of P&A job titles that have developed at the University over the past two decades.
ASAC / CAPA
Shortly after 1980 the Academic Staff Advisory Committee (ASAC) was established to advise the president and administration on P&A needs and concerns. ASAC members, selected by the University president, served in this capacity until the late 1990s when the group decided a more active governing organization was needed. ASAC then became an elected body with representatives from each of the colleges, administrative units, and campuses.
Reflecting this emphasis in governance, ASAC renamed itself the Council of Academic Professionals and Administrators (CAPA) in January 2002. CAPA includes some 50 representatives and recommends P&As to the University Senate and University committees in order to ensure that P&A concerns and perspectives are considered. The council meets regularly with University administrators and is represented in all college, campus, and administrative units, many of which have their own P&A consultative bodies.
Currently CAPA works primarily in four areas: governance and representation, compensation and benefits, communications, and professional development. As P&A staff continue to grow at the University, so does CAPA. Each year the organization becomes more involved in University governance, and will continue to support its mission of teaching, research, and service.