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You, our students, will undoubtedly have many important deadlines on your minds this fall (drop and add periods, course withdrawals, assignment submissions, and extracurricular deadlines), but there’s another very important deadline that students too often overlook. This year, circle in big red felt on your print calendar and set multiple reminders on your devices this date: October 5, 2015.

October 5th is the last day students and other citizens can register to vote in the November 3rd election; and it is an important one. While justices of the United States Supreme Court are appointed, Pennsylvanians elect their State Supreme Court Justices. Your vote will matter, and now you can register to vote or change your address online!

This November election, you will have the opportunity to vote for 3 Pennsylvania Supreme Court seats. This is the same court that recently held the state Voter ID law to be unconstitutional, approved of the map for legislative districts, ruled against big business in favor of fair wages, and legalized same-sex marriage. Some of the most important social and legal rulings impacting you will occur at the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to make your voice heard through the ballot box.

Online voter registration is now quick, painless, and efficient. Simply visit www.register.votesPA.com. The online form takes about 5 minutes to complete and submit, shorter than it takes to drink a cup of coffee! You’ll receive an application number and a copy of your application downloadable in PDF format. In about 14 days you’ll receive your shiny, new voter’s registration card for you to use at the polls November 3rd.

Your vote matters, and you can influence the process. The amount of money you will pay in tuition is directly impacted by the state legislators you elect; the level of equality and fair treatment you receive will be determined by the judges voted on this year.

Today American freedom doesn’t even cost you a stamp—just five minutes to register your voice online and another five to make it heard at the polls on November 3rd.
Who can’t spare that?

APSCUF President, Dr. Kenneth M. Mash, is issuing the following statement regarding the review of Cheyney University’s financial aid office:

“APSCUF has read with grave concern the review of Cheyney University’s financial aid that reports errors in 85 percent of the records for federal grants and loans over a three-year period; $29.6 million may be owed to the federal government. It is important to remember that the failures that occurred are not the fault of Cheyney University students, alumni, faculty, or coaches. Cheyney’s historical commitment to provide opportunity and access for students of diverse backgrounds is as relevant today as it has always been, and there are students for whom Cheyney’s nurturing environment is the best path for future success. What Cheyney University clearly needs, and what its current and prospective students rightly deserve, is strong leadership and a bold plan to serve those students who truly need it to be a strong institution. We look forward to working with those who truly care about the University’s future.”

Negotiators for the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) and the State System of Higher Education met today, Wednesday, August 26, 2015, at the APSCUF office in Harrisburg. The two sides exchanged concerns regarding the retrenchment process and engaged in lengthy conversations, during which the State System responded to APSCUF’s questions about budgeting and accounting at the universities. Negotiations are scheduled to continue September 21, 2015 at the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg.

Last week, Shippensburg University announced that faculty layoffs were possible at the end of the upcoming academic year. Dr. Kenneth M. Mash, president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF), is issuing the following statement:

“Shippensburg University has suffered enrollment declines over the last few years. The leadership at Shippensburg ought to be pulling together its community to focus on its enrollment problems. This sort of announcement only demoralizes the campus, and it undermines the university’s overall attempt to increase enrollment.

“Two years ago, seven of the State System universities examined faculty layoffs as a method of possible cost savings. After an even sharper decline in enrollments, only five of those universities headed down the same path in 2014. In 2015, only one university – Cheyney – remains on that list.

“The management at Shippensburg University would to do well to look closely at their sister schools and learn from their past operating procedures. While each university is different and faces different challenges, layoffs will not improve campus morale which, in turn, will not attract more students. It is APSCUF’s sincerest hope that Shippensburg University’s management pursues a more rational path to fiscal solvency.”

Last week, Cheyney University announced that faculty layoffs were possible at the end of the upcoming academic year. Dr. Kenneth M. Mash, president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF), is issuing the following statement:

“Cheyney University has threatened to layoff faculty members every year for the last four years. While Cheyney’s problems are well documented by the press and government officials, it baffles the mind how laying off faculty members will help them solve any of these issues. It is particularly puzzling when one considers that the number of faculty has declined over the past seven years, but their management numbers have remained remarkably steady. It is unfathomable that Cheyney, which a few years ago had a 3:1 faculty to manager ratio, is now close to 2:1

“Now, more than ever, it is time for Cheyney to step up, grow, and do more. By threatening to layoff faculty for the fourth year in a row, Cheyney has signaled their intent to revert to their previous tactics that have had an adverse effect on recruitment and retention.

“The mission of Cheyney University is still relevant today. One only need to look at the news articles about race sweeping this nation on an almost daily basis. It is crucial that Cheyney University not only find a way to survive, but to thrive. It is APSCUF’s sincerest hope that Cheyney University’s management pursues a more rational path to fiscal solvency.”