Today faculty members belonging to the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) ratified a tentative contract agreement between APSCUF and the State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).
Over 95 percent of the faculty who voted supported the ratification. A simple majority vote was needed to ratify the contract.
“Faculty members at our universities are dedicated to providing students with a high quality education. The overwhelming support for this agreement illustrates the commitment our faculty have to our students and our institutions,” said Dr. Steve Hicks, president of APSCUF. “This is a balanced contract that preserves and maintains quality public higher education in the Commonwealth.”
The contract includes a compensation package similar to the agreements reached by the governor and other statewide unions. It also provides health care cost savings by increasing co-pays for office visits, emergency room visits, and prescription drugs.
For the first time, class size will be included in the collective bargaining agreement as an issue subject to faculty input and recommendations. While the agreement eliminates course development compensation for distance education, it provides for technical support and instructional design professionals to assist faculty who choose to teach courses via distance education.
“The faculty support for this contract is a testament to the dedication of our negotiations team and negotiations committee, which have both worked diligently over the last 26 months to reach a fair agreement with the State System,” Hicks said.
The PASSHE Board of Governors will vote on the contract in the coming weeks.