The purpose of ACOPS is multifaceted:
- To serve as an advocate for members (e.g., present concerns to faculty, make suggestions to the department about the program, appoint student advisory board representative, representative to faculty)
- To serve as an information source for members (about jobs, training, etc.)
- Integrate students socially into the program (coordinating mentor program for incoming students to the program)
- Award members of the organization for excellence in promoting the purpose and goals of the organization (see Article XII)
- To fund opportunities for professional development for members of the organization (e.g., funding for conference attendance; see Article XII)
- To aide in the recruitment of new graduate students to the program
- To promote the reputation of Auburn University (e.g., through professional memberships, volunteer work)