Blog
APSCUF BoG Comments 2
In this time of economic crisis, we need to think about the future…of the nation and the Commonwealth. Education is a way out of this crisis, because we all know we need educated workers. And we can give them those workers.
It makes no sense to have budget surpluses for years and again in the future and be talking about eliminating jobs.
Business Models Just Don’t Fit, Part I
Whether it is implementing performance indicators or fancy new dorms meant to appeal to students, our Universities and the PASSHE system (echoing the culture) seem enamored with business models. Are business models appropriate for public higher education? One would think that the recent fiascos surrounding for-profit higher education would be enough for anyone to see the how a business mentality undermines the credibility of higher education. But, alas, it seems that few leaders in higher education are able to connect the self-evident dots. read more…
Inside Higher Ed on the Health of the Humanities
Today’s Inside Higher Ed has a story on “Liberal Arts I: They Keep Chugging Along” (see http://www.insidehighered.com/views/2010/10/01/connor) continues the strand I have been pushing in this forum for some weeks — where is higher education heading and what programs will live into the 21st century? read more…
NOV 2nd Is Coming: Is New Jersey Coming Too?
Yes, the election is 5 weeks from yesterday. And we at APSCUF need to be watching.
The poll out from former APSCUF president Terry Madonna’s center at Franklin & Marshall yesterday shows Republican Tom Corbett 4 points up on the Democratic contender, Dan Onorato. APSCUF has endorsed Onorato (for fair disclosure), so our political people think it is in our best interest if he wins. Hearing Corbett’s “no tax” pledge and his suggestion that he will cut state government if elected is a warning to us of potential cuts ahead if he wins. read more…
Faculty Negotiations Team
At Friday’s Legislative Assembly, the delegates approved Ken Mash (ESU) & Beth MacDaniel (Clarion) to serve as the two faculty members on the faculty negotiations team. They join me (ex officio) as the faculty representatives on the team.
The Assembly also approved Marc Sylvester (Edinboro) to serve as the alternate. The Negotiations Committee (composed of the 14 chapter presidents & responsible for recommending the team) have made it clear the alternate needs to be totally involved.
The three faculty members will be joined on the team by a hired negotiator; Assembly approved a name on Friday and we expect to have a press release maybe as early as Monday once a formal agreement is reached.
Please wish Ken, Beth and Marc congratulation & good luck when you see them.
We’ll put something out with pictures, etc, from PR early in the week.
Since PASSHE managers read this (hi Mike!), I’ll say nothing else here about negotiations.
In solidarity,
Steve