CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – The possibility of retrenchment at Clarion University is on the table after Clarion APSCUF (Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties) formally received a retrenchment letter from Clarion administration March 31.
A similar letter was also received at some other universities in the State System of Higher Education during recent weeks.
“The letter means that there is the possibility of retrenchment,” replied Clarion APSCUF President Ray Feroz to members in an email. “This does not mean that faculty will be retrenched, but that it could happen. Be assured that your faculty union will work tirelessly to ensure that such faculty retrenchment does not happen to any of our colleagues.”
In an official statement Monday morning, Clarion University emphasized that the letter was a required step as part of the union collective bargaining agreement, and no decisions have been made.
“There have been no decisions made; there are no programs or number of positions which are under consideration,” according to the statement. “This letter is an agreed-upon step in the faculty union collective bargaining agreement which requires system universities to provide what amounts to at least a full academic year’s notice if there is the possibility that a position is being considered for elimination. This letter doesn’t mean any positions will be retrenched, but the universities are obligated by the contract to give notice if the possibility exists and engage the faculty union in exploring alternatives to retrenching faculty.”
The official statement went on to state, “Clarion University continually reviews programs to ensure that academic credentials are aligned with the interests of our students and the employer needs of the region and commonwealth. With nearly 80 percent of our students choosing Clarion University for our academic offerings in professional preparation programs in business, education, health sciences, and the arts and sciences, our credentials continue to evolve to meet those needs working within our resources.”
“While this process allows us to make necessary institutional changes in a thoughtful, deliberate way, these changes can also affect people, and any decisions which may impact academic programs and our employees will not be taken lightly.”
APSCUF Responds
As an April 1 deadline loomed, four more state-owned universities last week submitted letters of intent for retrenchment. California, Cheyney, Clarion, and Edinboro university administrators thereby notified the union that faculty cuts could be possible at the end of the 2017–18 year.
Mansfield University put a letter on the table March 21.
Saturday was the deadline for PASSHE 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.
A letter of retrenchment does not necessarily mean faculty definitely will be laid off, but it adds to an atmosphere of uncertainty that has already been fueled by talk of possible closures and mergers, APSCUF President Kenneth M. Mash said.
“Students, potential students, and faculty members deserve to know their universities’ intentions as soon as possible,” Mash said. “We understand finances are tight, but cutting programs and faculty members is penny wise and pound foolish. Limiting opportunities will not help universities heal or grow. It certainly does nothing to encourage potential students to enroll.”
APSCUF will work with each of the universities at state and local levels to find solutions that are best for students and the faculty members retrenchment would affect directly, Mash said.
“Our universities have struggled mightily since the Commonwealth cut the appropriation to the State System in 2011,” Mash said. “While some of that funding has been restored, last year per-student funding was down by more than 30 percent since the start of the Great Recession. While a decline in graduating high school seniors partially explains enrollment declines, very little attention has been paid to whether the total cost of college remains affordable for Pennsylvania’s working-class families.
“The mission of the State System is to provide a high-quality university education at an affordable price. The cost has continued to increase, and now universities are threatening to strike at quality by reducing the programs they offer students. Instead of trying to bleed stones, our policy-makers must focus on how we are turning our backs on a generation of students.”
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.
