Why join UCU?
UCU is recognised by the employers to represent academic and academic-related staff in universities.
UCU negotiates annual pay increases for academic and academic-related staff with the national employers’ organisation, UCEA.
- UCU provides a national voice for university professionals on all issues relating to higher education.
- At a local level, Keele UCU negotiates conditions of service with the University.
- UCU advises members on all work-related matters, and represents members involved in grievances or disciplinary action.
- UCU keeps members informed through the local newsletter and national bulletins, and responds to members’ views through General Meetings and ballots.
- A wide range of financial concessions are available to members. More details.
More details on the national web-site.
Who can join?
Membership is open to all academic and academic-related staff, including postgraduate students who teach, in any university or equivalent or related institution. The term ‘academic-related’ applies to all staff whose occupation normally requires a degree or equivalent professional qualification.
Postgraduate students who do any form of teaching and sessional teaching staff can now get full UCU membership for free.
How to join
Please contact Membership Secretary, Fabienne Emmerich – if you have any questions not answered on the national UCU website – or apply online.
Subscriptions are paid by monthly direct debit or annual cheque. The subscription includes a national and a local element. The national element includes a contribution to the political fund, amounting to 1%, which members may opt out of. The tables on the UCU pages show the subscriptions.
Retired membership
Members who retire can retain many of the benefits of UCU membership for a subscription of £2.85 per month. please contact the Membership Secretary, f.emmerich@keele.ac.uk