Kutztown University

March 17, 2020
 

10 Things to Know

Over the past week, I have heard from dozens of colleagues with questions about the impact of the university’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Now that KU is committed to completing the semester through online classes, we have a clearer picture of what we as faculty members will need to do to finish the semester successfully.

Here are answers to some questions that have come up repeatedly in my correspondence with colleagues. I have been in regular contact with President Hawkinson, Provost Zayaitz, State APSCUF, and our local executive committee to get clarity on these items.

1. There will be no reduction of or disruption to faculty pay this semester.
2. Because of the disruption to the semester and the switch to online classes, we are working at the state and local level to remove any requirements for SRIs this semester. We are also looking to make state and local agreements to adjust the timelines for PET committees on campus.
3. For faculty members who are up for tenure and/or promotion, there will be no change whatsoever in your overall timetable. There may be some minor adjustments to due dates for the tenure and promotion committees to finish their work, but this will not affect the overall process for any of you.
4. There is no expectation that the semester will be extended at this time. Since we are losing a week of class contact, faculty are expected to adjust the course material into the remaining weeks.
5. Although nonessential employees (which includes faculty) are expected to work from home, faculty members will, as I noted in an email yesterday, have access to their offices during this time.
6. Advising will still take place this semester. Faculty members will conduct advising either over the phone, through videoconferencing or email, or through some combination.
7. Student teaching has been cancelled for the time being because K-12 schools are also closed. Supervisors should consider alternate assignments for students. In the meantime, PASSHE is seeking clarification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education about waivers for the 12-week classroom experience for student teachers.
8. In the case of internships, there is a bit more flexibility. If the sponsoring agency is still open or is willing to let the intern work from home, that is fine. If not, the supervisor can work individually with the student to develop alternate assignments.
9. All university-related travel is cancelled at this time.
10. Hiring committees cannot bring candidates onto campus right now, obviously, but they may arrange to conduct phone and video interviews. We will seek further clarification on how hiring committees should proceed as the situation goes forward.

Sincerely,

Tom Stewart

President, APSCUF-KU

 

—

Welcome to the Kutztown University Chapter site!

Come, and be social with us. We would love to get to know you: Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, & IG

You can find APSCUF-KU newsletters HERE.

Check out the PA Faculty Health & Welfare Fund for your Vision and Dental information. Please contact our Health & Welfare Specialist for further info: Ju Zhou | 484.646.4142 | zhou@kutztown.edu

Please bookmark our APSCUF-KU Calendar. Committee meetings will be listed, with necessary information provided within each event. Committee chairs, please send notice for meetings you would like published to the APSCUF-KU office for inclusion. Additional events, and notices of significance will also be included in our calendar.

APSCUF-KU documents, listing of standing committees and committee members, as well as a ton of other information can also be found on our members only Kutztown University website. Access is available to full APSCUF-KU members through a non-KU email. Please email the APSCUF-KU office manager to request access to the site.

APSCUF-KU:

Know Your Contract:

CBA (including side letters)

Retirement Information

International Faculty Resources:

Students

OFFICERS

DELEGATES

ALTERNATE DELEGATES

Contractual Committees

APSCURF

Spring 2020 Meetings

Executive Council
January 28RL 283:15-5:15pm
February 25RL 223:15-5:15pm
March 31RL 223:15-5:15pm
April 28RL 223:15-5:15pm
Representative Council
February 13AF 2023:15-5:15pm
March 5AF 2023:15-5:15pm
April 9AF 2023:15-5:15pm
May 7AF 2024-6pm

Contact KU

Phone: 610-683-4277
Fax: 610-683-4694
Address: Old Main 203A
Kutztown University
Kutztown, PA 19530

Chapter President
Thomas Stewart

Office Manager
Sarra Guissé