• Organizations and Finances

  In most cases, a Campus Community will start as “a project of” Heterodox Academy, a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, with HxA paying approved expenses directly. For example, when a Campus Community holds its first series of member meetings, event expenses such as meals and speaker fees would be charged directly to HxA.

  In many cases, Campus Community leaders will then work to form an officially sanctioned faculty group, following local rules and policies. In some cases it may also be advisable to establish an official student group and/or an independent nonprofit organization. Institutional rules and circumstances vary, and HxA staff will advise and assist Campus Community leaders in navigating local systems.

  Over time, material support from HxA may take the form of in-kind goods and services; direct-paid expenses; grants to groups or organizations; and/or payments to individuals. Wherever possible, HxA will avoid creating the inconvenience of a reimbursement structure.

  HxA will cultivate donors to support the work of the Campus Community at a specific campus of their choice. Gifts to HxA may be designated to support a particular Campus Community; a portion of such gifts may be used to cover HxA’s administrative costs directly relevant to the Campus Communities initiative.

  Because perceptions about our financial support can influence HxA’s brand identity and effectiveness around the world, HxA reserves the right to decline or limit any gift, or to limit Campus Community donations to donors affiliated with each institution.

• Naming and Branding

  Internally to HxA’s staff and membership, each Campus Community will be known simply as “Heterodox Academy – (Institution Name),” but official names may vary according to local rules and the preferences of each Campus Community. Please note that:

  • There may be local limits on the use of university names and trademarks, especially before official recognition;
  • The Campus Community should describe itself as “a Heterodox Academy Campus Community” wherever possible.
  • In the event that a Campus Community and HxA choose to part ways in the future, the continuing group would be required to stop using the trademarked terms “Heterodox Academy,” “Heterodox,” and “HxA.”

  HxA will provide further resources for using the HxA name and logo in campus-facing communications.

• Memorandum of Understanding

  The rules and relationships described on this page will be formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding or similar agreement between HxA and each Campus Community or its leaders.

About HxA and Campus Communities

• What is Heterodox Academy?

  Heterodox Academy (HxA) is a nonpartisan nonprofit that works to improve the quality of research and education by promoting open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement in institutions of higher learning. Learn more about our work.

• Why is HxA starting a Campus Communities Network?

  HxA has long supported specific member communities, many of whom have hosted events and conducted research on campus. In their work to Reclaim the Culture of Higher Education, HxA members have increasingly sought ways to connect in-person and engage with questions of policy and leadership that are central to campus culture. Creating HxA Campus Communities is a natural next step.

• How is HxA different from other outside groups who come to campus?

  We aren’t an outside group. HxA is a collaborative of professors, administrators, staff, and students, and each HxA Campus Community comprises members from that specific college or university. That “insider” perspective and love for the academy shapes HxA’s approach to every conversation about improving intellectual life.

• Does this mean HxA will be reducing its support for the existing HxCommunities?

  Not in the least. HxA’s disciplinary and regional communities will continue to be fully supported, and new opportunities for these groups will be announced soon. As a membership organization at a pivotal moment for higher education, HxA seeks to connect more members, in more ways, for more impact.

• I’m an alumnus/alumna. Can I help bring an HxA Campus Community to my alma mater?

  We’d love to talk! Please reach the HxA team at CampusCommunities@heterodoxacademy.org.

Program Design

• How many Campus Communities will be part of the second cohort?

  There is no predetermined number. HxA will consider all completed applications and approve Campus Communities based on available resources and applicant readiness.

• Will the program be the same on every campus?

  No. The mission and core activities will be the same everywhere. The specific form and focus of different Campus Communities will vary based on local needs, interests, and circumstances.

• Will HxA continue to provide financial support after the first year?

  Yes. As your Campus Community grows, HxA will continue to support it with staff time and resources. Since this is a new initiative in a pilot stage, more details are not available.

• What if my campus is particularly hostile to certain kinds of public events?

  Don’t be discouraged from starting a Campus Community. Where, when, and how to offer public events will be something to consider with help from HxA.

• I would like a specific guest speaker to come to my campus. Can I count on that?

  Unfortunately, no. HxA can’t guarantee any particular speaker, but the HxA team can support Campus Community leaders in planning for, inviting, and hosting interesting speakers.

• Will every Campus Community member be required to join HxA?

  Co-chairs and undergraduate affiliates are required to be HxA members. Learn more and apply to become a member.

  Campus Communities are encouraged to invite regular participants to become HxA members, and a larger group of HxA members will be helpful in gaining access to certain programs.

  That being said, HxA Campus Communities and their events should be “porous” and welcoming to all, particularly at campus-wide events.

Lead Applicant / Co-Chair Role

• Will the co-chairs of Campus Communities be financially compensated?

  No, co-chair is a volunteer role.

• Will Campus Community co-chairs’ names be publicly listed?

  Not immediately, but yes. Once a Campus Community is announced to local stakeholders, the co-chairs’ names will be publicly listed on HxA’s directory page.

• Will co-chairs need to accept funds personally and/or pay taxes on those funds?

  No. HxA will pay for program expenses directly at first, and in some cases transition to a formal funding agreement with a formal organization.

• What if a co-chair leaves the group or the campus?

  Academic life includes graduations, sabbaticals, and other changes, which may or may not be predictable. HxA asks that lead applicants make a good-faith commitment to staying actively involved through Spring 2025, and to seek a replacement if a vacancy occurs.

• Will Campus Community co-chairs be expected to spend time raising money?

  No. Co-chairs are welcome to connect with interested alumni and other supporters, but the typical co-chair will be a busy person who focuses time on group development and event planning.

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCESS

• How can I find HxA members on my campus?

  Please search the public listing.

• I’m not an HxA member yet. Can I join now and be a lead applicant?

  Yes. Lead applicants should be HxA members or have an application pending at the time of submission. Learn more and apply to become a member.

• My institution is outside the United States. Can I still put together an applicant group and apply?

  Yes.

• I’m a university executive or administrator. Can I be a lead applicant?

  Yes.

• I am active on campus now but I plan to retire by Spring 2026. Can I still be a lead applicant?

  Yes.

• I’m an undergraduate student. How can I get involved?

  Undergraduate students can be listed in the application as affiliates. Encourage your professors, administrators, staff, and graduate student friends to get involved! At least two lead applicants (not undergraduates) are required.

• I have an existing campus faculty group. Can we become a Campus Community?

  It depends on the specifics of the existing group’s structure and membership. Please inquire by email to CampusCommunities@heterodoxacademy.org.

• What if more than one group applies from my institution?

  HxA will support one Campus Community per college or university. If multiple applications are submitted from the same place, HxA will coordinate with both/all of them to consider a joint effort.

• What counts as a single college or university? Can lead applicants come from different parts of the same larger system?

  Campus Communities are meant to bring together members of the same institution, including for in-person meetings and events. A state university system is probably too large for a single Campus Community, but a college with nearby extension campuses might be just fine.

• I am already promoting open discourse on my campus. How do I connect with HxA?

  If you have already started a group, program, or other effort to promote HxA values on your campus, please send the details to membership@heterodoxacademy.org.