Sept. 22, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Kathryn Morton, or 717-236-7486
Clarion University withdrew its letter of intent for retrenchment last night, removing the concern of faculty cuts at the end of the 2017–18 year.
“We are happy that the administration removed the letter, ending the threat to faculty,” said Dr. Ray Feroz, president of the Clarion chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties. “We can now devote our energy in a positive direction, working to improve academics, recover enrollment, and improve systems here.
“I am absolutely convinced that collaboration and cooperation is the way to make Clarion University a great place for students to learn and faculty to work.”
April 1 was the deadline for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education to inform the association about possible layoffs due to program curtailment, elimination of courses, or the elimination of the duties and responsibilities performed by nonclassroom faculty, according to Article 29 of APSCUF’s collective bargaining agreement. After Clarion issued its warning, APSCUF members and administrators held meet-and-discuss sessions at state and local levels to find solutions that were best for students and the faculty members retrenchment would affect directly, APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash said.
“Although we believe there should never have been a letter on the table, we are glad the Clarion University administration took this step,” he said. “We now turn our full attention to Cheyney University.”
Of the five State System universities that in the spring issued letters of intent to retrench, one letter remains, perpetuating an atmosphere of uncertainty at Cheyney University, Mash said.
APSCUF represents about 5,500 faculty and coaches at the State System universities: Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock, and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania.