Association for Professional and Academic Women (APAW) is an organization affiliated with the Office of Women in Higher Education at the American Council on Education.  APAW works to foster connections among women in various sectors of the University, promote women’s leadership, and encourage and support women leaders of diverse backgrounds.

The Association for Professional and Academic Women was created in 1979 "to effect and ensure that professional women at URI are accorded just and equal recognition, treatment, and advancement." The organization maintains an open membership policy and welcomes the participation of women from all levels of administration, staff, and faculty.