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Phone: (814) 227-2420
www.apscuf.org
April 2021
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 Adjunct Faculty Committee – Natasha Dias, Sheila Kazar; State
APSCUF Executive Council – Joyce Overly
Faculty Meet & Discuss Team: Joyce Overly, Barry Sweet, Adam Roberts, Mark Kilwein, Jennifer May, Mary Buchanan, Chris McCarrick (recording sec.)
Coaches Meet & Discus Team: Chris Weibel, Matt Hanhold, Keith Ferraro, Eric Laughlin, Joyce Overly & Mark Kilwein
Dear APSCUF Brothers and Sisters,
We are nearing the release of the full plans for the western and northeastern consolidations.
Initially, the Chancellor’s office said they would present the plan to the Board of Governors at
their quarterly meeting on April 14 -15. However they seem to be having trouble meeting
that self-imposed deadline, so now we’re hearing that the plan will be presented at a special
BOG meeting on April 28. Either way, the development of the plan has not been the
“deliberate, analytical, consultant [sic], transparent” process that the Chancellor touted in his
leadership orientation session last fall. I’m very frustrated by the lack of information. But the details can’t stay
hidden much longer, because Act 50 enumerates eleven specific types of information that are required for any
consolidation plan, including impacts on faculty, staff, students, the community, and shared governance. I’m
very curious to see how these topics are addressed in the plan. Once we know that, we can decide how best to
respond to it.
APSCUF’s real strength resides at the bargaining table and is backed up by the solidarity of our 4700+ faculty
and coach members. State APSCUF President Jamie Martin and the negotiations team have met several times
with negotiators from PASSHE. The two sides have exchanged proposals on many contractual issues, such as
curriculum, evaluation, tenure, promotion, seniority, and department chairs. APSCUF’s goal in negotiations is
to reach an agreement that is fair to all faculty members at all the consolidating universities. Any agreement
must also result in curricular, evaluation, tenure, and promotion policies and processes that protect the
faculty’s essential role in them. The reality for the State System is that if these consolidations are going to
work, they need us to do the work that only faculty can do. If the poll results released yesterday by APSCUF are
any indication, they have a long way to go in gaining faculty support.
Even though circumstances are extraordinarily difficult right now, there are positive things to celebrate. An
important one is the annual faculty and coaches retirement reception that will be held on Zoom on May 5,
when we will celebrate the careers of our colleagues and wish them much happiness in retirement.
I hope for everyone that the remainder of the semester goes smoothly and that you will soon be able to relax
and shake off the stresses of the past year. Hang in there!
In solidarity,
April 2021
www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion
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SPRING 2021 MEETINGS
(Please mark your calendars!)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EC)
Held virtually on Zoom @ 3:30 pm
Tuesday, April 20*
*Note: General Spring Elections
DEPARTMENTAL REP COUNCIL
Held virtually on Zoom @ 3:30 PM
Tuesday, April 13
MEET & DISCUSS MEETINGS
Held virtually on Zoom @ 3:30 pm
Friday, April 9 – Pre-Meet & Discuss
Friday, April 23 – Meet & Discuss
Friday, May 14 – Pre-Meet & Discuss
Friday, May 21– Meet & Discuss
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Held virtually on Zoom
Friday, April 16, 2021
REMINDER: State APSCUF in Harrisburg and our local Chapter Office staff continues to serve you remotely until further
notice. They all remain accessible via email and phone. Thank you for your patience as they respond to your
communication as soon as they are able.
SPRING FACULTY & COACHES RETIREMENT RECEPTION, will be held on Wednesday May 5 at 3:30
pm on Zoom. More information will be forthcoming. Please mark your calendars!
WELCOME BACK APSCUF Member!!
Edna Reid – Library Science
SUMMER SCHOOL PAYMENTS FOR 2021
SUMMER SESSION 1: May 21, 2021
SUMMER SESSION 2: June 2, 2021
SUMMER SESSION 3: July 30, 2021
SEVEN WEEK 1: June 18, 2021
SEVEN WEEK 2: July 30, 2021
REMINDER: 20/26 ANNUAL PAY OPTION WINDOW APRIL 1, 2021 THRU APRIL 30, 2021
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, 2021 to April 30, 2021. The change will be effective for the first
paycheck of the Fall 2021 semester which will be on September 24, 2021.
If you so choose to change your option, please complete the 20/26 Pay Option form and return it to our Human
Resources office in Carrier between April 1 and April 30th. Please do not return the form to our APSCUF office
nor to the State APSCUF office.
NOTE: This is the only opportunity to make this change during this academic year. The form was attached to the
email announcement or you can request the form from our Human Resources office.
YMCA MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT: Receive a membership discount when you join the Clarion County Scenic
Rivers YMCA in Clarion. Present your membership card OR your Member Verification Certificate from the
Clarion APSCUF office to the YMCA Member Service Desk and receive a special discount on your
membership. Know that your membership is for both the Oil City and Clarion County YMCAs!
April 2021
www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion
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CAP VOLUNTARY PAYROLL DEDUCTION CAMPAIGN:
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. The money collected for CAP is used by APSCUF
to advance the causes of higher education, the faculty and state system students by supporting
candidates who are pro-education. To find out more about APSCUF/CAP, download the CAP brochure.
There are several ways to show your support by donating 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
HAVE QUESTIONS? Please contact Clarion CAP Chair Joseph Croskey at jcroskey@clarion.edu.
ENHANCED SICK LEAVE PAYOUT RETIREMENT INCENTIVE:
Note that the NEXT deadline to submit a retirement notice and receive the maximum Enhanced Sick Leave Payout
(ESLP) is September 30, 2021. Faculty and coaches who submit a retirement notice with an effective date between of retirement
between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 can receive a payout for up to 75 or 87 unused sick days, depending on years of service,
instead of the normal maximum of 50 days.
Please note that faculty members currently on an approved phased retirement plan are also eligible for the
payout.
Anyone who is interested in taking advantage of this offer should contact Shelly Williams in Clarion
University’s Human Resources office at swilliams@clarion.edu .
Also, if you wish to have a one-on-one virtual discussion on Zoom with Bim Arthun, Director of Membership
Services, please directly contact Bim at barthun@apscuf.org for a date and time.
LOCAL COVID VACCINE ANNOUNCEMENT: Primary Health
Network has contacted the university and advised they have
openings for vaccination appointments. They advised that any
employee who would like to register should go to their website;
https://primary-health.net/ to register for an appointment at their Clarion
Office.
April 2021
A HEALTHY U REMINDER: Deadline for participation is May 31, 2021: The Healthy U year
kicked off on January 1 and runs through May 31, 2021. The only requirement is
completion of the Sharecare RealAge Test for the Highmark subscriber and their
enrolled spouse. There is no longer a minimum number of points that must be met - just
completion of the RealAge Test. Members must access the test through the PASSHE
platform at mycare.sharecare.com. Reduced premiums will begin July 2021.
A COUPLE OF NOTES:
o
If you go to www.sharecare.com, you will be on the commercial site and their activity will not be
linked to your Highmark account. This means they'll show as incomplete even if they have
completed it. (Also, anyone who completed prior to January 1 will have to do so again since the
wellness year hadn't started yet.)
o
Members are required to agree to the ADA and GINA authorization on an annual basis - this will
pop up when they log into their account for the first time this year. Though it appears as though
the HIPAA authorization is also required (since it looks exactly like the ADA/GINA), it is not
required. Members may simply hit the SUBMIT box on the screen. (There was an article
w/screenshots in the Jan 13 State APSCUF newsletter).
For more details and information guide on the Healthy U program, go to Healthy U | PA State System of Higher
Education (passhe.edu).
A TIP from Bim Arthun: Members can confirm completion of the RealAge Test by logging into their Sharecare
account and clicking on the YOU icon on the left hand side of the screen.
From there, they can click on SCORE. This will show them their RealAge Test result and the date it was
completed. As long as it is between January 1 - May 31, 2021, they're good to go.
If people want proof of completion, they may click VIEW FULL REPORT. This provides a nice summary,
including the completion date.
APSCUF MEMBERS: ARE YOU REGISTERED FOR APSCUF’s “MEMBERS ONLY” SITE??
To register for Members only
Log onto the APSCUF website at www.apscuf.org
At the center of the home page find the ‘Members Only’ section
Then click onto ‘REGISTER NOW’
Complete the username fields
Read guidelines and chose ‘I accept’
Fill in form as described
Hit ‘submit’
You will see an email that reads “Welcome to Members Only” site. It will include your username and state
that your account is currently inactive and will need to be approved by an administrator at State APSCUF
before you can log in. Another email will be sent when this has occurred. Your password will be securely
stored in APSCUF’s database and cannot be retrieved. In the event that it is forgotten, you will be able to
reset it using the email address associated with your account.
Second email will be sent to the State APSCUF administrator so that that person can activate the
account. This may take a day or so.
Once this occurs a second email will be sent to you saying that you can now log in.
Once you enter the “Members Only” site, you can find information on Special Services for full-dues paying members
such as discounts from Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile, rent-a-car discounts with National and Alamo,
magazines and lots more. So sign up today!! http://www.apscuf.org/members/forms-and-benefits/special-services
April 2021
SPRING 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS
In conjunction with the Faculty Senate Election, the Spring 2021 General Election for
APSCUF Offices & Committees and University-wide Contractual Committees will be
processed through Survey Monkey. The appropriate ballot will be sent to your campus email address on Monday, April 19 at 6:00 am. You must complete and submit your ballot
by 4 pm on Tuesday, April 20. At that time, polls for both elections will be closed.
Note that the Faculty Senate ballot will be under a separate e-mail and will be sent to those who are eligible to vote.
For your review, below is the slate of candidates. Also, we’ve included in this newsletter the candidate statements
that were submitted.
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), Paul Klenowski, Amanda Lockwood, Natasha Dias & Xiaofeng Li
GENERAL SPRING 2021 ELECTION CALENDAR
Week of April 5 & 12: E-mail reminders of the Spring 2021 Election to be held through Survey
Monkey. Included will be the slate of candidates and their statements.
*Monday, April 19: Ballots sent for voting through Survey Monkey @ 6:00 am to campus e-mails.
*Tuesday, April 20: Voting continues through Survey Monkey. Polls close at 4:00 pm.
Tuesday, April 20: Verification of winners by N&E Committee. Announcement of winners.
*Note that the General Spring 2021 Elections will be held in conjunction with the Faculty Senate Elections on
April 19 and 20, 2021 through Survey Monkey. The Faculty Senate Elections will be a separate e-mail ballot.
The Following Faculty and Coaches positions are open. (Please review Qualification & Functions Summary.)
APSCUF OFFICERS & COMMITTEES:
President: 1 two-year term
Vice President: 1 two-year term
Secretary: 1 one-year term
Treasurer: 1 one-year term
Delegates to Legislative Assembly: 1 two-year
term
Alternate Delegate to Legislative: 3 two-year
term
Nominations and Elections Committee: 2 twoyear term
Venango Campus Representative: 1 one-year
term
April 2021
UNIVERSITY-WIDE CONTRACTUAL COMMITTEES:
Promotion Committee: 3 three-year term
Sabbatical Leave Committee: 2 three-year term
Tenure Committee: 2 three-year term
CCPS: 2 three-year term
APSCUF COACHES’ POSITIONS:
COACHES’ PRESIDENT – 2-year term (Delegate
to Legislative Assemblies)
COACHES’ VICE PRESIDENT – 2-year term
(Alternate Delegate to Legislative Assemblies)
COACHES’ ALTERNATE – 2-year term
(Alternate to the Coaches’ President & Vice
President)
COACHES’ GRIEVANCE CHAIR – 2-year term
2021 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’m a physical chemist and associate professor in my 23rd year at Clarion. For the past six years I’ve served
APSCUF as a statewide Officer-at-Large. This experience has taught me a great deal about how state APSCUF
functions and how the Harrisburg staff interacts with our campus chapters. On the local level, I became the
Clarion APSCUF President in the Fall 2020 semester, after serving as Vice President for four years. I’ve also
served multiple terms on Clarion’s Faculty Senate and Curriculum Committee. From 2011 to 2013, I served in an
acting manager position as Associate Dean and, for five months, Acting Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences,
which gave me a chance to see how things look from the other side. That experience confirmed that I belong on
the faculty and not in administration!
I grew up in a union family in western Pennsylvania. My father was a Teamster for 40 years, and I recall his
copy of the Master Freight Agreement always tucked in his logbook case. As a child I didn’t understand how
important that document was or how many union members and leaders fought long and hard to obtain and
protect their contract. Thanks to my involvement with APSCUF, it’s now crystal clear.
Clarion University is (and has been) facing serious challenges. Thanks to the hard work of APSCUF members and
leadership, we have been able to fight back against retrenchment and antiunion efforts. Now, our beloved
university is facing what I see as an existential threat, under the guise of “redesign.” APSCUF can and does ask
hard questions and uses tools such as Meet & Discuss, grievances, and outreach to the Legislature and the
public to keep PASSHE leadership accountable for their decisions and actions throughout the redesign process.
My ability to achieve my professional goals is due in large part to the middle-class standard of living my family
enjoyed because of my father’s union job, and to the excellent education I received at IUP. I see my service to
APSCUF as a way to “pay it forward” for future students and APSCUF members, and I ask for your vote so that I
can continue to do that.
VICE PRESIDENT: 1 two-year term
Mark Kilwein - Counseling, Human Services, Rehab & Criminal Justice
Hi Colleagues. I’m Mark Kilwein, Vice President of Clarion APSCUF and I hope you’ll consider voting for me for
re-election. I am active on Meet and Discuss and I am vigilant about defending our rights under the CBA,
especially during these historically troubled times for Clarion University. If the proposed consolidation is going
to work, it’s going to require real negotiations with APSCUF.
TREASURER: (1 one-year term)
Xiaofeng Li – Library Science
Hello everyone! My name is Xiaofeng Li. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information and
Library Science. I’m running for the APSCUF Treasurer position and hoping to serve our community through this
opportunity. Since joining Clarion University in 2019, I have been actively involved in several committees within
my department and university. I believe I’m a good fit for the treasurer position in my continuous efforts to
broaden my community services. Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.
2021 Spring Elections/Candidates’ Statements
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Rachel Newbury – Libraries
I am proud to serve my faculty colleagues as chair of the Nominations and Elections committee, and the
position of Treasurer provides additional opportunities to continue this work in a new capacity as APSCUF
officer.
SECRETARY: (1 one-year term)
Christopher McCarrick – English & Modern Languages
I have served as ASPCUF secretary for three years and hope to continue for another term. I like to take notes
(don't judge). Thank you, and I appreciate your votes.
DELEGATE TO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY: (1 two-year term)
Cristin Ketley – Special Education
As I complete my fifth academic year as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Special
Education and Disability Policy Studies, 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 which can educate me more fully on the inner workings of our processes and procedures. I have
enjoyed this involvement and feel that is important as a way to support our members and university as newer
faculty in order to carry on our long standing strength and leadership. Thank you for your consideration.
Karl Sprenger – Education
Hello, I am in my ninth year at Clarion University and would like to continue to be involved in university
governance. I have been an alternative delegate for the many few years and would like to do so again after a
few years of not being one, this time as a full delegate. It is important to be aware of what is going on the
PASSHE system and to be involved in our union.
Lorie Taylor – Special Education
My name is Lorie Taylor and I am running for Delegate and Alternate Delegate to Legislative Assembly in the
upcoming election. In my 18 years at Clarion, I have been actively involved in service to the University in many
ways. I had the pleasure of serving as a Delegate or Alternate Delegate for the last 10 years. I would like to
continue to serve APSCUF and to be involved in the statewide forum in which we can voice our concerns and
discuss issues on behalf of the Clarion community. I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving and
would appreciate your support in allowing me to do so. Thank you.
ALTERNATE DELEGATE TO LEGISTLATIVE ASSEMBLY: (3 two-year term)
Cristin Ketley – Special Education
See Delegate to Legislative Assembly Statement
Nripendra Singh – Management & Marketing
Karl Sprenger – Education
See Delegate to Legislative Assembly Statement
Lorie Taylor – Special Education
See Delegate to Legislative Assembly Statement
2021 Spring Elections/Candidates’ Statements
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VENANGO CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVE: (1 one-year term)
Laurie Bladen – Nursing
My name is Laurie Bladen, and I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing, explicitly teaching in
the online RN-BSN program. Some of you may not know me as I teach online, but I have been with Clarion
University since 2014. I am a person with experience, a person you can depend on, a person who will voice your
concerns and represent each one of you. If my colleagues were asked what type I am, they would say I am a
person that put 110% into my work.
I have served on various University Committees such as the Conduct Board, Lesser Scholarship Committee,
Sabbatical Committee, Presidential Commission on the Status of Women, and I am Secretary of the newly
formed Presidential Commission on Veteran and Military Affairs. For 2021-2022, I will be the Chair of the
Sabbatical Committee. I want to continue to expand my service to Clarion University through membership on
the Promotion Committee, the Tenure Committee, and CCPS.
I fully understand the critical work that the University-Wide committees complete; therefore, I want to be a
part of making these decisions and have spent a considerable number of hours versing myself on these
committees' actions. I feel I am in an excellent position to contribute to the University through these
Committees; so, I ask for your vote of confidence so that I may continue to serve you and the University.
Renee Bloom – Human Services, Rehab, Health & Sport Sciences
I am running for the position of Venango Representative because of the extensive experience I have at Venango
Campus and my knowledge of Venango students, faculty, staff, administration, and programs. As current VC
Representative, I regularly attend biweekly APSCUF Executive Council meetings as an advocate for Venango
Campus. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue serving my Venango faculty colleagues in the role of
Venango Representative. Thank you.
NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS COMMITTEE: (2 one-year term)
Laurie Bladen – Nursing
See Venango Representative Statement
Jin Qu – Psychology
My name is Jin Qu, and I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. I’ve worked at Clarion
University for three years. I am seeking a position on the Nominations and Elections Committee. I appreciate
the work that APSCUF committee members have done to support faculty members. I am looking forward to
becoming more involved in APSCUF. Thank you for your consideration.
Nripendra Singh – Management & Marketing
Lana Smith – Nursing
I have been nominated for the Nominations and Elections Committee. I do realize that this requires
organization and time. I have served on many committees at both the department level as well as university
wide that have required this. For example, at the Department level, I currently Co-chair and have chaired the
Tenure/Promotion Committee, I am part of the Evaluation Committee, Curriculum Committee and the Search
Committee. I am also currently serving as the MSN Program Coordinator. University Wide, I have served on the
Promotion committee, Faculty Senate, and I set on two integration committees. To date I have not served on
any APSCUF committees, but would be very happy to do so.
Jeffrey Tienes – Social Sciences
2021 Spring Elections/Candidates’ Statements
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COACHES APSCUF OFFICES
Coaches President: (1 two-year term)
Chris Weibel – Head Football Coach
Coaches Vice President: (1 two-year term)
Matthew Hanhold – Assistant Football Coach
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
UNIVERSITY-WIDE CONTRACTUAL COMMITTEES
PROMOTION COMMITTEE: (3 three-year term)
Laurie Bladen – Nursing
See Venango Representative Statement
Stephen Gendler – Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics
I have been at Clarion for more than fifty years, serving as department chair, assistant to the Dean, and on
every contractual committee over the years. Promotion involves considerable work, but I have had extensive
experience over decades evaluating applications and try to separate the evaluations from the name when
evaluating credentials to be fair to all. Your support for my candidacy would be greatly appreciated.
Amy Shannonhouse - Education
This is my 24st year at Clarion, and I would like to be considered for a position on the promotion committee. I
currently serve as the Health & Welfare Officer on Executive Council for APSCUF and I serve on the universitywide tenure committee. I welcome the opportunity to continue to serve the university through another
university-wide committee and appreciate your support.
SABBATICAL LEAVE COMMITTEE: (2 three-year term)
Paul Klenowski – Criminal Justice
David Lott – Biology
Jin Qu – Psychology
My name is Jin Qu. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. I’ve worked at Clarion
University for three years. I enjoy working at Clarion University and getting to know colleagues from a variety
of disciplines and backgrounds. I’ve served on committees at the department level (Search Committee Chair,
Scholarship Committee Chair) and the university level (Advising Council). I am seeking a position on the
Sabbatical Leave Committee to expand my service to the university. I look forward to learning about the
creative endeavors of my colleagues. Thank you for your consideration.
Marc Sanko - History
2021 Spring Elections/Candidates’ Statements
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TENURE COMMITTEE: (2 three-year term)
Laurie Bladen – Nursing
See Venango Representative Statement
Helen Hampikian – Biology
As someone who has previously served and continues to serve on a variety of Faculty Senate sub-committees,
as well as task forces and focus groups, I fully understand the importance of the work that University-wide
committees do. Currently I am the chair of the University-wide promotion committee and have invested a lot of
time versing myself in-depth on the policies and procedures of promotion and related processes during my
tenure. Since I plan on applying for promotion myself it is not feasible for me to seek reelection to this
committee, however I strongly believe that my experience and knowledge are valuable and could be well
utilized as a member of the tenure committee. I am excited for the opportunity to continue to serve APSCUF via
committee work and appreciate being considered for election to the tenure committee.
Laurie Pierce - Nursing
I am a member of the Nursing faculty and Chair of Institutional Student Learning Assessment. I began my time
at Clarion as a temporary faculty in 2009 and was honored to accept a tenure track position in 2010. I am
strongly committed to the success of faculty at Clarion University. As this is a time of change within the
institution and the University System, I believe that we need strong advocates for faculty members. Tenure
provides faculty with stability and I whole-heartedly believe in the process. I believe that I can be an advocate
for faculty by serving on the tenure committee.
CCPS: (2 three-year term)
Laurie Bladen – Nursing
See Venango Representative Statement
Lacey Fulton – Communications
Hi! Now in my 5th year at Clarion, I am proud to serve as Department Chair for Communication. I helped lead a
revision of our curriculum there, so I’m no stranger to the CCPS process. More recently, I’ve been spending my
time working with the Gen. Ed. Subgroup of the Lead Academic Team for our impending integration. I’ve been
proud to serve all of our interests in that capacity, and would love a chance to serve on CCPS at Clarion. I enjoy
reading curriculum proposals, crossing t’s and dotting I’s. I spent a semester stint on CCPS as a sabbatical
replacement and am jumping at the chance to get in for a full term.
Daniel Shifflet – Mathematics
CCPS is an extremely important committee that benefits from having both fresh faces and members with
experience. Having served for the past 6 years, I look forward to continuing as one of the later for another
term. Thank you!
2021 Spring Elections/Candidates’ Statements
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www.apscuf.org
April 2021
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 Adjunct Faculty Committee – Natasha Dias, Sheila Kazar; State
APSCUF Executive Council – Joyce Overly
Faculty Meet & Discuss Team: Joyce Overly, Barry Sweet, Adam Roberts, Mark Kilwein, Jennifer May, Mary Buchanan, Chris McCarrick (recording sec.)
Coaches Meet & Discus Team: Chris Weibel, Matt Hanhold, Keith Ferraro, Eric Laughlin, Joyce Overly & Mark Kilwein
Dear APSCUF Brothers and Sisters,
We are nearing the release of the full plans for the western and northeastern consolidations.
Initially, the Chancellor’s office said they would present the plan to the Board of Governors at
their quarterly meeting on April 14 -15. However they seem to be having trouble meeting
that self-imposed deadline, so now we’re hearing that the plan will be presented at a special
BOG meeting on April 28. Either way, the development of the plan has not been the
“deliberate, analytical, consultant [sic], transparent” process that the Chancellor touted in his
leadership orientation session last fall. I’m very frustrated by the lack of information. But the details can’t stay
hidden much longer, because Act 50 enumerates eleven specific types of information that are required for any
consolidation plan, including impacts on faculty, staff, students, the community, and shared governance. I’m
very curious to see how these topics are addressed in the plan. Once we know that, we can decide how best to
respond to it.
APSCUF’s real strength resides at the bargaining table and is backed up by the solidarity of our 4700+ faculty
and coach members. State APSCUF President Jamie Martin and the negotiations team have met several times
with negotiators from PASSHE. The two sides have exchanged proposals on many contractual issues, such as
curriculum, evaluation, tenure, promotion, seniority, and department chairs. APSCUF’s goal in negotiations is
to reach an agreement that is fair to all faculty members at all the consolidating universities. Any agreement
must also result in curricular, evaluation, tenure, and promotion policies and processes that protect the
faculty’s essential role in them. The reality for the State System is that if these consolidations are going to
work, they need us to do the work that only faculty can do. If the poll results released yesterday by APSCUF are
any indication, they have a long way to go in gaining faculty support.
Even though circumstances are extraordinarily difficult right now, there are positive things to celebrate. An
important one is the annual faculty and coaches retirement reception that will be held on Zoom on May 5,
when we will celebrate the careers of our colleagues and wish them much happiness in retirement.
I hope for everyone that the remainder of the semester goes smoothly and that you will soon be able to relax
and shake off the stresses of the past year. Hang in there!
In solidarity,
April 2021
www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion
1
SPRING 2021 MEETINGS
(Please mark your calendars!)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EC)
Held virtually on Zoom @ 3:30 pm
Tuesday, April 20*
*Note: General Spring Elections
DEPARTMENTAL REP COUNCIL
Held virtually on Zoom @ 3:30 PM
Tuesday, April 13
MEET & DISCUSS MEETINGS
Held virtually on Zoom @ 3:30 pm
Friday, April 9 – Pre-Meet & Discuss
Friday, April 23 – Meet & Discuss
Friday, May 14 – Pre-Meet & Discuss
Friday, May 21– Meet & Discuss
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Held virtually on Zoom
Friday, April 16, 2021
REMINDER: State APSCUF in Harrisburg and our local Chapter Office staff continues to serve you remotely until further
notice. They all remain accessible via email and phone. Thank you for your patience as they respond to your
communication as soon as they are able.
SPRING FACULTY & COACHES RETIREMENT RECEPTION, will be held on Wednesday May 5 at 3:30
pm on Zoom. More information will be forthcoming. Please mark your calendars!
WELCOME BACK APSCUF Member!!
Edna Reid – Library Science
SUMMER SCHOOL PAYMENTS FOR 2021
SUMMER SESSION 1: May 21, 2021
SUMMER SESSION 2: June 2, 2021
SUMMER SESSION 3: July 30, 2021
SEVEN WEEK 1: June 18, 2021
SEVEN WEEK 2: July 30, 2021
REMINDER: 20/26 ANNUAL PAY OPTION WINDOW APRIL 1, 2021 THRU APRIL 30, 2021
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, 2021 to April 30, 2021. The change will be effective for the first
paycheck of the Fall 2021 semester which will be on September 24, 2021.
If you so choose to change your option, please complete the 20/26 Pay Option form and return it to our Human
Resources office in Carrier between April 1 and April 30th. Please do not return the form to our APSCUF office
nor to the State APSCUF office.
NOTE: This is the only opportunity to make this change during this academic year. The form was attached to the
email announcement or you can request the form from our Human Resources office.
YMCA MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT: Receive a membership discount when you join the Clarion County Scenic
Rivers YMCA in Clarion. Present your membership card OR your Member Verification Certificate from the
Clarion APSCUF office to the YMCA Member Service Desk and receive a special discount on your
membership. Know that your membership is for both the Oil City and Clarion County YMCAs!
April 2021
www.apscuf.org/universities/clarion
2
CAP VOLUNTARY PAYROLL DEDUCTION CAMPAIGN:
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. The money collected for CAP is used by APSCUF
to advance the causes of higher education, the faculty and state system students by supporting
candidates who are pro-education. To find out more about APSCUF/CAP, download the CAP brochure.
There are several ways to show your support by donating 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
HAVE QUESTIONS? Please contact Clarion CAP Chair Joseph Croskey at jcroskey@clarion.edu.
ENHANCED SICK LEAVE PAYOUT RETIREMENT INCENTIVE:
Note that the NEXT deadline to submit a retirement notice and receive the maximum Enhanced Sick Leave Payout
(ESLP) is September 30, 2021. Faculty and coaches who submit a retirement notice with an effective date between of retirement
between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 can receive a payout for up to 75 or 87 unused sick days, depending on years of service,
instead of the normal maximum of 50 days.
Please note that faculty members currently on an approved phased retirement plan are also eligible for the
payout.
Anyone who is interested in taking advantage of this offer should contact Shelly Williams in Clarion
University’s Human Resources office at swilliams@clarion.edu .
Also, if you wish to have a one-on-one virtual discussion on Zoom with Bim Arthun, Director of Membership
Services, please directly contact Bim at barthun@apscuf.org for a date and time.
LOCAL COVID VACCINE ANNOUNCEMENT: Primary Health
Network has contacted the university and advised they have
openings for vaccination appointments. They advised that any
employee who would like to register should go to their website;
https://primary-health.net/ to register for an appointment at their Clarion
Office.
April 2021
A HEALTHY U REMINDER: Deadline for participation is May 31, 2021: The Healthy U year
kicked off on January 1 and runs through May 31, 2021. The only requirement is
completion of the Sharecare RealAge Test for the Highmark subscriber and their
enrolled spouse. There is no longer a minimum number of points that must be met - just
completion of the RealAge Test. Members must access the test through the PASSHE
platform at mycare.sharecare.com. Reduced premiums will begin July 2021.
A COUPLE OF NOTES:
o
If you go to www.sharecare.com, you will be on the commercial site and their activity will not be
linked to your Highmark account. This means they'll show as incomplete even if they have
completed it. (Also, anyone who completed prior to January 1 will have to do so again since the
wellness year hadn't started yet.)
o
Members are required to agree to the ADA and GINA authorization on an annual basis - this will
pop up when they log into their account for the first time this year. Though it appears as though
the HIPAA authorization is also required (since it looks exactly like the ADA/GINA), it is not
required. Members may simply hit the SUBMIT box on the screen. (There was an article
w/screenshots in the Jan 13 State APSCUF newsletter).
For more details and information guide on the Healthy U program, go to Healthy U | PA State System of Higher
Education (passhe.edu).
A TIP from Bim Arthun: Members can confirm completion of the RealAge Test by logging into their Sharecare
account and clicking on the YOU icon on the left hand side of the screen.
From there, they can click on SCORE. This will show them their RealAge Test result and the date it was
completed. As long as it is between January 1 - May 31, 2021, they're good to go.
If people want proof of completion, they may click VIEW FULL REPORT. This provides a nice summary,
including the completion date.
APSCUF MEMBERS: ARE YOU REGISTERED FOR APSCUF’s “MEMBERS ONLY” SITE??
To register for Members only
Log onto the APSCUF website at www.apscuf.org
At the center of the home page find the ‘Members Only’ section
Then click onto ‘REGISTER NOW’
Complete the username fields
Read guidelines and chose ‘I accept’
Fill in form as described
Hit ‘submit’
You will see an email that reads “Welcome to Members Only” site. It will include your username and state
that your account is currently inactive and will need to be approved by an administrator at State APSCUF
before you can log in. Another email will be sent when this has occurred. Your password will be securely
stored in APSCUF’s database and cannot be retrieved. In the event that it is forgotten, you will be able to
reset it using the email address associated with your account.
Second email will be sent to the State APSCUF administrator so that that person can activate the
account. This may take a day or so.
Once this occurs a second email will be sent to you saying that you can now log in.
Once you enter the “Members Only” site, you can find information on Special Services for full-dues paying members
such as discounts from Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile, rent-a-car discounts with National and Alamo,
magazines and lots more. So sign up today!! http://www.apscuf.org/members/forms-and-benefits/special-services
April 2021
SPRING 2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS
In conjunction with the Faculty Senate Election, the Spring 2021 General Election for
APSCUF Offices & Committees and University-wide Contractual Committees will be
processed through Survey Monkey. The appropriate ballot will be sent to your campus email address on Monday, April 19 at 6:00 am. You must complete and submit your ballot
by 4 pm on Tuesday, April 20. At that time, polls for both elections will be closed.
Note that the Faculty Senate ballot will be under a separate e-mail and will be sent to those who are eligible to vote.
For your review, below is the slate of candidates. Also, we’ve included in this newsletter the candidate statements
that were submitted.
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), Paul Klenowski, Amanda Lockwood, Natasha Dias & Xiaofeng Li
GENERAL SPRING 2021 ELECTION CALENDAR
Week of April 5 & 12: E-mail reminders of the Spring 2021 Election to be held through Survey
Monkey. Included will be the slate of candidates and their statements.
*Monday, April 19: Ballots sent for voting through Survey Monkey @ 6:00 am to campus e-mails.
*Tuesday, April 20: Voting continues through Survey Monkey. Polls close at 4:00 pm.
Tuesday, April 20: Verification of winners by N&E Committee. Announcement of winners.
*Note that the General Spring 2021 Elections will be held in conjunction with the Faculty Senate Elections on
April 19 and 20, 2021 through Survey Monkey. The Faculty Senate Elections will be a separate e-mail ballot.
The Following Faculty and Coaches positions are open. (Please review Qualification & Functions Summary.)
APSCUF OFFICERS & COMMITTEES:
President: 1 two-year term
Vice President: 1 two-year term
Secretary: 1 one-year term
Treasurer: 1 one-year term
Delegates to Legislative Assembly: 1 two-year
term
Alternate Delegate to Legislative: 3 two-year
term
Nominations and Elections Committee: 2 twoyear term
Venango Campus Representative: 1 one-year
term
April 2021
UNIVERSITY-WIDE CONTRACTUAL COMMITTEES:
Promotion Committee: 3 three-year term
Sabbatical Leave Committee: 2 three-year term
Tenure Committee: 2 three-year term
CCPS: 2 three-year term
APSCUF COACHES’ POSITIONS:
COACHES’ PRESIDENT – 2-year term (Delegate
to Legislative Assemblies)
COACHES’ VICE PRESIDENT – 2-year term
(Alternate Delegate to Legislative Assemblies)
COACHES’ ALTERNATE – 2-year term
(Alternate to the Coaches’ President & Vice
President)
COACHES’ GRIEVANCE CHAIR – 2-year term
2021 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’m a physical chemist and associate professor in my 23rd year at Clarion. For the past six years I’ve served
APSCUF as a statewide Officer-at-Large. This experience has taught me a great deal about how state APSCUF
functions and how the Harrisburg staff interacts with our campus chapters. On the local level, I became the
Clarion APSCUF President in the Fall 2020 semester, after serving as Vice President for four years. I’ve also
served multiple terms on Clarion’s Faculty Senate and Curriculum Committee. From 2011 to 2013, I served in an
acting manager position as Associate Dean and, for five months, Acting Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences,
which gave me a chance to see how things look from the other side. That experience confirmed that I belong on
the faculty and not in administration!
I grew up in a union family in western Pennsylvania. My father was a Teamster for 40 years, and I recall his
copy of the Master Freight Agreement always tucked in his logbook case. As a child I didn’t understand how
important that document was or how many union members and leaders fought long and hard to obtain and
protect their contract. Thanks to my involvement with APSCUF, it’s now crystal clear.
Clarion University is (and has been) facing serious challenges. Thanks to the hard work of APSCUF members and
leadership, we have been able to fight back against retrenchment and antiunion efforts. Now, our beloved
university is facing what I see as an existential threat, under the guise of “redesign.” APSCUF can and does ask
hard questions and uses tools such as Meet & Discuss, grievances, and outreach to the Legislature and the
public to keep PASSHE leadership accountable for their decisions and actions throughout the redesign process.
My ability to achieve my professional goals is due in large part to the middle-class standard of living my family
enjoyed because of my father’s union job, and to the excellent education I received at IUP. I see my service to
APSCUF as a way to “pay it forward” for future students and APSCUF members, and I ask for your vote so that I
can continue to do that.
VICE PRESIDENT: 1 two-year term
Mark Kilwein - Counseling, Human Services, Rehab & Criminal Justice
Hi Colleagues. I’m Mark Kilwein, Vice President of Clarion APSCUF and I hope you’ll consider voting for me for
re-election. I am active on Meet and Discuss and I am vigilant about defending our rights under the CBA,
especially during these historically troubled times for Clarion University. If the proposed consolidation is going
to work, it’s going to require real negotiations with APSCUF.
TREASURER: (1 one-year term)
Xiaofeng Li – Library Science
Hello everyone! My name is Xiaofeng Li. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information and
Library Science. I’m running for the APSCUF Treasurer position and hoping to serve our community through this
opportunity. Since joining Clarion University in 2019, I have been actively involved in several committees within
my department and university. I believe I’m a good fit for the treasurer position in my continuous efforts to
broaden my community services. Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.
2021 Spring Elections/Candidates’ Statements
6
Rachel Newbury – Libraries
I am proud to serve my faculty colleagues as chair of the Nominations and Elections committee, and the
position of Treasurer provides additional opportunities to continue this work in a new capacity as APSCUF
officer.
SECRETARY: (1 one-year term)
Christopher McCarrick – English & Modern Languages
I have served as ASPCUF secretary for three years and hope to continue for another term. I like to take notes
(don't judge). Thank you, and I appreciate your votes.
DELEGATE TO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY: (1 two-year term)
Cristin Ketley – Special Education
As I complete my fifth academic year as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Special
Education and Disability Policy Studies, 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 which can educate me more fully on the inner workings of our processes and procedures. I have
enjoyed this involvement and feel that is important as a way to support our members and university as newer
faculty in order to carry on our long standing strength and leadership. Thank you for your consideration.
Karl Sprenger – Education
Hello, I am in my ninth year at Clarion University and would like to continue to be involved in university
governance. I have been an alternative delegate for the many few years and would like to do so again after a
few years of not being one, this time as a full delegate. It is important to be aware of what is going on the
PASSHE system and to be involved in our union.
Lorie Taylor – Special Education
My name is Lorie Taylor and I am running for Delegate and Alternate Delegate to Legislative Assembly in the
upcoming election. In my 18 years at Clarion, I have been actively involved in service to the University in many
ways. I had the pleasure of serving as a Delegate or Alternate Delegate for the last 10 years. I would like to
continue to serve APSCUF and to be involved in the statewide forum in which we can voice our concerns and
discuss issues on behalf of the Clarion community. I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving and
would appreciate your support in allowing me to do so. Thank you.
ALTERNATE DELEGATE TO LEGISTLATIVE ASSEMBLY: (3 two-year term)
Cristin Ketley – Special Education
See Delegate to Legislative Assembly Statement
Nripendra Singh – Management & Marketing
Karl Sprenger – Education
See Delegate to Legislative Assembly Statement
Lorie Taylor – Special Education
See Delegate to Legislative Assembly Statement
2021 Spring Elections/Candidates’ Statements
7
VENANGO CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVE: (1 one-year term)
Laurie Bladen – Nursing
My name is Laurie Bladen, and I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing, explicitly teaching in
the online RN-BSN program. Some of you may not know me as I teach online, but I have been with Clarion
University since 2014. I am a person with experience, a person you can depend on, a person who will voice your
concerns and represent each one of you. If my colleagues were asked what type I am, they would say I am a
person that put 110% into my work.
I have served on various University Committees such as the Conduct Board, Lesser Scholarship Committee,
Sabbatical Committee, Presidential Commission on the Status of Women, and I am Secretary of the newly
formed Presidential Commission on Veteran and Military Affairs. For 2021-2022, I will be the Chair of the
Sabbatical Committee. I want to continue to expand my service to Clarion University through membership on
the Promotion Committee, the Tenure Committee, and CCPS.
I fully understand the critical work that the University-Wide committees complete; therefore, I want to be a
part of making these decisions and have spent a considerable number of hours versing myself on these
committees' actions. I feel I am in an excellent position to contribute to the University through these
Committees; so, I ask for your vote of confidence so that I may continue to serve you and the University.
Renee Bloom – Human Services, Rehab, Health & Sport Sciences
I am running for the position of Venango Representative because of the extensive experience I have at Venango
Campus and my knowledge of Venango students, faculty, staff, administration, and programs. As current VC
Representative, I regularly attend biweekly APSCUF Executive Council meetings as an advocate for Venango
Campus. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue serving my Venango faculty colleagues in the role of
Venango Representative. Thank you.
NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS COMMITTEE: (2 one-year term)
Laurie Bladen – Nursing
See Venango Representative Statement
Jin Qu – Psychology
My name is Jin Qu, and I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. I’ve worked at Clarion
University for three years. I am seeking a position on the Nominations and Elections Committee. I appreciate
the work that APSCUF committee members have done to support faculty members. I am looking forward to
becoming more involved in APSCUF. Thank you for your consideration.
Nripendra Singh – Management & Marketing
Lana Smith – Nursing
I have been nominated for the Nominations and Elections Committee. I do realize that this requires
organization and time. I have served on many committees at both the department level as well as university
wide that have required this. For example, at the Department level, I currently Co-chair and have chaired the
Tenure/Promotion Committee, I am part of the Evaluation Committee, Curriculum Committee and the Search
Committee. I am also currently serving as the MSN Program Coordinator. University Wide, I have served on the
Promotion committee, Faculty Senate, and I set on two integration committees. To date I have not served on
any APSCUF committees, but would be very happy to do so.
Jeffrey Tienes – Social Sciences
2021 Spring Elections/Candidates’ Statements
8
COACHES APSCUF OFFICES
Coaches President: (1 two-year term)
Chris Weibel – Head Football Coach
Coaches Vice President: (1 two-year term)
Matthew Hanhold – Assistant Football Coach
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
UNIVERSITY-WIDE CONTRACTUAL COMMITTEES
PROMOTION COMMITTEE: (3 three-year term)
Laurie Bladen – Nursing
See Venango Representative Statement
Stephen Gendler – Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics
I have been at Clarion for more than fifty years, serving as department chair, assistant to the Dean, and on
every contractual committee over the years. Promotion involves considerable work, but I have had extensive
experience over decades evaluating applications and try to separate the evaluations from the name when
evaluating credentials to be fair to all. Your support for my candidacy would be greatly appreciated.
Amy Shannonhouse - Education
This is my 24st year at Clarion, and I would like to be considered for a position on the promotion committee. I
currently serve as the Health & Welfare Officer on Executive Council for APSCUF and I serve on the universitywide tenure committee. I welcome the opportunity to continue to serve the university through another
university-wide committee and appreciate your support.
SABBATICAL LEAVE COMMITTEE: (2 three-year term)
Paul Klenowski – Criminal Justice
David Lott – Biology
Jin Qu – Psychology
My name is Jin Qu. I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. I’ve worked at Clarion
University for three years. I enjoy working at Clarion University and getting to know colleagues from a variety
of disciplines and backgrounds. I’ve served on committees at the department level (Search Committee Chair,
Scholarship Committee Chair) and the university level (Advising Council). I am seeking a position on the
Sabbatical Leave Committee to expand my service to the university. I look forward to learning about the
creative endeavors of my colleagues. Thank you for your consideration.
Marc Sanko - History
2021 Spring Elections/Candidates’ Statements
9
TENURE COMMITTEE: (2 three-year term)
Laurie Bladen – Nursing
See Venango Representative Statement
Helen Hampikian – Biology
As someone who has previously served and continues to serve on a variety of Faculty Senate sub-committees,
as well as task forces and focus groups, I fully understand the importance of the work that University-wide
committees do. Currently I am the chair of the University-wide promotion committee and have invested a lot of
time versing myself in-depth on the policies and procedures of promotion and related processes during my
tenure. Since I plan on applying for promotion myself it is not feasible for me to seek reelection to this
committee, however I strongly believe that my experience and knowledge are valuable and could be well
utilized as a member of the tenure committee. I am excited for the opportunity to continue to serve APSCUF via
committee work and appreciate being considered for election to the tenure committee.
Laurie Pierce - Nursing
I am a member of the Nursing faculty and Chair of Institutional Student Learning Assessment. I began my time
at Clarion as a temporary faculty in 2009 and was honored to accept a tenure track position in 2010. I am
strongly committed to the success of faculty at Clarion University. As this is a time of change within the
institution and the University System, I believe that we need strong advocates for faculty members. Tenure
provides faculty with stability and I whole-heartedly believe in the process. I believe that I can be an advocate
for faculty by serving on the tenure committee.
CCPS: (2 three-year term)
Laurie Bladen – Nursing
See Venango Representative Statement
Lacey Fulton – Communications
Hi! Now in my 5th year at Clarion, I am proud to serve as Department Chair for Communication. I helped lead a
revision of our curriculum there, so I’m no stranger to the CCPS process. More recently, I’ve been spending my
time working with the Gen. Ed. Subgroup of the Lead Academic Team for our impending integration. I’ve been
proud to serve all of our interests in that capacity, and would love a chance to serve on CCPS at Clarion. I enjoy
reading curriculum proposals, crossing t’s and dotting I’s. I spent a semester stint on CCPS as a sabbatical
replacement and am jumping at the chance to get in for a full term.
Daniel Shifflet – Mathematics
CCPS is an extremely important committee that benefits from having both fresh faces and members with
experience. Having served for the past 6 years, I look forward to continuing as one of the later for another
term. Thank you!
2021 Spring Elections/Candidates’ Statements
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Media of