Blog
Make the call! Pennsylvania Call to Action for public education set for tomorrow
This Wednesday Education Voters of Pennsylvania, along with other organizations across the state, will be hosting a Statewide “Call” to Action for Public Education. We support this initiative and understand that public education has been severely impacted overall by Governor Corbett. We ask APSCUF members to join in this effort and send a message to our elected officials to invest in public education. read more…
Highlights from Board of Governors meeting: No action on PA budget freeze, new IUP President selected
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors met this morning and covered a number of items of interest to faculty and coaches at the 14 state-owned universities.
First of all, the board did not take any formal action on Governor Corbett’s request to freeze $20 million in state funding for this academic year. At this point, it appears we are in “wait and see” mode, but we will keep you informed of developments on this issue. read more…
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…