February/March 2019

Spring 2019

APSCUF-KU Newsletter

Kutztown University Chapter Association of Pennsylvania State College and University

Message From President Thomas Stewart

This semester has been a busy one in the classroom and with APSCUF. Here are some things your local chapter has been working on:

NEGOTIATIONS Right now, we are in the midst of a one-year contract extension that expires on June 30th. In spite of that, State APSCUF President Ken Mash has said that he feels strongly that we will have a new contract on or near June 30th, not another extension. This round of negotiations has been very different from previous, more confrontational negotiations. This time, Chancellor Dan Greenstein and Mash have been using an interest-based bargaining approach. So far, it seems to have been productive. That could change, of course, but it has been yielding progress so far.

In spite of the progress, our local and state Mobilization Committees will be gearing up right after spring break so we’re not caught flat-footed if things break down. Our local committee is being led by Amy Kennedy. I will, of course, keep you posted as things develop.

RETIREMENT Two things are clear to me regarding retirement; one is not so clear. First, there will not be an early retirement incentive program this year. In 2013, retirees were offered a $30,000 bonus to retire. The State System thought it would save them 1

APSCUF-KU Newsletter

Spring 2019

money, but they miscalculated. Therefore, such an incentive is not on the table.

What is still on the table and is currently being negotiated is a phased retirement program, through which a faculty member could phase into retirement by going to half-time to quarter-time and so on. This is a possibility; however, it wouldn’t be possible to do it this year. One thing that is not entirely clear yet is whether it is better to retire before or after the new contract based on possible health benefits.

In previous contract cycles, it was almost always better to retire before the new contract. In the last couple of cycles, according to State APSCUF, that has changed. I will provide more information on this as I receive it.

ASSESSMENT AND ADVISING Assessment has been a major topic on campus all year. Also, quality of advising is an issue that has been raised by Chancellor Greenstein as an item of concern raised students throughout the system. Both are areas which faculty on our campus have worked diligently for years in some cases. APSCUF-KU, in connection with the University Tenure and Promotion committees, will be developing language that will help to ensure that work on assessment and advising will be reflected in faculty evaluations.

In solidarity, Tom Stewart

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Contents

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CAP

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Labor Notes

5

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PA Promise Conference

5

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Student Perspective

6-7

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PA Promise Rally

8

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Internship Program

9

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Membership Benefits

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Spring 2019

KU-APSCUF Leadership Faculty President: Thomas Stewart Vice President: Emily Cripe Secretary: Amy Lynch-Biniek Treasurer: Ju Zhou Delegate: Bill Donner, Anthropology & Sociology Delegate: Lisa Frye, Computer & Information Technology Delegate: Bob Kilker, English Delegate: Jason Lanter, Psychology Delegate: Timothy O’Boyle, Anthropology & Sociology Delegate: Thomas III Robinson, psychology Alternate: Robert L. Smith, Communication Studies Alternate: Anke Walz, Mathematics Alternate: Yuxia Quian, Communication Studies Alternate: Carol Watson, Elementary Education

Coaches President: John Gump Vice-President: Judy Lawes

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Spring 2019

State APSCUF President-Ken Mash, East Stroudsburg; Vice President-Jamie Martin, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Immediate Past President-Steve Hicks; Lock Haven; Treasurer-Chris Hallen, Bloomsburg; Secretary-Michele Papakie, Indiana; Coach Executive Leader- John Gump, Kutztown; Faculty Officer-At-Large- Cassandra Reyes; Faculty Officer-At-Large-Joyce Overly, Clarion; Faculty Officer-At-Large-Kara Laskowski, Shippensburg Labor Relations, (Grievance– Faculty and Coaches): Head of Labor Relations— Mary Rita Duvall; Directors— Julie A. Reese. Joshua J. Grubbs. Sara E. Miller. Administrative Assistants— Jewell Tunstall.

Angela Belcher Government and Public Relations: Dir ector of Communications— Kathryn Morton; Administrative Assistant— Ty Marks; Director of Government Relations— Sean Crampsie Membership Services: Specialist— Bim Arthun; Secretary/ Receptionist—Monica Troutman State Organizer: Chabr ia Thomas Researcher: Chr is Dunne Support Staff: Executive Assistant to the Pr esident—Andrea Mahoney: Director of Finance and Facilities—Beth Connelly 319 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17101; 717.236.7486 or 800.932.0587

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Spring 2019

Labor Notes

On Saturday, February 16th, APSCUF-KU hosted an intensive, all-day, organizationbuilding workshop led by Barbara Madeloni of Labor Notes. Madeloni is a former president of the Massachusetts Teacher’s Association.

Arrangements for the workshop were made by Mike Gambone. Additional attendees from KU were: Donna Steslow, Joleen Greenwood, Albert Fu, Kevin Mahoney, Bob Kilker, Amy Lynch-Biniek, Emily Cripe, Amy Kennedy, Tabetha Bernstein-Danis, Tom Stewart, Darren Achey, and Elizabeth Rogol.

Tom Stewart, APSCUF-KU President

PA Promise Conference On Wednesday, January 30th, Representatives met at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg to reintroduce the PA Promise. The PA Promise is a bill that could make college education more affordable for thousands of Pennsylvania residents. Currently, Pennsylvania has the highest amount of student debt in the country. Speakers included Senator Vincent Hughes, APSCUF President Ken Mash, Rep. Jordan Harris, Rep. James Roebuck, Millersville University student Nathan Warren, and Patrick Bamfield of Penn State University.

Xiana Fontno, APSCUF-KU Intern, PW ‘19

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APSCUF-KU Newsletter

Student Perspective

Spring 2019

Representatives and senators from Pennsylvania met on Wednesday, January 30th, at the state capitol to reintroduce the PA Promise legislation. The event was held at 9:30 A.M and consisted of several speakers including public officials, and representatives from universities in the state.

First to speak was Senator Vincent Hughes who represents the 7th district. Senator Hughes stated, “Pennsylvania college students need a new deal when it comes to college and affordability.” referencing the troubling financial climate that the Pennsylvania higher education system is facing.

Currently, Pennsylvania is ranked 47th in the country for support for college funding, and 50th in higher education due to the debt amounts. Since 2000, tuition and fees have seen a 50% increase. “There is $1.5 trillion in student debt nationally. This is unacceptable.” Says Senator Hughes In the state of Pennsylvania, student loan debt is $1.3 trillion collectively. The average rate of student loan debt per student is currently $36,193. On top of these statistics, students are also facing living difficulties while trying to get their degrees.

Ken Mash, the APSCUF president, also spoke at the event. Mash pointed out that the cost of living for college students has increased 50% since 2000.“Some students are working 2 or 3 jobs, skipping sleep, and taking on crushing loans,” says Mash, “ Not every student can be a superhero.”

“56% of students at The Community College of Philadelphia are food insecure, and 19% are homeless.” says Senator Hughes. This lack of basic living amenities also extends to Temple University. 36% of students find themselves food insecure, 34% are housing insecure, and 7% are homeless.

Nathan Warren is an English education major at Millersville University. He works 18 hours a week, while balancing 5 classes. “I’m worrying every day if I can afford my way through graduation,” states Warren.

“Even then, I’m surrounded by the reality that I will be in debt for life.”

In addition to work and school, Warren is also disabled. He experiences full body pains and a great deal of fatigue. Yet, he is expected to financially support himself by paying his rent to keep the heat on in his apartment, and make sure tuition is paid until he graduates.

Warren says that he is also a member of the Pennsylvania Student Power Network (PASPN) that runs statewide, centralized in Philadelphia. Recently, PASPN has brought much attention towards student loan debt and rising tuition costs.

“Students shouldn’t feel financially burdened by college.” says Patrick Bamfield of Penn State University. “Parents shouldn’t have to take out a second mortgage to send their children to college.” which is becoming common practice during this financial climate.

Back in September, members of the organization stood ground at the office of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, where they demanded loan cancellation as well as affordable college.

Pennsylvania currently has the highest student debt rates in the country.

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Spring 2019

The PA Promise would not only aim to make college more affordable, but it would also help adults go back to school, inmates get an education, and drastically reduce the amount of debt acquired at state-related colleges such as the University of Pittsburgh and Temple University.

Rural communities will see more educational opportunities. They will be able to attend community colleges that aren’t otherwise supported by the state. Students will be able to attend these community colleges with the same benefits as state recognized community colleges. The hopes of this is that the job market improves as well as the quality of life in these communities.

The bill will also fund trade skills and apprenticeships for students that choose to go the vocational route. It will award grants which could make these programs free for students. In turn, the job market could see a significant bump.

Representative James R. Roebuck asked how we are supposed to give people jobs when less than half of adults have a college education in a market that is demanding of a higher education? 60% of jobs in Pennsylvania require a higher education. Only 40% of adults in PA have education beyond high school.

Rep. Roebuck stated that the PA Promise was an “Opportunity for business” and that the state would be able to introduce highly skilled individuals to the workforce. “ The PA Promise is a step toward correcting Pennsylvania students’ enormous student debt.”

The PA Promise legislation is beginning to make waves once again. On March 27th, a rally will be held at the state capitol. Students, faculty, and staff from state related and state system schools are welcomed to attend to show their support for a groundbreaking bill that could change the pace of education forever.

Xiana Fontno, APSCUF-KU Intern, PW 19’

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APSCUF-KU Newsletter

PA Promise Rally

Spring 2019

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APSCUF-KU Newsletter

Internship Program

Spring 2019

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APSCUF-KU Newsletter

APSCUF LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE:

Spring 2019

May 17th, 2019 (9:00a.m.-4:15p.m.) Slippery Rock University

Adjunct Newsletter Launches Our union is one of only a few across the country that represents all faculty — whether they are tenured, tenure track, or adjunct. ASPCUF debuted the Adjunct Update, a newsletter composed with and for adjunct faculty members, in early November. If you are an adjunct member of APSCUF and did not receive the newsletter, which State APSCUF aims to publish in October, February, and April, please email qualityeducation@apscuf.org. Any member can view the Adjunct Update archive at https://www.apscuf.org/members/temporary-faculty/adjunct-update-newsletters (login required).

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