Professional and Research Associations

A professional association, also referred to as a professional organization, professional body, or professional society, is an entity comprised of [Page 1202]individuals who are connected with one another through a shared mission, vision, or purpose concerning a specific profession. Professional associations exists to advance the interests of a profession, the individuals engaged in that profession, and to serve the public good. There are different types of associations relevant to higher education, including research associations. A research association is a type of professional association dedicated to furthering a field or profession through the use and promotion of research, knowledge, and scholarly inquiry.

In order to formally belong and gain full access to a professional or research association, interested parties, be they individuals or institutions, must pay membership ...