January & February 2012Volume 22 Issue 1

Bill ChabalaPresident 570-662-4798

Andy GaskieviczVice-President570-662-4471

Shawndra HolderbySecretary570-662-4664

Jonathan RothermelTreasurer570-662-4487

Connie PhillipsAPSCUF Office Manager570-662-4919

APSCUF OfficeMansfield University204 Retan55 Wilson AveMansfield, PA 16933Fax 570-662-4917

APSCUF President, Bill Chabala

APSCUF NEWSLETTERMansfield University

Budget - Fast Facts• On Feb. 7, Gov. Tom Corbett revealed his 2012-13 state budget proposal,

which would cut funding for Pennsylvania’s 14 state-owned universities by 20 percent, or $82.5 million.

• The governor’s proposed budget allocates $330 million to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education -- a loss of nearly $175 million since Corbett took office.

• Corbett’s proposal would put funding for the State System below 1989-90 levels.

• Cuts to higher education in Corbett’s plan would total more than $260 million, including cuts to the State System, the state-related universities, community colleges and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

Get Involved

page 2

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of PA has demonstrated decreasing commitment to public

higher education for years; and

WHEREAS, on top of that already shrinking support, Governor Corbett and the

Commonwealth legislature were responsible for a 19% reduction in our allocation for 2011-

12; and

WHEREAS, the budget cuts are already have strong impacts on students ranging from

increased tuition and fees to increased class sizes to increased time to graduation to

decreased access to advising to decreasing morale; and

WHEREAS, the budget cuts are strongly affecting faculty in terms of retrenchments and a

decreasing faculty complement, the inability to negotiate a reasonable contract, pushes for

changes in teaching conditions that are unsound on both pedagogical and curricular levels;

and

WHEREAS, given the already critical budget situation, the Governor’s proposed budget cut

to the system for next year fundamentally threatens the viability of the system;

Therefore be it resolved that the APSCUF Legislative Assembly urges all members to

refuse to vote in November 2012 for any legislator who votes for a budget including any

reduction to the PASSHE allocation.

Message From President Steve Hicks:Below is the resolution that was passed unanimously at the February 2012 Legislative Assembly.

20 percent cut forPASSHE - jeopardizingPA’s future

Join us for a Webinar on February 15

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST

This webinar will provide a detailed analysis of the

February 7 budget address by Governor Corbett

in the area of higher education. Governor Corbett

announced a 20 percent cut for the State System

and a 6.4 percent cut for PHEAA. The webinar will

discuss potential impacts of the budget, a timeline

of events and next steps for potential advocacy

action for faculty and students of the PASSHE

institutions.

Hurry to sign-up, Webinar sign-up is limited to the

first 100 respondents!

System RequirementsPC-based attendeesRequired: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server Macintosh®-based attendeesRequired: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/315587175

WEBINAR

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*Email Ty Marks at tmarks@apscuf.org to get proper credit for certain items

Got questions? Email Laura Saccente at lsaccente@apscuf.org

GET INVOLVED!

Become a Frontline Faculty Member!

What is it?

The Frontline Faculty incentive program rewards APSCUF members for their involvement, based on a

point system. Each quarter APSCUF will recognize our top Frontline Faculty members.

How does it work?.

Earn one point:• Follow APSCUF on Twitter +1• Like the APSCUF Facebook page +1• Subscribe to the APSCUF blog +1• Comment on the APSCUF blog +1• Comment or upload photos to the APSCUF

Facebook wall +1• Email, call or write a letter to your elected

officials +1*• Attend a town hall meeting or public hearing +1*

Earn two points:• Create a web video for APSCUF +2• Provide a student testimonial +2• Write a guest blog post +2• Attend a legislator meeting in Harrisburg or in the

district +2• Attend an APSCUF lobby day event +2• Host a letter-writing/phone bank party +2*• Organize a rally or public event +2*• Write an op-ed or letter to the editor +2*

More information can be

found at:

http://www.apscuf.org/

members/get-involved.php

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What? 2012 APSCUF Lobby Day and Student Rally Event in Harrisburg

When? Lobby Day: Monday, March 26 evening Legislative reception at Ceoltas Pub5:30 to 8:30, 310 North Second St, HarrisburgTuesday, March 27 AM lobbying at Harrisburg Capitol

Student Rally: Wednesday, March 28 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, outside on the Capitol Steps (Raindate: April 4)

Why? Governor Corbett’s budget announcement cuts PASSHE at 20 percent and PHEAA at 6.4 percent. These proposed cuts will have a critical impact on students, faculty and the institutions. We must participate and be vocal!

How? Sign up for the Lobby Day events electronically by going to the APSCUF blog at http://ow.ly/8VDMM and filling out the lobby day form under the budget address post or

RSVP to Ty Marks at tmarks@apscuf.org.

Sign up for the Student Rally by contacting your local APSCUF office or Mobilization Chair. (We are currently looking for guest speakers for the rally).

Contact Laura Saccente at lsaccente@apscuf.org with questions.

Save the Dates...Lobby Day and Student Rally 2012March 26, 27 & 28

WE NEED YOUR VOICE INHARRISBURG

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GrantsWellness Promotion

The Pennsylvania Faculty Health and Welfare Fund announces the continued availability of up to three (3) $1,000.00 Wellness Promotion Grants to each PASSHE university every academic year.

Each university may apply for up to three (3) grants in combination, but no more than two (2) Health Awareness Grants or two (2) Healthy Lifestyle Grants (example: two (2) Health Awareness Grants and one (1) Healthy Lifestyle Grant). The APSCUF Health and Welfare Specialists should monitor the number of grants submitted to the Fund each academic year.

1. The Health Awareness Grant is a $1,000 matching grant for campus-wide wellness and prevention activities such as wellness fairs and single topic wellness sessions. Grant applications must include documentation of dollar-for-dollar matches from campus or community organizations. The funded activities must include Faculty participation,

2. The Healthy Lifestyle Grant is a $1,000 grant to fund risk reduction activities that include at least six (6) hours of programming and include faculty participation. Topics that qualify for grants include, but are not limited to, the following: weight reduction, smoking cessation, healthy eating, exercise and stress reduction.

Completed grant applications must be submitted to the Fund Office in Harrisburg for consideration by the Fund’s Wellness Committee.All grant applications must be submitted using the grant application form, including completion of the questions, and must be signed by an APSCUF Health and Welfare Specialist.

Any questions or if you need assistance, please contact Mansfield University APSCUF’s PA Faculty Health & Welfare Fund Specialist, Dr. Francis Craig 570-662-4774; fcraig@mansfield.edu or Timothy Buchanan at the Fund Office, 717-233-4713.

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According to social media statistic website Socialbakers.com, there are nearly 6 million Facebook users in Pennsylvania. That translates into about 47 percent of the state’s population on this social site. Add to that the fact that the average user spends 700 minutes each month on Facebook, it’s clear Facebook and other social media offer a huge opportunity for elected officials to communicate with voters.

Members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate are seizing this opportunity and engaging with their constituents on Facebook, Twitter and other social networks. As more and more legislative staffers and their bosses learn to use social media, we can expect to see important stories break on Facebook and Twitter.

For example, state Sen. Dominic Pileggi recently announced on his Facebook page that he was considering joining the U.S. Senate race. (He later announced his intention not to run on his Facebook page, too.) While Pileggi does not allow Facebook users to post directly to his wall, he does allow comments from fans and members of the public. The senator and his staff do a reasonable job of responding to questions on the Facebook wall, which is to be applauded.

Many members of the state House are also active on Facebook, and they regularly share updates on government programs and constituent services, as well as district events. In addition, many state representatives allow users to post directly to their Facebook wall, so you are able to share your thoughts with them on any issue you find pertinent.

If you are on Facebook and your state senator and/or representative has a fan page, Facebook can be an excellent way to stay in touch with your legislators and even provide your opinions on the issues of the day.

In contrast to a letter, phone call or email, a Facebook wall post is a public statement to an elected official, and it shares your opinions with not just the legislator, but your friends and family, as well.

Twitter has been another way for state legislators to keep their constituents informed. Many members of the General Assembly Tweet from the Senate and House floors, providing session updates in real time.

While Twitter has fewer users than Facebook, political junkies should not neglect this social network if they want to know what Pennsylvania legislators are working on and thinking about from day to day.

PennsylvaniaLegislators Get Social!

For MANSFIELD (Twitter/Facebook)Joseph B. Scarnati:(R-25) @senatorscarnatihttps://www.facebook.com/senators-carnati

Another resource for finding state officials on Facebook or Twitter is DCI’s Digital America project. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett is also on Facebook and Twitter.

~Article from APSCUF Blogpage 7

2012 APSCUFScholarship

1. State APSCUF Scholarship eligibility rules: Must be a *family member of an APSCUF/APSCURF member in good standing or an APSCUF staff member. * For the purposes of this program, family member is defined as the following: spouse, child, parent, parent in-law, brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, domestic partner and any children who may be born to or adopted by one of the persons in a partnership or for whom one of the persons is the primary caregiver or financially responsible, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

2. An eligible applicant must be enrolled at one of the fourteen (14) state-owned universities.

3. Scholarship will be awarded to an eligible applicant for the pursuit of either an undergraduate degree or graduate degree. For an undergraduate degree, the applicant must have completed and passed 30 credits with at least a 2.75 GPA. For a graduate degree, the applicant must have completed and passed nine (9) credits with at least a 3.0 GPA. All of the above stated credits must have been obtained at one of the fourteen (14) state-owned universities (no outside transfers).

4. Transcripts must accompany the application with the stated Grade Point Average of all completed credits.

5. Essay must accompany the application. Please note: This year’s applicants can chose between one of two topics for their essay. The choices are as follows: “How has the union movement benefitted or influenced the rights and work-ing conditions of the American worker?” or “What are your views on public service in the context of your professional future?” (500 words typed and double-spaced).

6. Must obtain reference letters from two differ-ent FULL DUES PAYING APSCUF/APSCURF members. Membership confirmation can be verified at the local APSCUF office.

7. State APSCUF Scholarship award will only be presented once to an eligible applicant in his/her higher education career. One (1) $3,000.00

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

tate APSCUF Office is offering one $3,000.00 scholarship to a student who is a family member of an APSCUF/APSCURF member in good standing or of an APSCUF staff member. The scholarship will be awarded to an eligible applicant for the pursuit of either an undergraduate degree or graduate degree.

S

We Care AboutStudents...... by ensuring everything

we stand for benefits

their education and their

future.

page 8

ScolarlarshipOffered

1. State APSCUF Scholarship will be presented in August 2012.

2. State APSCUF’s Special Services Committee will review, evaluate and select the winner from all eligible applications/essays received. In no case shall an APSCUF Special Services Committee member take part in the consideration of an applicant if that applicant is a part of the Committee member’s family as defined above or if a Committee member submits a reference letter on behalf of an applicant.

3. Completed application, essay and written reference letters, must be forwarded to: State APSCUF Scholarship Program, C/O Director for Membership Services 319 North Front Street Harrisburg PA 17101.

All materials must be clearly postmarked by a recognized postal service no later than March 2, 2012. A complete application packet can be downloaded from www.apscuf.org or you can obtain one at the Mansfield APSCUF office.

APSCUF Book ScholarshipThis scholarship is presented to a freshman who demonstrates academic achievement. It is a $500 award given as a credit at the University Bookstore, non-renewable. The recipient is selected by the Scholarship Committee.

APSCUF Freshman ScholarshipOne scholarship is presented to a union member or child of a union member, based on academics and strong union affiliation. The other scholarships are open to all entering freshmen and are based on academic achievement. Both scholarships are $1000, non-renewable, and the recipients are selected by the Scholarship Committee.

PLEASE APPLY AT FINANCIAL AID!

Mansfield APSCUF Offers

Scholarships

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G o F a c u l t y ! ! !

Sara Kelly Johns was recently awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award at by the New York Library Association. Sara is a school librarian at Lake Placid Junior Senior High School, part time instructor for the SL&ITprogram, and has been a leader within the library profession for over 30 years at the local, state, and national level.

Sara Kelly Johns, SL&IT instructor, received New York Library Association Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Judith Sornberger, Professor, English and Modern Languages, poetry collection Wal-Mart Orchid, a chapbook from Evening Street Press, was published in December 2011.

Ruth Hermansen, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, was named as the Secretary of the Board of the newly formed Friends of Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lakes organization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engi-neers. The organization greatly benefits all ages of community members and visitors in area outdoor recre-ation.

Dr. Kathryn “Sue” Young, Professor and Chair, Department of Communication, was quoted on page 19 of the current issue of Student Health 101 in an article titled: “It’s Your Life. Take Control. Do You Need to be More Assertive.”published by The University of New Mexico. http://readsh101.com/unm.html?id=23a0992d.

Dr. John Ulrich, Professor, English and Modern Languages, is trying to bring some empathy to the world of monsters with his new “Monster Lit” course at Mansfield University. Beginning with the Greek monster Medusa and other myths, Ulrich stalks and dissect the tales of these often misunderstood creatures up through history. Through classic books and film, Ulrich will track the history and evolution of monsters beginning with Grendel in Beowulf through Frankenstein, Dracula and the classic film Night of the Living

Dead.

page 10

If you come to Retan in the near future, you will notice a few changes. From the main lobby, look straight

ahead. On the bulletin board you will see a map with pushpins indicating the location of all of the graduates of

Education and Special Education who are currently teaching. In between classes, students are often seen study-

ing the map to see who is where. (And whoever

keeps moving the pins into Lake Erie, we’re on to

you!)

Then look to your left. What used to be the

Assistive Technology lab is now the Student

Lounge. A nice location, but where is Dr. Floyd’s

Assistive Technology Lab? Go up the stairs and

turn right. Where the Student Lounge used to be

is now the location of E.T.’s Exploration Lab+.

This new lab includes the computers, special communications devices, educational games, and software applica-

tions from the Assistive Technology Lab. Four computers are dedicated to a variety of assistive software and

devices. These computers will have programs like Write Out Loud and Co-Writer as well as variety of alternative

keyboards. The “plus” is an Education, Special Education, and Field Experience Training Lab, equipped with

three types of electronic boards. Even though the lab is not entirely finished, it is already being used. Methods

classes in education and special education began at last semester’s end to use the assistive technology (which

is also being updated) and to demonstrate activities on the Promethean Board to make the lab useful and the

equipment accessible, Dr. Lewis Gambill is working with a group of volunteers they’ve named the STAT Squad

(Student Technology Assistance Team) to learn how to use the equipment, to train others, and to monitor the lab

and assist students and professors.

The lab came about as a result of a grant entitled Technology Unit Field Lab written by Tamela Bastion and

Christina Fry. As a result they were able to purchase the three electronic boards – Promethean, Smart Board, and

Starboard, an Epson Interactive Pen/Projector, video projectors, document cameras, iPads, Flip video cameras,

web cameras, and software. In the fall semester, Tamela and her graduate assistant, EDSPE student Randy

Atwood, worked hard, along with our maintenance group – Brian Townsend, Dean Miller, Bob Bertsche, & Jim

Welch to set up the lab.

We are grateful to Mrs. Bastion and Mrs. Fry for their energetic support for technology training and their vision

for the lab. We are also grateful to Dr. Gambill for his enthusiasm for technology and to the STAT squad for vol-

unteering their time. We are especially pleased that Dr. Floyd offered to share the Assistive Technology lab with

the new lab. So, starting this spring, students can now receive training on the technology they will be expected to

use in the public schools during their field placements and to learn how these technologies can be used to benefit

all students.

The New E. T. Exploration Lab

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Don’t forget to check the

Mansfield APSCUF website

for our local news, the current

and archived newsletters,

current APSCUF officers and

committees.

We also list Mansfield

University Standing Senate

and Non-Senate Committees,

Executive and Meet & Discuss

minutes.

Under Documents we have the

Mansfield University APSCUF

By-laws, Members Services

Booklet, Tenure Guidelines,

Promotion Policy, Sabbatical

Information and other

interesting information.

BOOKMARK our webpage:

www.apscuf.org/mansfield

MansfieldAPSCUF Website

2012

In 1888 the first college band was organized, one of the longest traditions in Mansfield University history.

MU BAND GOING TO LONDON DURING

THE OLYMPIC GAMES.

Mansfield APSCUF to donate two $500.00donations in support help the band go to London.

Congratulations!!!

Dr. Lynn Pifer, professor of English, was presented

the Diversity Ally Award which is given to a person

who demonstrates an “exceptional commitment

to diversity and cultural awareness and who

celebrates individuality and uniqueness.” President

Maravene Loeschke made the presentation during

December commencement ceremonies.

page 12

February 11, 2012 the Mountaineers beat Cheyney 79-57 in a PSAC East

contest at Decker Gym causing the 100 win milestone for Coach Miller.

Coach Miller became the fourth coach in Mountaineer men’s basketball

history to reach the 100-win milestone. Ed Wilson won 300 games, Tom

Ackerman 127 and Bill Gibson 102.

“It’s an honor to even have my name associated with coaches of that caliber,” said Miller. “I’m

lucky, we’ve had good kids and Coach Mattern has been my assistant for all seven years along

with my dad. If anything, that’s what makes it special.”

In an interview Coach Charles “Rich” Miller gave, he said he has learned a lot from the seven

seasons he has been coaching here at Mansfield. He

has not only learned from the players through the years

but also the staff. Without the honesty and loyalty of

the players and staff, these wins would not have been

possible.j is the second leading scorer in the school’s

basketball history.

A native of Harrisburg, PA, Miller graduated from Bucknell

University in 1996 where he was a four-year starter for

the Bison’s football team as a kicker and punter, earning

All-Patroit League

honors. He also played two seasons of junior varsity basketball

for the Bison. Miller earned his MS from Mansfield in 1999.

Miller began his coaching career as an assistant at his Lower

Dauphin High School his alma in 1996-97. A 1993 graduate,

Miller received all-conference honors in basketball, baseball and

football during his junior and senior seasons and is the second

leading scorer in the school’s basketball history.

Miller has strong roots in the Mansfield area. His grandfather

Warren was an outstanding athlete at Mansfield University

and the elementary school in town is named in his honor. His

father, and assistant on the Mountaineer staff Rich Sr., coached

the Mansfield High School basketball team from 1967-72 and

directed the Tigers to a state championship in 1970.

Head Men’s Basketball Coach Rich Miller’s 100 Win Milestone

page 13

Take Action Today ~

Faculty members, coaches, students and community members must stand together to support the

Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and its 14 universities. Here are ways for you

to get involved today!

1. APSCUF Members: In 2012, APSCUF is launching the Frontline Faculty incentive program to

encourage and reward our members that go the extra mile. The first step is to connect with APSCUF

on our social media sites. Next, learn who your state legislators are. Each time you take action to

support APSCUF, let us know. Our top Frontline Faculty members will receive recognition each

quarter.

2. Students: Take ownership of your education! Stay in the know by liking the PA Students Voice

Facebook page.

3. Parents: State funding for our 14 universities is critical in keeping tuition affordable and the quality

of education high. Reach out to your legislators and let them know you support funding for public

higher education in Pennsylvania.

4. Community members: Did you know that for every dollar invested in PASSHE universities, PASSHE

returns $6 in economic impact? Learn more about the economic impact of our universities.

5. Everyone: Here are four ways to stay connected with APSCUF and learn more about public higher

education in Pennsylvania:

o Sign up to receive the APSCUF Report e-newsletter

o Like us on Facebook

o Follow us on Twitter

o Subscribe to our blog

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT?

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What do you say?

Mail it in!

page 15

MU APSCUFMansfield University204 Retan55 Wilson AveMansfield, PA 16933

Mansfield APSCUF Newsletter is a publication of the Mansfield Chapter of APSCUF.

Connie Phillips, designer and editor.

PA Students Voice website (www.pastudentsvoice.org)

provides updates and information to students. You should

also direct students to fan PA Students Voice on Facebook

and follow PA Students Voice on twitter since these will be

key sources of information.

Wednesday, January 25th, Education Voters PA sponsored

a statewide “call” to action for public education. Many

people called in to advocate for K-12 funding, and wanted

to lend their voices in support of funding for public higher

education. Information can be found here: http://www.

educationvoterspa.org/index.php/site/news/statewide-call-

for-education-click-here/

PA Students Voicewebsite

www.pastudentsvoice.org

K-12 Funding Website

www.educationvoterspa.org