Phone: (814) 227-2420 www.apscuf.org November 2020 Executive Committee: President – Joyce Overly; Vice President – Mark Kilwein; Secretary – Christopher McCarrick; Treasurer – Linda Lillard; Delegates –Joyce Overly, Jennifer May, Barry Sweet, Jacqueline Knaust, Mark Lepore, Annette Rosati; Alternate Delegates – Ellen Foster, Jonathan Touster, Cristin Ketley, Jamie Phillips, Lorie Taylor; Coaches President – Chris Weibel; Coaches Vice President – Matt Hanhold; Coaches Alternate – Keith Ferraro; Coaches’ Grievance Chair – Eric Laughlin; Venango Campus Rep – Renee Bloom; CAP – Joseph Croskey; DRC – Mary Buchanan; Grievance – Mark Kilwein; Health & Welfare – Amy Shannonhouse; Legislative – Jonathan Touster; Membership – Paul Klenowski; Negotiations – Joyce Overly; Nominations & Elections – Rachel Newbury; Social Justice – Cahndice Matthews; Public Affairs/Relations – Christopher McCarrick; Student Liaison – Marc Sanko; Rules & Bylaws – Jamie Phillips; Mobilization Co-Chairs – Jackie Knaust & Andy Lingwall; State Temporary Faculty Committee – Natasha Dias; State APSCUF Executive Council – Joyce Overly Faculty Meet & Discuss Team: Joyce Overly, Barry Sweet, Adam Roberts, Mark Kilwein, Jennifer May, Mary Buchanan Coaches Meet & Discus Team: Chris Weibel, Matt Hanhold, Keith Ferraro, Eric Laughlin, Joyce Overly & Mark Kilwein The President’s Message… Dear Clarion APSCUF Brothers and Sisters, The theme of endings and new beginnings is usually associated with New Year’s Day or graduation ceremonies, not a quiet weekday in mid-November. But as I write this letter, that’s where my mind drifts. There is, of course, the election of Joe Biden as our next president. The end of Donald Trump’s tumultuous, scandal-plagued presidency is in sight. I read President-elect Biden’s plans for education on his website and, even though I know that there are going to be challenges with a Republican Senate, I’m hopeful that some of the changes he advocates will be instituted, which will ease the financial burden for students, help institutions weather the pandemic, make it easier for international students to attend American universities, and restore Title IX protections for victims of sexual assault. We are also nearing the end of…I’ll just say it…another semester from hell. We have had to learn new ways of teaching; every one of us has devoted countless hours to adapting our courses for instruction online or via Zoom and it has been exhausting. Teaching to an array of silent, black boxes on a computer screen is dispiriting, to say the least. Unfortunately, I don’t think this ending heralds a new beginning in terms of how we will be teaching in the spring semester. Although the current plan is to offer a portion of classes face-to-face, the recent exponential increase in case numbers may make that impossible. The end of the retrenchment battle--at Clarion--is approaching. We are currently just one FTE away from management’s stated goal of a 50 FTE reduction in faculty. Yet the letter remains on the table. Furthermore, even though we will likely not have retrenchment of tenured or tenure-track faculty, the cuts in temporary faculty are not inconsequential, for the affected faculty members or their departments. Statewide, IUP, Edinboro, Lock Haven, Mansfield, and Cheyney universities sent a total of 113 retrenchment letters to faculty members. If you have not read state APSCUF President Jamie Martin’s comments in yesterday’s state newsletter, I encourage you to do so. Switching to beginnings, we are at the start of planning for the integration of Clarion with Edinboro and California. I will be serving as APSCUF’s representative in one of the integration sub-groups. In addition, APSCUF is advocating at both the state and local levels for more substantial input into the planning process. On the PASSHE website, there is a Leadership Orientation PowerPoint that was presented to management last week (https://www.passhe.edu/systemredesign/pages/integrations.aspx). I encourage you to read it. Integration, as defined by the Chancellor, means a single leadership team, a single faculty and staff, a single program array, a unified enrollment management strategy, a single, combined budget, a single reporting relationship through the November 2020 www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion 1 Chancellor to the Board of Governors, and a single accredited entity. Instead of a system of 14 universities, there will be only 10 if this process succeeds. The Chancellor’s plan is to establish up to 17 working groups focusing on different aspects of integration, with multiple sub-groups. At each of the six institutions involved in the mergers (let’s stop pretending that’s not what this is), APSCUF has been asked for just one representative for the groups/sub-groups. One. Technically, I guess, that is shared governance, but it is not transparent nor inclusive (words the Chancellor uses to describe a “new culture” he advocates). Many of the issues to be resolved are part the CBA but management has so far refused to engage with state APSCUF to address them. This is not a promising start to what is certain to be a contentious and difficult process. I encourage you to pay close attention to developments as the integration planning proceeds. Read the Chancellor’s emails and blog posts, check the PASSHE integration site, and watch for emails from me or state APSCUF. There is one other beginning on my mind, the beginning of the holiday season. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends (safely, of course!) We live in trying times, but there is still much to be thankful for. In solidarity, Joyce FALL 2020 MEETINGS (Please mark your calendars!) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EC) Held virtually on Zoom @ 3:30 pm Tuesday, November 17 DEPARTMENTAL REP COUNCIL Held virtually on Zoom @ 3:30 PM Tuesday, November 10 MEET & DISCUSS MEETINGS Friday November 13 – Pre-Meet & Discuss Friday, November 20 – Meet & Discus Wednesday, November 26 – Pre-Meet & Discuss Friday, December 4 – Meet & Discuss Friday, December 11 – Pre-Meet & Discuss Friday, December 18 – Meet & Discuss The Clarion APSCUF office will “virtually” be closed on the following days: Monday through Friday, November 25-27 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!! Again, State APSCUF and Chapter Office staff continues to serve you remotely until further notice. They all remain accessible via phone and email. Thank you for your patience as we respond to your communication as soon as we are able. WELCOME to our Newest APSCUF Member!!  Jeff Dories – English & Modern Languages 2020 Election Recap with APSCUF’s Sean Crampsie… The 2020 election has enormous implications for public higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If you missed last week’s 2020 Election Recap presentation with Sean Crampsie, APSCUF Government Relations Director, you are in luck! The session has been recorded for our member’s viewing (login required). Sean reviews what the state House and state Senate chambers will look like for 2021–22 and what that means for the state of public higher education in Pennsylvania. CLICK HERE to review Sean’s presentation. November 2020 www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion 2 UPDATE ON THE HEALTH & WELFARE FUND: Teledentistry is now available to all United Concordia Groups (including APSCURF) up to the plans limitations. Should you have questions or concerns, you may contact Amy Shannonhouse or reach out to UCD Customer Service at 1-800-332-0366. For more details, see the flyer on page 4. ANNOUNCEMENT: NEW SPECIAL SERVICES PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS! APSCUF is pleased to introduce our newest member benefit with you! APSCUF REWARDS! This program offers national and local discounts on everyday items such as groceries, oil changes, food and fitness, to larger expenses like travel and moving services. (See flyer on page 5 for details on how to sign up!) And just in time for the holidays, there is a special promotion going on this week only (November 7-13)... Holideals. (See the flyer on page 6 for details.) For more information on APSCUF Rewards and on “My Deals” mobile app, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZcJiD_X18U&feature=youtu.be. APSCUF is the sole voice for protecting the rights of faculty and coaches giving you the best working environment possible. We want to THANK YOU to some of the following APSCUF committee members that are serving on some of our local committees. Their dedication to APSCUF is very much appreciated. There are many opportunities to get involved. Vacancy appointments do come up. If you wish to get involved, let us know that you are interested in becoming an active and contributing member! Get involved today! CLARION ASPCUF COMMITTEES Faculty Meet & Discuss Team: Joyce Overly – Chapter President Mark Kilwein – Vice President/Grievance Chair Barry Sweet – Spokesperson Mary Buchanan Jennifer May Adam Roberts Coaches Meet & Discuss Team: Chris Weibel – Coaches’ President Matthew Hanhold – Coaches Vice President Keith Ferraro – Coaches Alternate Eric Laughlin – Grievance Chair Joyce Overly – Chapter President Mark Kilwein – Chapter Vice President Grievance Committee: Mark Kilwein – Chairperson Mary Buchanan Jonathan Touster Carey Childers Eric Laughlin (Coaches) Nominations & Elections Committee: (Elected) Rachel Newbury - Chairperson Natasha Dias Paul Klenowski Amanda Lockwood Xiaofeng Li Mobilization Committee Jackie Knaust – Co-Chair Andy Lingwall – Co-Chair Scholarship Committee Jeffrey Diamond – Chairperson Helen Hampikian Todd Lavin Social Justice Committee: Cahndice Matthews – Chairperson Lacey Fulton Mark Lepore Ron Radaker Jane Walsh Paul Woodburne Faculty Professional Development Committee: Robin Bilan – State Committee Representative Jesse Haight Kurt Register November 2020 www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion 3 November 2020 www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion 4 November 2020 www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion 5 November 2020 www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion 6 RETIREMENT THINKING ABOUT RETIRING? Check out APSCUF’s “Pre-Retirement Checklist” in this newsletter on pages 7-9!! PLEASE NOTE: This checklist should only be used as a guideline. All faculty/coaches contemplating retirement should consult with their retiree handbook from either SERS or PSERS. Those enrolled in TIAA-CREF should have their portfolios in order. In addition, faculty/coaches should have a copy of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between APSCUF and the State System of Higher Education and the current State System Employees Benefit Booklet to consult as a reference in making this decision. For additional information about retirement, go to http://www.apscuf.org/members/forms-and-benefits and scroll to the very bottom of the webpage under the heading RETIREMENT. NOTE: Bim Arthun, Director of Membership Services from State APSCUF, is currently taking one-on-one appointments through Zoom. So if you wish to meet with Bim, please contact her directly at barthun@apscuf.org to set up a day and time to meet. EMERITUS STATUS PROCEDURES: Nominations for Emeritus Status should be initiated by member(s) of the appropriate department/unit and announced at a department/unit meeting, normally within one year following retirement. The nominating member(s) of the department/unit shall forward a one-page summary of the significant accomplishments made by the nominee to the Dean and appropriate Vice President. The Office of the Provost and Academic Vice President will be responsible for the implementation of this policy and its procedures. The above procedures for departments to follow to request emeritus status for retiring faculty in departments are taken from the Clarion University of Pennsylvania Policy on Emeritus Status. A copy of the entire policy is available from the APSCUF office. If you have faculty who are retiring at the end of the fall or spring semester in your department, please follow the procedures in this policy to request emeritus status for the nominee. https://www.clarion.edu/about-clarion/offices-and-administration/university-support-and-business/humanresources/policies/POLICY%20ON%20EMERITUS%20STATUS.pdf APSCUF’S Pre-retirement checklist Getting ready to retire? Check out this checklist to get prepared!    Select an anticipated date of retirement and begin to contemplate pension options. Check beneficiary information. Contact your retirement counselor and/or investment counselor o SERS members need only to contact 1-800-633-5461 (toll-free) to be connected with their local counseling center. The SERS website is www.sers.state.pa.us. o TIAA-CREF members can call 215-587-8530. TIAA-CREF’s website address is www.tiaacref.org. o PSERS members need to contact 1-888-773-7748 (toll-free). PSERS’ website address is www.psers.state.pa.us. November 2020 www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion 7             Visit APSCURF's web page, www.apscuf.org/members/apscurf, for direct links to a variety of different sites including the Social Security Administration's website which provides answers to quite a number of questions. Visit the APSCURF page for an abundance of information on retiring and retirement! Contact your human resources office. Confirm “credited” years of service. Certify any outstanding qualified service time while in active status. No payment is required to purchase the value of this service during active service. The amount owed can be subtracted from the pension. CBA health retirement requirements to retain lifelong health benefit coverage include one of the following: o 25 years of “credited” service at any age o 10 years of “credited” service at superannuation age (60 years of age) (applies to those hired prior to the fall semester of 1997) o 15 years of “credited” service at superannuation age (60 years of age) (applies to those hired for the fall semester of 1997 through June 30, 2004) o In addition, “credited” service for those faculty members hired for the fall semester of 1997 and after will only include Commonwealth and/or State System service. o Those hired on or after July 1, 2004, "20 years of “credited” service at superannuation age. o Please Note: Your spouse and/or eligible dependents are only entitled to your State System health benefit package as long as you are alive. The Surviving Spouse Act provides the right to purchase your package from the State System for your spouse only. ALL annuitants must draw a pension check (annuitize) from their retirement plan in order to receive the health benefit coverage. Those retiring on or after October 20, 2005, are permitted to waive enrollment under the retirement health package IF THEY ARE COVERED UNDER ANY OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE. If the health package is waived at retirement, retirees may enroll during an open enrollment period or upon loss of their current coverage. ALL annuitants must draw a pension check (annuitize) from their retirement plan as one of the criteria to be eligible to obtain sick leave buy-out benefits. In addition, the member must be retiring at 60 years of age or more with five years of Commonwealth/State System service or under 60 years or age with at least 25 years of Commonwealth/State System service (may include periods in other positions other than a faculty/coach position). PA Faculty Health and Welfare Fund benefits will terminate on the last day of the next month in which you retire. Schedule any services for which you are eligible prior to the termination date (Dental, Vision, Hearing, etc.). Those retiring on or after November 1, 2005, may qualify for COBRA coverage. Coaches dental and vision plans will terminate per the Management Supplemental policy. Check with the local Human Resource office about COBRA rights. All eligible APSCUF members joining APSCURF has the option to enroll in APSCURF’s dental and vision plans. Visit APSCURF's page for more information Employer purchased life insurance will terminate upon your retirement. If desired, you may want to check into your conversion rights under this policy with the local human resources office. Basic health plan coverage. Until you reach Medicare eligibility, coverage will be the PPO plan. All health plans carry the same Medco RX drug plan. On the first day of the month in which you become Medicare eligible, Medicare Part A and B become your primary insurance carrier. The November 2020 www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion 8 CBA provides you with supplemental coverage under Highmark Blue Shield's Medicare Complement Plan, an your RX coverage will be under the Major Medical plan where you purchase your prescription and manually submit them to Highmark for reimbursement. Those who retired on or after July 1, 2005, will have an employee health contribution assessed on their health plan premium in retirement based on the date of retirement per the collective bargaining agreement provisions in place at that time. Please note that if you are Medicare eligible or will be at retirement, you will need to enroll in Medicare 3 months prior to your retirement month so that Medicare is in place when your annuitant health plan begins. Check with your local HR office to determine the date where your active coverage will transfer to the annuitant Medicare Complement coverage. o   The PASSHE decided not to include the health care reform mandates under the annuitant health plan so the benefits vary somewhat when you are transferred to the annuitant PPO plan. The main change is that if you have dependents between the ages of 19 and 25 who are not enrolled as a full time student, the dependent(s) will lose their eligibility under the annuitant health plan. Contemplate purchasing a long-term nursing care policy. The benefit package provided to you does not cover custodial, intermediate or assisted-living services. APSCURF has a recommended plan and check with your insurance agency for comparisons. Visit APSCURF's page for more details about the retired association benefits and other useful links. Annuitants can only return to Commonwealth service for a period of 95 days under the Emergency Hire guidelines. This checklist should only be used as a guideline. All faculty members contemplating retirement should consult with their retiree handbook from either SERS or PSERS. Those enrolled in TIAA-CREF should have their portfolios in order. In addition, faculty should have a copy of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement between APSCUF and the State System of Higher Education and the current State System Employees Benefit Booklet to consult as a reference in making this decision. November 2020 www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion 9