Advance Preparation. Last spring (2012), the AAUP’s Associates Council began researching and discussing various issues that it felt its constituent colleges were concerned about. Their final research and recommendations were provided to the Executive Council in November 2012. Ideas for bargaining proposals can also come to the Executive Council through joint (union-management) committees, Chapter ad hoc committees, Chapter standing committees, staff members, and the results of the survey of all 1,800 faculty members in the bargaining unit. Some proposals may also develop out of conversations had in prior bargaining rounds.