The university’s affiliation with the Association of American Universities, which dates to 1969, is deeply embedded in Oregon’s identity, and it has become synonymous with the university’s mission. Oregon’s academic plan, a 17-page document, mentions the association 20 times and states that Oregon’s values "are shaped" in part by its status in the group.
But continued membership in the association is not guaranteed. In 2011 the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, which was perceived as falling short on key research metrics, was booted out of the club.
Expecting a similar fate, Syracuse University voluntarily bowed out that same year.
The association’s increased scrutiny of its members has created some anxiety at Oregon, which is often in the bottom quartile of the collective.