APSCUF-KU Newsletter APSCUF-KU Lorem IpsumNewsletter Dolor
Fall 2018
Spring 2016
Kutztown University University Chapter Chapter Kutztown Association of of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State State Association College and and University University Faculties Faculties College
Message From APSCUF-KU President, Thomas Stewart Faculty Colleagues,
One of the top questions faculty members have asked me about lately is the state of contract negotiations. As many of you know, our last contract expired this past summer; however, before it expired, the State System offered and we accepted a one-year extension. That extension expires this coming summer. Members of our local delegation attended the State Legislative Assembly last week in Harrisburg and received an update about negotiations. First, they are slightly behind where they might normally be. State APSCUF President Ken Mash attributed this to the relatively recent start of the new State System Chancellor, Dan Greenstein. The tone of the initial meeting with the Chancellor and his team was positive. A couple of issues related to retirement have been discussed. First, according to Mash, it is unlikely that there will be another early retirement incentive such as the $30,000 incentive offered in 2013. Second, the State System and APSCUF are both favorable to the idea of a phased retirement, where a faculty member could go from full-time to part-time before retiring; however, there may be some obstacles to this in state law. APSCUF will be following up on this. Also, the State Legislative Assembly passed a motion in favor of gun-free campuses in the State System. The original version of the motion was brought forward by KU’s Bill Donner. By now, you should have received your recommitment letter from State APSCUF. If you haven’t done so already, please show your solidarity by filling out and returning these forms as quickly as possible. If you didn’t receive one, let me know, and I will get one to you. Locally, there are lots of events taking place. We had around 50 APSCUF members attend the Faculty 1