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Thu, 01/22/2026 - 20:14
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Phone: (814) 227-2420
www.apscuf.org
April 2023
Executive Committee: President – Joyce Overly; Vice President – Mark Kilwein; Secretary – Laurie Pierce; Treasurer – Xiaofeng Li; Delegates –Joyce
Overly, Jennifer May, Lorie Taylor, Jacqueline Knaust; Alternate Delegates – Ellen Foster, Cristin Ketley, Nripendra Singh, Barry Sweet, t/b/d; Coaches
President – Heath Calhoun; Coaches Vice President – Doc Neiman; Coaches Alternate – Keith Ferraro; Coaches’ Grievance Chair – Eric Laughlin; Venango
Campus Rep – Renee Bloom; CAP – Nripendra Singh; DRC – Mary Buchanan; Grievance – Mark Kilwein; Health & Welfare – Amy Shannonhouse;
Legislative – Jonathan Touster; Membership – Tonya Otto; Negotiations – Joyce Overly; Nominations & Elections – Rachel Newbury; Social Justice – Ron
Radaker; Public Affairs/Relations – Lacey Futon; Student Liaison – Marc Sanko; Rules & Bylaws – Jamie Phillips; Mobilization Co-Chairs – Jackie Knaust &
Andy Lingwall; State Adjunct Faculty Committee – Natasha Dias
*Faculty Meet & Discuss Team: Joyce Overly, Barry Sweet, Adam Roberts, Mark Kilwein, Jennifer May, Mary Buchanan, Laurie Pierce (rec. sec.)
*Coaches Meet & Discus Team: Heath Calhoun, Doc Neiman, Keith Ferraro, Eric Laughlin, Joyce Overly & Mark Kilwein
The President’s Message…
Dear Colleagues,
Our current collective bargaining agreement expires on June 30, 2023, and APSCUF is
currently in negotiations with PASSHE for a new contract. Once the contract expires,
there exists the possibility of a strike, should negotiations break down.
I believe we will go on strike. Do I know something I’m not sharing? Well, sort of. I
know that we must believe we will go on strike in order to pull off a successful strike, should one be
needed. I also know that the very act of preparing for a strike makes it less likely that one will be needed.
If our Negotiations Team knows we're ready, and the Chancellor knows we're ready, that changes the
whole negotiations dynamic.
Are we actually going to go on strike? That depends on how things go in negotiations over the next
several months. It also depends on how PASSHE fares in this year’s state budget. No one can predict those
things.
Stay calm! There is no imminent strike. But APSCUF must prepare by updating strike manuals and picket
plans. The rank-and-file membership of APSCUF must be educated about negotiations and any possible
job action. In the fall semester, if there is no contract, APSCUF will hold strike training, and our local
APSCUF office will be moved to an off-campus location. These steps and others need to happen before a
strike is called. You can start preparing now by sending your off-campus email and phone number to Jan
Walters at jwalters@apscuf.org. You can prepare by attending APSCUF membership meetings and reading
local and state newsletters. You can sign up for negotiations updates to get up to the moment
information whenever there are new developments. For more detailed information about preparing for a
strike, you can view an excellent and thorough slideshow from Seth Kahn from West Chester University.
Are we going on strike? No one knows. But I am ready to, and you need to be ready as well.
In solidarity,
April 2023
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SPRING 2023 MEETINGS
(Please mark your calendars!)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EC) @ 3:30 pm
➢ Tuesday, April 18 (Ken Mash campus visit)
*April 18 & 19 – General Spring Elections
PRE-MEET & DISCUSS & MEET & DISCUSS
➢ Friday, April 28 @ 2 pm (Meet & Discuss)
➢ Thursday, May 26 @ 1 pm (Meet & Discuss)
➢ Thursday, June 29 @ 1 pm (Meet & Discuss)
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
➢ APSCUF’s End-of-Semester
Gathering/Retirement Celebration, Thursday,
May 4, 2023 @ 4:00 pm at CRBC
SUMMER SCHOOL PAYMENTS FOR 2023
First 5-Weeks: June 30, 2023
Second 5-Weeks: July 28, 2023
First 7-Weeks: June 2, 2023
Second 7-Weeks: July 28, 2023
Full 14 Weeks (Incl. Internships) 1st Half: June 2, 2023
Full 14 Weeks (Incl. Internships) 2nd Half: July 28, 2023
Chair/Distance Ed/Adjustments: August 11, 2023
REMINDER TO FACULTY: 20/26 ANNUAL PAY OPTION WINDOW APRIL 1st THRU APRIL 30th
Nine-month pay faculty who are interested in changing their pay options from 20 to 26 pays, or
vice versa, may do so during a window period from April 1, 2023 to April 30, 2023. The change
will be effective for the first paycheck of the Fall 2023 semester which will be on September 22,
2023.
If you so choose to change your option, please complete the 20/26 Pay Option form through HR
Connect on the PASSHE website between April 1 and April 30th.
NOTE: This is the only opportunity to make this change during this academic year. Any questions
on this, please contact our Human Resources office through HR Connect.
WELCOME New Clarion APSCUF Members!!
Erin Lewis – Communication & Journalism
Brianna Miluk – Communication, Science &
Disorders
Coach Andrew Vonada – Strength & Conditioning
APSCUF Membership is open to ALL active faculty and coaches - Tenured, Tenure-Track, Full-time Temporary,
and Part-time Temporary. APSCUF is the sole voice for protecting the rights of faculty and coaches giving
you the best working environment possible. Be an active and contributing member. Get involved today!
April 2023
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April 2023
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A Healthy U Reminder –
Time is Running Out to Save Money on Your Health Insurance
The deadline to complete the Healthy U requirement is only eight weeks
away! Not completing the requirement means you will pay a 10% penalty
on your healthcare premiums for the period July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.
According to Sharecare, the PASSHE-approved vendor for
the Healthy U program, you and/or your enrolled spouse/domestic partner, if applicable, have not yet
completed the RealAge® Test. Completion of this health assessment is the only step needed to satisfy the
requirement for the upcoming year.
NOTE: There is no Healthy U requirement in retirement. Anyone retiring on or before June 30 won't be
adversely impacted by not completing the RealAge Test.
Remember that PASSHE does not send confirmation emails when the Healthy U requirement has been met.
You may verify completion by logging into your Sharecare account at mycare.sharecare.com and clicking on
the Achieve icon, and then Rewards.
Questions? Complete information about the Healthy U program is available at www.passhe.edu/healthyu.
You may also contact Human Resources or reach out to Bim Arthun in APSCUF Membership Services at 800932-0587, Option 1.
In conjunction of PennWest University Clarion’s Earth Week event, and in cooperation with
Student Senate and the League of Women Voters of Clarion County, APSCUF is cosponsoring a nonpartisan Student Voter Registration table on Thursday, April 20 from
11:00 am till 2:00 pm in Gemmell Student Center Multi-Purpose room.
We are in need of APSCUF members to volunteer to come to Gemmell Student Center’s MPR
for an hour to encourage students to register to vote. All voter registration information will be provided, we
just need your help to encourage students to register.
Will you consider volunteering an hour of your time? Please email Jan Walters at jwalters@pennwest.edu
and indicate the time slot that would work for you. We would like at least two APSCUF members per shift.
Thank you for your consideration!
Ellen Foster, Clarion APSCUF Executive Committee Member
Chair of the Student Voter Registration Table
April 2023
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SPRING 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS
The Spring 2023 General Election for APSCUF Offices & Committees will be held on Tuesday
and Wednesday, April 18 and 19 through Survey Monkey. The University-wide Tenure and
Promotion Contractual Committee elections will be held on Tuesday thru Thursday, April
18-20, again, through Survey Monkey. There will be two separate ballots.
The appropriate ballot will be sent to your campus e-mail address on Tuesday, April 18 at 6:00 am. You
must complete and submit your APSCUF ballot by on Wednesday, April 19 at 4:00 pm; and Thursday, April
20 at 4:00 pm for the University-wide Contractual Committee elections. At those times, polls
will be closed.
NOTE: There will be two separate Ballots sent through Survey Monkey to your PennWest email
– an APSCUF Ballot and an University-wide Contractual Committee Ballot.
For your review, below are the slate of candidates/positions open/terms that will be on the ballot. Also,
we have included in this newsletter the candidate statements that were submitted. (See pages 6-8)
If you have any questions regarding the process of these elections, please contact Rachel Newbury, Chair
of the Nominations & Elections Committee. In advance, thank you for your participation in these elections.
APSCUF Nominations & Elections Committee:
Rachel Newbury (Chair), Natasha Dias, Lana Smith, Briana Steele, Laurie Bladen
SLATE OF CANDIDATES FOR THE 2023 GENERAL SPRING ELECTION
APSCUF OFFICES & COMMITTEES:
President: (1 two-year term)
▪ Joyce Overly
Nominations & Elections Committee:
(2 two-year term)
▪ Sheila Kazar
▪ Eric Lewis
Vice President: (1 two-year term)
▪ Mark Kilwein
Secretary: (1 one-year term)
▪ Robin Bilan
Venango Campus Representative:
(1 one-year term)
▪ Renee Bloom
Treasurer: (1 one-year term)
▪ Xiaofeng Li
Coaches President: (1 two-year term)
• No Candidates-Write-In option available
Delegate to Legislative Assembly:
(1 two-year term)
▪ Lacey Fulton
▪ Lorie Taylor
Coaches Vice President: (1 two-year term)
• No Candidates–Write-In option available
Coaches Alternate: (1 two-year term)
• Keith Ferraro (Wrestling)
Alternate Delegate to Legislative Assembly:
(2 two-year term)
▪ Cristin Leahy
▪ Eric Lewis
▪ Rachel Newbury
▪ Nripendra Singh
April 2023
Coaches Grievance Chair: (1 two-year term)
• Eric Laughlin (Women’s Track & Field)
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PENNWEST UNIVERSITY-WIDE
TENURE & PROMOTION COMMITEES
Tenure Committee:
(1-three year)
▪ Donna Falsetti - Nursing
▪ Rachel Newbury - University Libraries
▪ Laurie Pierce - Nursing
Promotion Committee:
(1-three year; 1-one year; 1-Alternate)
▪ Robin Bilan – Nursing
▪ Cristin Leahy – Special Education
▪ Amy Shannonhouse – Education
2023 SPRING ELECTIONS
CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS
(Please note that not all candidates submitted statements.)
APSCUF OFFICES & COMMITTEES
CHAPTER PRESIDENT: (1 two-year term)
Joyce Overly – Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics
I am in my third year serving as Chapter President of Clarion APSCUF, and I’m seeking re-election to
another term. I began my presidency in the summer of 2020 and led the chapter during the pandemic
and the consolidation. To say it has been a challenging time for all concerned would be a vast
understatement! During the pandemic, I represented the faculty’s interests in issues such as support for
remote teaching, tenure and promotion application processing, and masking requirements. The
consolidation has brought up questions and decisions about tenure, promotion, and sabbatical policies,
creation of new curricula and curricular policies, campus transfer opportunities, multi-modal
instruction, and many other concerns. I have met frequently with the Edinboro and California Chapter
Presidents to coordinate Meet & Discuss and other aspects of chapter operations. I have persevered
through the consolidation this far and am determined to see it through. I would appreciate your vote!
VICE PRESIDENT: (1 two-year term)
Mark Kilwein - Counseling, Human Services, Rehab & Criminal Justice
I am asking for your vote to be re-elected as Clarion APSCUF Vice President. It's been a difficult time for
all of us as part of a consolidating university. The role of APSCUF is more important than ever as so
many past procedures have to be renegotiated for Penn West. It's a been a busy and demanding
couple of years for those of us on the local meet and discuss team. I take my responsibilities as VP
seriously and I want to continue to serve. Your support is much appreciated.
TREASURER: (1 one-year term)
Xiaofeng Li – Library Science
Greetings! My name is Xiaofeng Li, and I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Library and
Information Science. I have been fortunate enough to serve as APSCUF Treasurer for the past two
years. With Jan’s guidance, I have gained invaluable experience serving as the Treasurer and have
learned the responsibilities of this role well. I am eager to continue serving APSCUF in this capacity.
Thank you for considering my candidacy.
April 2023
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SECRETARY: (1 one-year term)
Robin Bilan - Nursing
DELEGATE TO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY: (1 two-year term)
Lacey Fulton – Communications & Journalism)
Lorie Taylor – Special Education
My name is Lorie Taylor and I am running for the position of Delegate to Legislative Assembly in the
upcoming election. This is my 20th year as a member of the Special Education Department at Clarion
University. Since starting here I have had the opportunity to serve the university by being on a variety of
university, college, and departmental committees. I have served as a delegate and alternate delegate
for many years, and I am interested in continuing to represent PennWest University at Clarion during
these tumultuous times to give back to the union and the University. I would be honored to be a part of
a group that is vital to the continued success and growth of our university. I am committed to APSCUF
and look forward to the opportunity to serve. I would appreciate your support in allowing me to do so.
ALTERNATE DELEGATE TO LEGISTLATIVE ASSEMBLY: (3 two-year term)
Cristin Ketley – Special Education
As I complete my seventh academic year as an Associate Professor in the Department of Special
Education, I am looking to continue my service to the university community and APSCUF. I have become
more involved in political action, which can support the APSCUF membership and serve in ways that
can educate me more fully on the inner workings of our processes and procedures. I have enjoyed this
involvement; supporting our members and the university is important to carry on our long-standing
strength and leadership. I appreciate your consideration.
Eric Lewis - Chemistry
My name is Dr. Eric Lewis and I am currently running for multiple positions for the Spring APSCUF
General Election.
Since being hired in 2014, I have been involved in numerous departmental and University-wide
committees. And with the ever-shifting landscape of our university structure, I think we can all agree
that we are TIRED. Personally, I’m tired of seeing my colleagues and myself put in monumental efforts,
only to be completely crushed with a few keystrokes in an email.
I believe we must have more faculty representation in critical positions of administration and that will
be blunt with administration in addressing our needs. It is this I wish to carry into more elected levels. I
firmly believe that to maintain a strong relationship with faculty, administration, and students, we
must continue to have representation willing to work for the betterment of our students. I am looking
forward to continuing the strong traditions that my colleagues have perpetuated and appreciate your
vote in this election. Thank you.
April 2023
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Rachel Newbury – Libraries
Hello, my name is Rachel Newbury, Assistant Professor and Librarian, and I am in my third year as a
member of the APSCUF Executive Committee. I currently serve as Nominations & Elections Chair, and
Clarion Co-chair of the University-wide Tenure Committee. I am running for Alternate Representative to
Legislative Assembly in the hope that I may continue to support our PennWest-Clarion faculty, not just
locally, but also at the state level. Thank you for your consideration.
Nripendra Singh – Management & Marketing
I am Dr. Nripendra Singh from Marketing & Management Department. As an alternate delegate last
year I participated at the legislative assembly virtually and on April 13-15, 2023 I am going to attend in
person to represent Clarion APSCUF. I would like to continue my efforts to support Clarion APSCUF and
therefore I am requesting you to kindly vote for me to again serve Clarion APSCUF as an alternate
delegate. Thank you.
VENANGO CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVE: (1 one-year term)
Renee Bloom – Human Services, Rehab, Health & Sport Sciences
I am running for the position of Venango representative because of the experience I have at Venango
Campus and my knowledge of Venango students, faculty, staff, and programs. I would appreciate the
opportunity to continue serving my Venango faculty colleagues in the role of Venango representative.
Thank you for your consideration.
NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS COMMITTEE: (2 one-year term)
Sheila Kazar - Geosciences
Eric Lewis – Chemistry
See Alternate Delegate to Legislative Assembly statement.
COACHES APSCUF OFFICES
Coaches President: (1 two-year term)
No Candidates - Write-In Option will be available
Coaches Vice President: (1 two-year term)
No Candidates - Write-In Option will be available
Coaches Alternate: (1 two-year term)
Keith Ferraro – Head Wresting Coach
Coaches Grievance Chair: (1 two-year term)
Eric Laughlin – Head Women’s Cross-Country Coach
April 2023
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APSCUF’s Committee for Action through Politics (APSCUF/CAP) is the political voice for
APSCUF faculty and coaches. Since its inception in 1981, CAP has assisted faculty and coaches
in making informed political decisions. CAP is a nonpartisan organization that supports
candidates who will advocate for APSCUF’s goals and priorities. To find out more about
APSCUF/CAP, download the CAP brochure.
Click here (login required) to view APSCUF/CAP’s recommendations for the 2022 primary election.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: There are several ways to donate to CAP:
•
Use your credit card and donate today through APSCUF’s PayPal account.
•
Download and complete the Voluntary Payroll Deduction Form to authorize deductions from your
paycheck. Once completed, drop the form off at your local chapter office.
•
Make out your check to APSCUF/CAP and drop it off at your chapter office or mail to:
APSCUF/CAP, 319 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17101
APSCUF/CAP BENEFITS:
APSCUF/CAP members have the opportunity to attend fundraising events, build
relationships with policymakers, make important endorsement decisions, assist
candidates who support APSCUF goals,
and participate in golf outings to support candidates.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Want to know more about CAP, or have a question that wasn’t answered? Call
APSCUF’s director of government relations at 717-236-7486, ext. 3014.
April 2023
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April 2023
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April 2023
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PROPOSED LOCAL APSCUF BY-LAW CHANGES: As part of the consolidation of Clarion,
California, and Edinboro Universities, the three campus APSCUF chapters have merged their
campus Meet & Discuss teams. Shown below are the changes to the Clarion APSCUF bylaws
that are necessary to accommodate this new Meet & Discuss format. There will be a short
meeting at 11:00 on Thursday, April 27, 2023, for the purpose of discussing and approving the bylaws
change. As required by the bylaws, this notice is being sent to all Clarion APSCUF members two weeks
before the vote to approve the bylaws change. Please review the proposed bylaws change and plan to
attend the Zoom meeting at https://pennwest-edu.zoom.us/j/8143932567. Please don’t hesitate to
contact Chapter President Joyce Overly with any questions.
Proposed By-Law Changes
Recommended by Jamie Phillips, Chair, Clarion APSCUF Rules and By-Laws Committee
April 13, 2023
Within the Following Article:
ARTICLE VII: STANDING COMMITTEES AND CHAPTER OFFICERS
Strike the Following:
Section 10. Meet and Discuss Spokesperson
The Meet and Discuss Spokesperson shall prepare the Meet and Discuss agenda for the local
Association and shall present the views of the Association to the University administration at the
Meet and Discuss meetings.
A) The Meet and Discuss Spokesperson shall, in cooperation with the Vice President and
Chairperson of the Meet and Discuss Team, identify issues that the Association will take to the
Meet and Discuss table and shall, prior to the official Meet and Discuss, develop the position of the
Association with its team.
B) When the Meet and Discuss Team has determined its agenda, the spokesperson shall be
responsible for submitting that agenda to the university administration.
C) The Meet and Discuss spokesperson shall serve as the liaison between the Meet and
Discuss Team and the Executive Council and shall be responsible for providing appropriate
information from Meet and Discuss meetings to the membership of the Association.
Strike the Following:
Section 11. Chairperson of the Committee for Action through Politics (CAP)
Add the Following:
Section 10. Chairperson of the Committee for Action through Politics (CAP)
Strike the Following:
Section 12. Meet and Discuss Team
The Meet and Discuss Team shall represent the Association in formal discussions with the
university administration on matters of mutual concern to faculty and administration and on all
issues of concern to the university community. It shall be the sole representative of the Bargaining
Unit in formal discussions of contractual concerns.
A) The Meet and Discuss Team shall have as its Chairperson the Vice President of the local
Association as provided in Article VI, Section 5 b.
April 2023
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B) The President shall appoint a Spokesperson according to the provisions of Article VII, Section 1.
The duties of the Spokesperson shall be those stated in Article VII, Section 11.
C) In addition to the President, Vice President, and Spokesperson(s), the local Grievance Chair,
shall serve as member(s) of the Meet and Discuss Team(s). After consultation with the Vice
President, the Spokesperson(s), and the Grievance Officer(s), the President may appoint such
other members to the Meet and Discuss Team(s) as he or she chooses.
D) The Meet and Discuss Team shall meet no less than once each month at a mutually agreeable
time with the university administration and shall meet sufficiently frequently as a Team to ensure
full and proper representation of concerns before the administration.
E) The Chairperson and Spokesperson shall be responsible for preparing reports from Meet and
Discuss for the membership.
Add the Following:
Section 11. Meet and Discuss
Section 1: For the purpose of “local meet and discuss” as referenced in the Collective Bargaining
Agreement, the meet and discuss team will be composed of four (4) members from each of the three
chapters (California, Clarion, and Edinboro). The meet and discuss team shall consist of twelve (12)
members.
Section 2: Selection – membership on the meet and discuss team shall consist of the chapter president or
their designee and three additional members from each of the respective chapters. The Clarion chapter
shall select these three additional members as follows: the chapter vice president, the local grievance
chair, and one or two additional members appointed by the president in consultation with the vice
president, to make a total of four members.
Section 3: Procedures
A. Members of the meet and discuss team shall select from among their team a spokesperson
who will be responsible for conducting meet and discuss sessions. The spokesperson shall
prepare and disseminate the agenda for meet and discuss. In preparing the agenda, local
APSCUF may consider items recommended from university administration.
B. Members of the meet and discuss team shall select a note-taker who may be a member of the
team or another individual agreed upon by the team to keep a record of meet and discuss
sessions. Copies of meet and discuss records as recorded by the note-taker shall remain
confidential, and these copies shall be maintained at each chapter office.
C. Meet and discuss sessions shall remain closed; however, each chapter president, at their
discretion, may invite other members of the bargaining unit to meet and discuss sessions. In
addition, each chapter president may, at their discretion, communicate with their respective
chapters any topics addressed at meet and discuss.
D. Other procedures for conducting meet and discuss sessions, including but not limited to
discussing topics outside of regularly scheduled meet and discuss sessions, shall be
determined by the members of the meet and discuss team.
Strike the Following:
Section 13. Departmental Representative Council
Add the Following:
Section 12. Departmental Representative Council
Strike the Following:
Section 14. Gender Issues and Social Justice Committee
April 2023
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Add the Following:
Section 13. Gender Issues and Social Justice Committee
Strike the Following:
Section 15. State APSCUF Officers
Add the Following:
Section 14. State APSCUF Officers
Strike the Following:
Section 16. Standing Committee Chairpersons and Chapter Officers
Add the Following:
Section 15. Standing Committee Chairpersons and Chapter Officers
END OF CHANGES
April 2023
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www.apscuf.org
April 2023
Executive Committee: President – Joyce Overly; Vice President – Mark Kilwein; Secretary – Laurie Pierce; Treasurer – Xiaofeng Li; Delegates –Joyce
Overly, Jennifer May, Lorie Taylor, Jacqueline Knaust; Alternate Delegates – Ellen Foster, Cristin Ketley, Nripendra Singh, Barry Sweet, t/b/d; Coaches
President – Heath Calhoun; Coaches Vice President – Doc Neiman; Coaches Alternate – Keith Ferraro; Coaches’ Grievance Chair – Eric Laughlin; Venango
Campus Rep – Renee Bloom; CAP – Nripendra Singh; DRC – Mary Buchanan; Grievance – Mark Kilwein; Health & Welfare – Amy Shannonhouse;
Legislative – Jonathan Touster; Membership – Tonya Otto; Negotiations – Joyce Overly; Nominations & Elections – Rachel Newbury; Social Justice – Ron
Radaker; Public Affairs/Relations – Lacey Futon; Student Liaison – Marc Sanko; Rules & Bylaws – Jamie Phillips; Mobilization Co-Chairs – Jackie Knaust &
Andy Lingwall; State Adjunct Faculty Committee – Natasha Dias
*Faculty Meet & Discuss Team: Joyce Overly, Barry Sweet, Adam Roberts, Mark Kilwein, Jennifer May, Mary Buchanan, Laurie Pierce (rec. sec.)
*Coaches Meet & Discus Team: Heath Calhoun, Doc Neiman, Keith Ferraro, Eric Laughlin, Joyce Overly & Mark Kilwein
The President’s Message…
Dear Colleagues,
Our current collective bargaining agreement expires on June 30, 2023, and APSCUF is
currently in negotiations with PASSHE for a new contract. Once the contract expires,
there exists the possibility of a strike, should negotiations break down.
I believe we will go on strike. Do I know something I’m not sharing? Well, sort of. I
know that we must believe we will go on strike in order to pull off a successful strike, should one be
needed. I also know that the very act of preparing for a strike makes it less likely that one will be needed.
If our Negotiations Team knows we're ready, and the Chancellor knows we're ready, that changes the
whole negotiations dynamic.
Are we actually going to go on strike? That depends on how things go in negotiations over the next
several months. It also depends on how PASSHE fares in this year’s state budget. No one can predict those
things.
Stay calm! There is no imminent strike. But APSCUF must prepare by updating strike manuals and picket
plans. The rank-and-file membership of APSCUF must be educated about negotiations and any possible
job action. In the fall semester, if there is no contract, APSCUF will hold strike training, and our local
APSCUF office will be moved to an off-campus location. These steps and others need to happen before a
strike is called. You can start preparing now by sending your off-campus email and phone number to Jan
Walters at jwalters@apscuf.org. You can prepare by attending APSCUF membership meetings and reading
local and state newsletters. You can sign up for negotiations updates to get up to the moment
information whenever there are new developments. For more detailed information about preparing for a
strike, you can view an excellent and thorough slideshow from Seth Kahn from West Chester University.
Are we going on strike? No one knows. But I am ready to, and you need to be ready as well.
In solidarity,
April 2023
www.apscuf.org/clarion
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SPRING 2023 MEETINGS
(Please mark your calendars!)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EC) @ 3:30 pm
➢ Tuesday, April 18 (Ken Mash campus visit)
*April 18 & 19 – General Spring Elections
PRE-MEET & DISCUSS & MEET & DISCUSS
➢ Friday, April 28 @ 2 pm (Meet & Discuss)
➢ Thursday, May 26 @ 1 pm (Meet & Discuss)
➢ Thursday, June 29 @ 1 pm (Meet & Discuss)
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
➢ APSCUF’s End-of-Semester
Gathering/Retirement Celebration, Thursday,
May 4, 2023 @ 4:00 pm at CRBC
SUMMER SCHOOL PAYMENTS FOR 2023
First 5-Weeks: June 30, 2023
Second 5-Weeks: July 28, 2023
First 7-Weeks: June 2, 2023
Second 7-Weeks: July 28, 2023
Full 14 Weeks (Incl. Internships) 1st Half: June 2, 2023
Full 14 Weeks (Incl. Internships) 2nd Half: July 28, 2023
Chair/Distance Ed/Adjustments: August 11, 2023
REMINDER TO FACULTY: 20/26 ANNUAL PAY OPTION WINDOW APRIL 1st THRU APRIL 30th
Nine-month pay faculty who are interested in changing their pay options from 20 to 26 pays, or
vice versa, may do so during a window period from April 1, 2023 to April 30, 2023. The change
will be effective for the first paycheck of the Fall 2023 semester which will be on September 22,
2023.
If you so choose to change your option, please complete the 20/26 Pay Option form through HR
Connect on the PASSHE website between April 1 and April 30th.
NOTE: This is the only opportunity to make this change during this academic year. Any questions
on this, please contact our Human Resources office through HR Connect.
WELCOME New Clarion APSCUF Members!!
Erin Lewis – Communication & Journalism
Brianna Miluk – Communication, Science &
Disorders
Coach Andrew Vonada – Strength & Conditioning
APSCUF Membership is open to ALL active faculty and coaches - Tenured, Tenure-Track, Full-time Temporary,
and Part-time Temporary. APSCUF is the sole voice for protecting the rights of faculty and coaches giving
you the best working environment possible. Be an active and contributing member. Get involved today!
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A Healthy U Reminder –
Time is Running Out to Save Money on Your Health Insurance
The deadline to complete the Healthy U requirement is only eight weeks
away! Not completing the requirement means you will pay a 10% penalty
on your healthcare premiums for the period July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.
According to Sharecare, the PASSHE-approved vendor for
the Healthy U program, you and/or your enrolled spouse/domestic partner, if applicable, have not yet
completed the RealAge® Test. Completion of this health assessment is the only step needed to satisfy the
requirement for the upcoming year.
NOTE: There is no Healthy U requirement in retirement. Anyone retiring on or before June 30 won't be
adversely impacted by not completing the RealAge Test.
Remember that PASSHE does not send confirmation emails when the Healthy U requirement has been met.
You may verify completion by logging into your Sharecare account at mycare.sharecare.com and clicking on
the Achieve icon, and then Rewards.
Questions? Complete information about the Healthy U program is available at www.passhe.edu/healthyu.
You may also contact Human Resources or reach out to Bim Arthun in APSCUF Membership Services at 800932-0587, Option 1.
In conjunction of PennWest University Clarion’s Earth Week event, and in cooperation with
Student Senate and the League of Women Voters of Clarion County, APSCUF is cosponsoring a nonpartisan Student Voter Registration table on Thursday, April 20 from
11:00 am till 2:00 pm in Gemmell Student Center Multi-Purpose room.
We are in need of APSCUF members to volunteer to come to Gemmell Student Center’s MPR
for an hour to encourage students to register to vote. All voter registration information will be provided, we
just need your help to encourage students to register.
Will you consider volunteering an hour of your time? Please email Jan Walters at jwalters@pennwest.edu
and indicate the time slot that would work for you. We would like at least two APSCUF members per shift.
Thank you for your consideration!
Ellen Foster, Clarion APSCUF Executive Committee Member
Chair of the Student Voter Registration Table
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SPRING 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS
The Spring 2023 General Election for APSCUF Offices & Committees will be held on Tuesday
and Wednesday, April 18 and 19 through Survey Monkey. The University-wide Tenure and
Promotion Contractual Committee elections will be held on Tuesday thru Thursday, April
18-20, again, through Survey Monkey. There will be two separate ballots.
The appropriate ballot will be sent to your campus e-mail address on Tuesday, April 18 at 6:00 am. You
must complete and submit your APSCUF ballot by on Wednesday, April 19 at 4:00 pm; and Thursday, April
20 at 4:00 pm for the University-wide Contractual Committee elections. At those times, polls
will be closed.
NOTE: There will be two separate Ballots sent through Survey Monkey to your PennWest email
– an APSCUF Ballot and an University-wide Contractual Committee Ballot.
For your review, below are the slate of candidates/positions open/terms that will be on the ballot. Also,
we have included in this newsletter the candidate statements that were submitted. (See pages 6-8)
If you have any questions regarding the process of these elections, please contact Rachel Newbury, Chair
of the Nominations & Elections Committee. In advance, thank you for your participation in these elections.
APSCUF Nominations & Elections Committee:
Rachel Newbury (Chair), Natasha Dias, Lana Smith, Briana Steele, Laurie Bladen
SLATE OF CANDIDATES FOR THE 2023 GENERAL SPRING ELECTION
APSCUF OFFICES & COMMITTEES:
President: (1 two-year term)
▪ Joyce Overly
Nominations & Elections Committee:
(2 two-year term)
▪ Sheila Kazar
▪ Eric Lewis
Vice President: (1 two-year term)
▪ Mark Kilwein
Secretary: (1 one-year term)
▪ Robin Bilan
Venango Campus Representative:
(1 one-year term)
▪ Renee Bloom
Treasurer: (1 one-year term)
▪ Xiaofeng Li
Coaches President: (1 two-year term)
• No Candidates-Write-In option available
Delegate to Legislative Assembly:
(1 two-year term)
▪ Lacey Fulton
▪ Lorie Taylor
Coaches Vice President: (1 two-year term)
• No Candidates–Write-In option available
Coaches Alternate: (1 two-year term)
• Keith Ferraro (Wrestling)
Alternate Delegate to Legislative Assembly:
(2 two-year term)
▪ Cristin Leahy
▪ Eric Lewis
▪ Rachel Newbury
▪ Nripendra Singh
April 2023
Coaches Grievance Chair: (1 two-year term)
• Eric Laughlin (Women’s Track & Field)
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PENNWEST UNIVERSITY-WIDE
TENURE & PROMOTION COMMITEES
Tenure Committee:
(1-three year)
▪ Donna Falsetti - Nursing
▪ Rachel Newbury - University Libraries
▪ Laurie Pierce - Nursing
Promotion Committee:
(1-three year; 1-one year; 1-Alternate)
▪ Robin Bilan – Nursing
▪ Cristin Leahy – Special Education
▪ Amy Shannonhouse – Education
2023 SPRING ELECTIONS
CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS
(Please note that not all candidates submitted statements.)
APSCUF OFFICES & COMMITTEES
CHAPTER PRESIDENT: (1 two-year term)
Joyce Overly – Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics
I am in my third year serving as Chapter President of Clarion APSCUF, and I’m seeking re-election to
another term. I began my presidency in the summer of 2020 and led the chapter during the pandemic
and the consolidation. To say it has been a challenging time for all concerned would be a vast
understatement! During the pandemic, I represented the faculty’s interests in issues such as support for
remote teaching, tenure and promotion application processing, and masking requirements. The
consolidation has brought up questions and decisions about tenure, promotion, and sabbatical policies,
creation of new curricula and curricular policies, campus transfer opportunities, multi-modal
instruction, and many other concerns. I have met frequently with the Edinboro and California Chapter
Presidents to coordinate Meet & Discuss and other aspects of chapter operations. I have persevered
through the consolidation this far and am determined to see it through. I would appreciate your vote!
VICE PRESIDENT: (1 two-year term)
Mark Kilwein - Counseling, Human Services, Rehab & Criminal Justice
I am asking for your vote to be re-elected as Clarion APSCUF Vice President. It's been a difficult time for
all of us as part of a consolidating university. The role of APSCUF is more important than ever as so
many past procedures have to be renegotiated for Penn West. It's a been a busy and demanding
couple of years for those of us on the local meet and discuss team. I take my responsibilities as VP
seriously and I want to continue to serve. Your support is much appreciated.
TREASURER: (1 one-year term)
Xiaofeng Li – Library Science
Greetings! My name is Xiaofeng Li, and I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Library and
Information Science. I have been fortunate enough to serve as APSCUF Treasurer for the past two
years. With Jan’s guidance, I have gained invaluable experience serving as the Treasurer and have
learned the responsibilities of this role well. I am eager to continue serving APSCUF in this capacity.
Thank you for considering my candidacy.
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SECRETARY: (1 one-year term)
Robin Bilan - Nursing
DELEGATE TO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY: (1 two-year term)
Lacey Fulton – Communications & Journalism)
Lorie Taylor – Special Education
My name is Lorie Taylor and I am running for the position of Delegate to Legislative Assembly in the
upcoming election. This is my 20th year as a member of the Special Education Department at Clarion
University. Since starting here I have had the opportunity to serve the university by being on a variety of
university, college, and departmental committees. I have served as a delegate and alternate delegate
for many years, and I am interested in continuing to represent PennWest University at Clarion during
these tumultuous times to give back to the union and the University. I would be honored to be a part of
a group that is vital to the continued success and growth of our university. I am committed to APSCUF
and look forward to the opportunity to serve. I would appreciate your support in allowing me to do so.
ALTERNATE DELEGATE TO LEGISTLATIVE ASSEMBLY: (3 two-year term)
Cristin Ketley – Special Education
As I complete my seventh academic year as an Associate Professor in the Department of Special
Education, I am looking to continue my service to the university community and APSCUF. I have become
more involved in political action, which can support the APSCUF membership and serve in ways that
can educate me more fully on the inner workings of our processes and procedures. I have enjoyed this
involvement; supporting our members and the university is important to carry on our long-standing
strength and leadership. I appreciate your consideration.
Eric Lewis - Chemistry
My name is Dr. Eric Lewis and I am currently running for multiple positions for the Spring APSCUF
General Election.
Since being hired in 2014, I have been involved in numerous departmental and University-wide
committees. And with the ever-shifting landscape of our university structure, I think we can all agree
that we are TIRED. Personally, I’m tired of seeing my colleagues and myself put in monumental efforts,
only to be completely crushed with a few keystrokes in an email.
I believe we must have more faculty representation in critical positions of administration and that will
be blunt with administration in addressing our needs. It is this I wish to carry into more elected levels. I
firmly believe that to maintain a strong relationship with faculty, administration, and students, we
must continue to have representation willing to work for the betterment of our students. I am looking
forward to continuing the strong traditions that my colleagues have perpetuated and appreciate your
vote in this election. Thank you.
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Rachel Newbury – Libraries
Hello, my name is Rachel Newbury, Assistant Professor and Librarian, and I am in my third year as a
member of the APSCUF Executive Committee. I currently serve as Nominations & Elections Chair, and
Clarion Co-chair of the University-wide Tenure Committee. I am running for Alternate Representative to
Legislative Assembly in the hope that I may continue to support our PennWest-Clarion faculty, not just
locally, but also at the state level. Thank you for your consideration.
Nripendra Singh – Management & Marketing
I am Dr. Nripendra Singh from Marketing & Management Department. As an alternate delegate last
year I participated at the legislative assembly virtually and on April 13-15, 2023 I am going to attend in
person to represent Clarion APSCUF. I would like to continue my efforts to support Clarion APSCUF and
therefore I am requesting you to kindly vote for me to again serve Clarion APSCUF as an alternate
delegate. Thank you.
VENANGO CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVE: (1 one-year term)
Renee Bloom – Human Services, Rehab, Health & Sport Sciences
I am running for the position of Venango representative because of the experience I have at Venango
Campus and my knowledge of Venango students, faculty, staff, and programs. I would appreciate the
opportunity to continue serving my Venango faculty colleagues in the role of Venango representative.
Thank you for your consideration.
NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS COMMITTEE: (2 one-year term)
Sheila Kazar - Geosciences
Eric Lewis – Chemistry
See Alternate Delegate to Legislative Assembly statement.
COACHES APSCUF OFFICES
Coaches President: (1 two-year term)
No Candidates - Write-In Option will be available
Coaches Vice President: (1 two-year term)
No Candidates - Write-In Option will be available
Coaches Alternate: (1 two-year term)
Keith Ferraro – Head Wresting Coach
Coaches Grievance Chair: (1 two-year term)
Eric Laughlin – Head Women’s Cross-Country Coach
April 2023
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APSCUF’s Committee for Action through Politics (APSCUF/CAP) is the political voice for
APSCUF faculty and coaches. Since its inception in 1981, CAP has assisted faculty and coaches
in making informed political decisions. CAP is a nonpartisan organization that supports
candidates who will advocate for APSCUF’s goals and priorities. To find out more about
APSCUF/CAP, download the CAP brochure.
Click here (login required) to view APSCUF/CAP’s recommendations for the 2022 primary election.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: There are several ways to donate to CAP:
•
Use your credit card and donate today through APSCUF’s PayPal account.
•
Download and complete the Voluntary Payroll Deduction Form to authorize deductions from your
paycheck. Once completed, drop the form off at your local chapter office.
•
Make out your check to APSCUF/CAP and drop it off at your chapter office or mail to:
APSCUF/CAP, 319 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17101
APSCUF/CAP BENEFITS:
APSCUF/CAP members have the opportunity to attend fundraising events, build
relationships with policymakers, make important endorsement decisions, assist
candidates who support APSCUF goals,
and participate in golf outings to support candidates.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Want to know more about CAP, or have a question that wasn’t answered? Call
APSCUF’s director of government relations at 717-236-7486, ext. 3014.
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PROPOSED LOCAL APSCUF BY-LAW CHANGES: As part of the consolidation of Clarion,
California, and Edinboro Universities, the three campus APSCUF chapters have merged their
campus Meet & Discuss teams. Shown below are the changes to the Clarion APSCUF bylaws
that are necessary to accommodate this new Meet & Discuss format. There will be a short
meeting at 11:00 on Thursday, April 27, 2023, for the purpose of discussing and approving the bylaws
change. As required by the bylaws, this notice is being sent to all Clarion APSCUF members two weeks
before the vote to approve the bylaws change. Please review the proposed bylaws change and plan to
attend the Zoom meeting at https://pennwest-edu.zoom.us/j/8143932567. Please don’t hesitate to
contact Chapter President Joyce Overly with any questions.
Proposed By-Law Changes
Recommended by Jamie Phillips, Chair, Clarion APSCUF Rules and By-Laws Committee
April 13, 2023
Within the Following Article:
ARTICLE VII: STANDING COMMITTEES AND CHAPTER OFFICERS
Strike the Following:
Section 10. Meet and Discuss Spokesperson
The Meet and Discuss Spokesperson shall prepare the Meet and Discuss agenda for the local
Association and shall present the views of the Association to the University administration at the
Meet and Discuss meetings.
A) The Meet and Discuss Spokesperson shall, in cooperation with the Vice President and
Chairperson of the Meet and Discuss Team, identify issues that the Association will take to the
Meet and Discuss table and shall, prior to the official Meet and Discuss, develop the position of the
Association with its team.
B) When the Meet and Discuss Team has determined its agenda, the spokesperson shall be
responsible for submitting that agenda to the university administration.
C) The Meet and Discuss spokesperson shall serve as the liaison between the Meet and
Discuss Team and the Executive Council and shall be responsible for providing appropriate
information from Meet and Discuss meetings to the membership of the Association.
Strike the Following:
Section 11. Chairperson of the Committee for Action through Politics (CAP)
Add the Following:
Section 10. Chairperson of the Committee for Action through Politics (CAP)
Strike the Following:
Section 12. Meet and Discuss Team
The Meet and Discuss Team shall represent the Association in formal discussions with the
university administration on matters of mutual concern to faculty and administration and on all
issues of concern to the university community. It shall be the sole representative of the Bargaining
Unit in formal discussions of contractual concerns.
A) The Meet and Discuss Team shall have as its Chairperson the Vice President of the local
Association as provided in Article VI, Section 5 b.
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B) The President shall appoint a Spokesperson according to the provisions of Article VII, Section 1.
The duties of the Spokesperson shall be those stated in Article VII, Section 11.
C) In addition to the President, Vice President, and Spokesperson(s), the local Grievance Chair,
shall serve as member(s) of the Meet and Discuss Team(s). After consultation with the Vice
President, the Spokesperson(s), and the Grievance Officer(s), the President may appoint such
other members to the Meet and Discuss Team(s) as he or she chooses.
D) The Meet and Discuss Team shall meet no less than once each month at a mutually agreeable
time with the university administration and shall meet sufficiently frequently as a Team to ensure
full and proper representation of concerns before the administration.
E) The Chairperson and Spokesperson shall be responsible for preparing reports from Meet and
Discuss for the membership.
Add the Following:
Section 11. Meet and Discuss
Section 1: For the purpose of “local meet and discuss” as referenced in the Collective Bargaining
Agreement, the meet and discuss team will be composed of four (4) members from each of the three
chapters (California, Clarion, and Edinboro). The meet and discuss team shall consist of twelve (12)
members.
Section 2: Selection – membership on the meet and discuss team shall consist of the chapter president or
their designee and three additional members from each of the respective chapters. The Clarion chapter
shall select these three additional members as follows: the chapter vice president, the local grievance
chair, and one or two additional members appointed by the president in consultation with the vice
president, to make a total of four members.
Section 3: Procedures
A. Members of the meet and discuss team shall select from among their team a spokesperson
who will be responsible for conducting meet and discuss sessions. The spokesperson shall
prepare and disseminate the agenda for meet and discuss. In preparing the agenda, local
APSCUF may consider items recommended from university administration.
B. Members of the meet and discuss team shall select a note-taker who may be a member of the
team or another individual agreed upon by the team to keep a record of meet and discuss
sessions. Copies of meet and discuss records as recorded by the note-taker shall remain
confidential, and these copies shall be maintained at each chapter office.
C. Meet and discuss sessions shall remain closed; however, each chapter president, at their
discretion, may invite other members of the bargaining unit to meet and discuss sessions. In
addition, each chapter president may, at their discretion, communicate with their respective
chapters any topics addressed at meet and discuss.
D. Other procedures for conducting meet and discuss sessions, including but not limited to
discussing topics outside of regularly scheduled meet and discuss sessions, shall be
determined by the members of the meet and discuss team.
Strike the Following:
Section 13. Departmental Representative Council
Add the Following:
Section 12. Departmental Representative Council
Strike the Following:
Section 14. Gender Issues and Social Justice Committee
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Add the Following:
Section 13. Gender Issues and Social Justice Committee
Strike the Following:
Section 15. State APSCUF Officers
Add the Following:
Section 14. State APSCUF Officers
Strike the Following:
Section 16. Standing Committee Chairpersons and Chapter Officers
Add the Following:
Section 15. Standing Committee Chairpersons and Chapter Officers
END OF CHANGES
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Media of