Blog
Vice President Biden talks higher ed and college affordability in Bucks County
Today at Central Bucks West High School in Doylestown, Pa., Vice President Joe Biden touted the importance of higher education for our nation’s future and discussed how the rising cost of college has put the American dream out of reach for many students. He arrived a little late and spoke for nearly 90 minutes, delighting the students, who were undoubtedly proud to host the Vice President and glad for a respite from their Friday morning classes. This was a great opportunity to bring the issue of higher education to the forefront, and Vice President Biden gave a personal, impassioned speech about his experiences and that of his family. read more…
Members spotlight: Shippensburg prof returns to New Orleans courtroom
Now in her eighth year at Shippensburg University, Stephanie Jirard, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, is about to go back to the courtroom. Having been a long-time criminal trial attorney before she joined Shippensburg faculty, she brought her professional experience to life in the classroom and wrote (and uses) her own criminal law textbook to reflect the reality – not just the theory – of working in the criminal justice system. read more…
APSCUF members would benefit from legislation affecting Highmark and UPMC
Last week the State Senate introduced and advanced a bill that will protect consumers if Highmark and UPMC allow their current contracts to expire in June without negotiating new agreements. When the contracts expire, patients will be forced to pay higher out-of-network rates for both hospital and physician services. Currently, there is a 12-month period after the contract expiration for consumers to submit claims and receive payment-in-full, but if the bill is enacted, the state insurance commissioner would have the authority to keep UPMC and Highmark working together for up to three years. read more…
PA budget update: Stay tuned as Gov. Corbett announces possible mid-year cuts tomorrow
Despite students and faculty at the 14 universities of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) leaving campus for the fall 2011 semester, Governor Tom Corbett may announce a mid-year budget “adjustment” tomorrow that could have serious consequences for those coming back or entering the spring 2012 semester.
Flashback to this summer: Gov. Tom Corbett signs into law a state budget that cut funding for PASSHE by 18 percent, or more than $90 million. The system’s Board of Governors approves a 7.5 percent tuition hike – the largest increase since 2003. In the fall, faculty and students return to campus and confront larger class sizes and fewer course offerings. read more…
APSCUF Communications Director Kevin Kodish takes new title: Mifflin County Commissioner
Our loss is Mifflin County’s gain, as long-time APSCUF communications director Kevin Kodish prepares to begin a four-year term as the newest member of Mifflin County’s Board of Commissioners in January 2012. With this new position starting soon, Kevin will step down from his day-to-day duties at APSCUF this December and then formally retire in August.