Members of the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) agree to abide by the Institute’s current policies, codes, and procedures. The documents below outline the organization’s governance, ethical standards, and institutional policies.
Strategic Vision
Adopted by the Governing Board on October 18, 2025. The AIA Strategic Vision focuses on three Grand Challenges—Excavate, Advocate, and Engage—to strengthen archaeological research, promote ethical practice and heritage preservation, and share archaeology with the public.
Annual Report
The Annual Report reviews the organization’s performance and progress toward its mission during each fiscal year (July–June).
Congressional Charter
The act of incorporation of the Archaeological Institute of America, approved by President Theodore Roosevelt on May 26, 1906.
Regulations (Bylaws)
Adopted by the Council on December 29, 1991, and last amended on January 6, 2024. The Regulations detail the governance and operations of the Institute.
Code of Ethics
Adopted December 29, 1990; last amended January 8, 2016. Establishes guiding principles for ethical conduct and stewardship of the archaeological record.
Code of Professional Standards
Adopted December 29, 1994; last amended January 8, 2016. Applies to AIA Professional Members and provides guidance on professional conduct and responsibilities.
Grievance Procedure
Outlines the process for addressing alleged violations of the Code of Professional Standards.
RPA Code of Conduct
Adopted January 9, 2026 in accordance with the MOU between the AIA and RPA. Applies to Professional and Student members.
Respectful Behavior at the Annual Meeting Policy
Adopted April 27, 2018.
Statement on Sexual Harassment and Assault and Guidelines on Archaeological Field Projects
Adopted January 3, 2019.
AIA-SCS Joint Harassment Policy
Adopted August 27, 2019.
AIA-SCS Virtual Annual Meeting Conduct and Harassment Policy
Adopted October 4, 2020.
AIA Privacy Policy
Explains how the AIA collects, uses, and protects personal information in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Policy on Endorsements
Adopted June 21, 2001.
Conflict of Interest Policy (Awards and Grants Committees)
Adopted by the Governing Board on January 4, 2018.
Endowment Policy
Adopted May 1, 2021; updates approved July 22, 2021.
AJA Statement of Purpose
Adopted May 1, 2021.
Guidelines on the Use of Images of Human Remains
Posted December 12, 2024.
Resolution on the Importation of Antiquities
Adopted December 30, 1970 in support of the UNESCO 1970 Convention addressing the illicit trade in cultural property.
Resolution on the Acquisition of Antiquities by Museums
Adopted December 30, 1973.
Policy on the Presentation and Publication of Undocumented Antiquities
Adopted January 4, 2020.
Supersedes earlier policies on the Presentation of Undocumented Antiquities at the AIA Annual Meeting and the AJA Editorial Policy on the Publication of Recently Acquired Antiquities.
Tenure and Promotion Considerations for Classical Archaeologists Employed at Colleges and Universities
Adopted October 13, 2018. Includes guidelines for evaluating digital scholarship in archaeology.
Statement on the Value of Archaeology in the University and College Curriculum
Adopted June 29, 2021.
The AIA is North America's largest and oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to archaeology. The Institute advances awareness, education, fieldwork, preservation, publication, and research of archaeological sites and cultural heritage throughout the world. Your contribution makes a difference.
