All men and women engaged in religious vocations at public and private institutions are welcome. Positions represented include (but are not limited to): chaplain, Hillel director, dean of the chapel, director of religious life, advisor to the Muslim community, and campus minister.

NACUC was founded in 1948 at Yale University by Professor Clarence P. Shedd, who sensed the frustration of chaplains without a professional organization. Since that time, NACUC has met annually at various places throughout the country.

The executive committee convenes twice annually and coordinates the work of the association.