Since 1972 it has served as a clearinghouse and forum for those engaged in the study and practice of collective bargaining (and the related processes of grievance administration and arbitration) in colleges and universities.

University administrators and union leaders collaborate in all of the NCSCBHEP's activities which include an annual national conference, publications (the Directory of Faculty Contracts and Bargaining Agents; the national conference Proceedings; the Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy), and regional seminars and training sessions.

A National Advisory Board of university administrators and union leaders guides the general policies of NCSCBHEP with its Executive Director and Administrator responsible for implementation and execution of its work.