The document summarizes BUnow's coverage of the 2017 APSCUF strike at Bloomsburg University. BUnow generated 33 articles, 3 daily photo galleries, and a print magazine on the strike. Eleven student journalists covered the strike extensively. The strike lasted from October 19-21, 2017 over issues like faculty contracts and protections for students' education. BUnow provided up-to-date information and perspectives from students, faculty, and officials throughout the duration of the strike.

1. STRIKE EDITIONNO. 2
Spring 2017
LIM
ITED
ARCHIVAL RUN
$5

2. As the school year comes to an end, BUnow is reflecting on its accomplishments this year. We’ve certainly had a lot of shining
moments, but our most extensive section of the site currently is the journalism and photography done on the APSCUF
Strike. BUnow generated 33 articles prior to, during, and after the Strike as well as posted three daily photo galleries of the Strike
and all that it entailed. Eleven student journalists, videographers, and photographers worked to achieve this astounding feat.
Last year, BUnow produced its first-ever print magazine. We were excited to develop and print another magazine this
year, and with the 10,925 views that our Strike cumulatively collected, it seemed a Strike Magazine was the best choice. Some of
the articles included on the BUnow site were informative, including released information and content from mass student emails,
opinion pieces, articles that addressed what the strike looked like both from the faculty line and through student perspectives and
many more. There were also many interviews, including an article that gave student perspectives from other PASSHE schools.
The strike lasted three days, beginning on Oct. 19 and ending on Oct. 21. BUnow was on watch as students awaited the
email from BU that would declare the strike and Matt Mastrogiovanni quickly reported on it. As rumors quickly began and worry
arose from student, Micah Richards took to the BUnow site for debunking falsities of the strike and gave students the truths about
what an APSCUF strike meant.
Kaitlyn Pope and Morgan Mickavicz wrote an article informing the student body about what the strike was really about.
The Strike was not about faculty wanting higher wages, but protecting the education of the State System’s students. PASSHE
wanted to establish rules which would compromise students access to professors as they could be assigned to teach at several
PASSHE schools, even at far distances from another in the same semester. They also wanted to enact more online courses which
are not overall poor, but offering more of them may require students who would learn better in a physical classroom to take
one. They also wanted to develop a policy that would eliminate majors or courses with low student rates, diminishing the idea
of liberal arts education and hurting students who are invested in small programs. Luckily, a negotiation was met and the strike
only lasted a few days.
Some of the other writers who contributed excellent commentary on faculty thoughts, updated Strike details and high
quality opinion pieces were Dallas Kriebel, Cynthia Johnston, Kendyl Galbraith, CJ De Leo, Rachael Sheller, and Jessica Pupillo.
The Strike was a huge part of the school year and it impacted the students of not only BU, but of all the PASSHE schools. Though
the Strike was not what everyone wanted, BUnow was glad to be a source of information during that time.
Morgan Mickavicz
Managing Editor
Table of Contents
Potential Strike Date Set For October 19, 2016................................................................4
Gov. Wolf Implores: Keep Teaching, Keep Talking..........................................................5
APSCUF President Ken Mash Discusses Status of the Strike.........................................6
APSCUF Strike = Fall Block Party?....................................................................................7
Bloomsburg Students Support APSCUF............................................................................8
What Do Our Classrooms Look Like in the Midst of the Strike?..................................9
Bloomsburg Students Rally In Support of APSCUF......................................................10
Behind the Picket Line......................................................................................................12
BU Students Blind Supporters?.........................................................................................14
My Reaction to the Strike...................................................................................................15
As Strike Continues, So Do Concerns.............................................................................18
APSCUF and PASSHE reach agreement.........................................................................20
4 Feelings after learning the strike is over.......................................................................21
The Strike is Over; Let’s Have One Last Look at What Happened...............................22
A “Special Message” from Chancellor Brogan and the Board of Governors.............23
Special Thanks to our designers...
and all of our writers at BUnow, photograhy by Ryan Welkom and our awesome social media team Jackie Ehrhardt and
Emily Creager!
Cindy Jonhnston
Editor-in-Chief
Matt Mastrogiovanni
Managing Editor -
2016-2017
Nicole Keiser
Rachael Sheller
Sarah Gottschalk
Edwin Nunez
C.J. De Leo
A special thank you to our innovative advisor
Dr. Richard Ganahl!
After seeing the success of the first edition, a second edition on BUnow’s
on-the-spot coverage of one of the most unique experiences in Bloomsburg
University’s history was a natural idea. Charge!!!
Thank you for the support and generous sponsorship from the
BU Mass Communications Department The Strike Edition will also be featured online on ISSUU

3. Potential Strike Date Set For
October 19, 2016By Kendyl Galbraith - Oct. 7, 2016
Right before the 2016-17 school year began, the 14 State Schools heard word of a possible faculty union strike
(APSCUF). Automatically, talk began among students, parents, and professors about what would happen if
this strike were to occur.
The union is pushing for a fair negotiation with the State System. The State System’s current proposal is paving
the way for more temporary faculty members to teach college level classes and limit the amount of permanent
faculty members. The State System is also looking to cut faculty health benefits and then charge them more for
their benefits.
APSCUF has one individual contract negotiated for the 14universities in the State System. The original vote for
the strike took place on Sept. 7 and went through Sept. 9. At the conclusion of the voting process, the vote was in
favor of the strike.
On Sept. 22, the President of APSCUF, Ken Mash, announced the strike date for Oct. 19. In The Voice, a Bloomsburg
University run newspaper, a letter from Michael Martin, Asst. Professor of English included a quote from Mash.
Mash said, “I would note in the seven plus years I have been here, this is the first time I have heard a specific date
for a potential labor action, so that is a step further in the process than I have ever experienced. It is a step that
concerns and frightens me also.”
The State System has posted updates within the past month to keep students up-to-date with what may potentially
happen. The first update was released on Aug. 23, and the most recent update was released on Sept. 27. The latest
update included a student fact sheet and FAQ about the possible faculty union strike.
While most of the media is focused on how the potential strike may affect faculty, it is important to look into how
the students view the potential strike as well.
When speaking with Brooke Springborn, a senior at Kutztown University, she shared her knowledge on the strike:
“As a senior, this is extremely discouraging because it sets us back not only with our education, but our lives. I can’t
help but to think about this as a stressful and selfish action.”
Derek Miller, junior at Millersville University, said, “Millersville was my top choice going into college because of
the programs and promises. I did not what to go to a university where I would be looked at as a number or where I
would see a graduate student more than my decorated professor. I believe that the professors who are standing up
to protest this right truly believe in Millersville promises and our student body.”
Gov. Wolf Implores: Keep Teaching,
Keep Talking
By Cindy Johnston - Oct 19, 2016
WiththepotentialstrikebyPennsylvania’s14stateschools’facultylooming,GovernorWolfreleasedastatement
about the contract negotiations between Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and
the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF):
“I have monitored negotiations between PASSHE and APSCUF closely and I have had many conversations with
both sides. Throughout all of this I have repeatedly urged both sides to continue talking until an agreement is
reached.
“We must ensure our professors are treated fairly while recognizing PASSHE’s difficult financial situation due to
years of underfunding.
“There is enough common ground for the two sides to reach a final compromise. Both PASSHE and APSCUF
should continue negotiations until a final agreement is reached.
“Avoiding a strike is paramount because a work stoppage will be devastating for the state system. Most seriously, a
strike could drive a loss of students, which would further exacerbate an already precarious financial situation for
the state system. We have to look no further than what happened to Temple University following the faculty strike
in 1990. It took years for Temple to recover its student population.
“We all agree that the higher education of our students is a top
priority, and tomorrow students should show up to class and
professors should show up to teach them.”
The 1990 Temple University strike Governor Wolf is referring
to occurred because the then-President Peter Liacouras refused
to budge in negotiations of a contract with Temple Association
of University Professionals’ (TAUP), according to The Temple
News. On Aug. 30, 1990, TAUP went on strike at picket lines
along Broad Street.
We cannot predict whether or not the potential strike affecting us will have similar results, nor can we predict
with certainty if the strike will occur. As of now, we just have to wait until 5 a.m. tomorrow, Oct. 19, and see what
happens.
Temple University students march during the
1990 strike (from http://temple-news.com/
news/recent-protests-african-american-stud-
ies-department-revisit-old-battles/)
During the course of the strike (29 days) and after, more than
3,500 students withdrew from Temple University. According to
James Hilty, a history professor, Temple’s enrollment numbers
did not recover until the 1999-2000 academic year. The strike
also cost Temple more than $12.5 million.
4 5

4. APSCUF President Ken Mash Discusses
Status of the StrikeBy Cindy Johnston - Oct. 19, 2016
At 10:30 p.m. tonight, President of APSCUF, Ken Mash, held a Facebook Live discussion to address any questions
about the potential strike.
Mash tried to assure us that he and APSCUF are still willing to negotiate as long as they “stand up for [them]selves and
[their] colleagues.”
Jamie Martin, Vice President, spoke out about their dedication saying, “We’ve sat in this room since Friday for many
hours.” Their days were filled with 12 to 14 hours of negotiating. Martin spoke about how they tried their best to work
with the State System while thinking about us, the students, and knowing we support them. She alleged that it seemed as
though PASSHE was simply not interested.
ChrisAllen,treasurerofAPSCUFandaBloomsburgUniversityprofessorintheChemistryandBiochemistryDepartment,
stated that he didn’t understand the motivation of the State System to walk away from the table and from over 100,000
students.
One of the questions of those who were watching the discussion was if the current status of the negotiations meant there
will be a strike. Mash responded, saying that both APSCUF and PASSHE are processing the proposals. He said, “This is
real time. We’re working in real time.”
Mash went on to say that at 5 a.m. tomorrow, Oct. 19, he will have “either a tentative agreement in [his] hands or a picket
sign in [his] hands.” Whatever the outcome is, Mash wants to thank his colleagues and the students.
Another question asked was what can be done to stop the strike. APSCUF suggested writing to your legislator. To find
contact information for your legislator, you can go to APSCUF’s website where they have a link to help you do so. Mash
is hoping that if a lot of people write into their legislator, the State System will come back to make negotiations.
Students were also wondering if they can go on strike with their professors. Mash encouraged students to do whatever
they think is right, but said he was not advocating anything.
When it came to the question of why the State System did not agree with arbitration, Mash said he could not speak on
their behalf. As for the Governor, Mash believes that he cares about the students and having quality education.
The discussion also addressed the Chancellor’s reputation as a “Union Buster.” Mash’s only comment was “actions speak
for themselves.”
Perhaps one of the biggest questions of students is if they need to attend class if the strike occurs. Mash advised students to
follow the advice of their university
(check out our article about the
email Bloomsburg students received
about the possible strike). However,
Mash also said to feel free to express
your rights.
The discussion ended by saying
that the strike is not official yet and
to continue to check APSCUF’s
website for updates.
No agreement between the state school system, PASSHE, and the
governing body of faculty, APSCUF, has been reached. As of 5 a.m. a
strike was declared.
APSCUF Strike = Fall Block Party?
By Morgan Micavicz - Oct. 19 2016
There has been rumor of a fall Block Party since the talk of a potential Association of Pennsylvania State
College and University Faculties strike began, but Bloom Block Party’s twitter account confirmed it this
morning.
Teachers strike, we strike…with booze?
The idea behind the fall Block Party is that students
participating in one rather than being in class could help
push PASSHE and APSCUF closer to an agreement. Nobody
wants college students from 14 colleges and universities,
especially the community members and parents/guardians,
out partying all day instead of being in classrooms.
No details have been confirmed yet on the fall Block Party
but anyone who’s interested in attending knows when it
begins and Fetterman Ave. could be the place to be.
APSCUF Declares Strike
6 7

5. 8 9
Bloomsburg Students Support APSCUF
By Dallas Kriebel - Oct 19, 2016
The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) declined the final contract
offer by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) last night at around 11:30 p.m. That
meant that at 5:00 a.m. this morning, the faculty of all 14 Pennsylvania State Universities were officially on strike.
Bloomsburg University faculty are posted at every entrance of the campus with picket signs in hand. But there are
also plenty of students taking a stand against PASSHE with them.
Students feel very strongly that their education is the most important point in this strike, and that the faculty are
fighting for their own contract, as well as fighting for students.
One staff member that wished to remain anonymous said that PASSHE is “trying to divide us and lower the quality
[of the students’ education.]” This rings true with students who want their education to be as valuable as possible.
Students were also manning picket signs and joining in chants in front of Carver Hall this morning as the faculty
were marching to the beat of a bass drum. Two BU sophomores, Thomas Weber and Dave Zienkiewicz, stated “we’ve
been here since 5:30 a.m.” Weber said he was fighting for the quality education that the professors give to students,
and Zienkiewicz added, “I aspire to be a post-secondary educator, so this is really important to me.”img_4025
There was a large drawing pad and markers for any students who wanted to join the picket line at Carver Hall.
Junior Arden Schiller held up a sign that said #SettleForTheStudents. Many students like her want an agreement to
be met between PASSHE and APSCUF so that they can continue their education.
Any student who wishes to get involved in the strike can go to any of the major entrances into Bloomsburg
University and join the picket line. Also, APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth Mash encourages students to call their
state legislators and urge PASSHE and Chancellor Frank Brogan back to the bargaining table.
For the latest updates on the BU strike, stay tuned to BUnow.com and our social media accounts. You can also
voice your opinion on the strike on Twitter by using #BloomUstrike.
Faculty marching outside of Carver HallStudent supporters sitting outside Carver Hall
What Do Our Classrooms Look Like in the
Midst of the Strike?
With the majority of Bloomsburg University’s faculty on strike, many classrooms are left empty. Void of the
future’s working minds, void of professors, and quite frankly, void of purpose. These classrooms were built
to hold the minds of up and coming intellectuals. But what happens when the state system and faculty cannot
come to terms with new contracts? We are left with classrooms that look like this:
OutsideofMcCormickclassroom2303,KarliMiller
sits with signs that support faculty. She is a TA for
a class held inside this room and is required to be
present at the time that the class would normally
take place. So she sits, but not in support of the state
system. She says she is so against crossing the picket
line, that she refuses to step inside of the classroom.
Negotiations continue to go on as we now approach
day three of the strike. More information and
updates will be available on BUnow.com, as well as
the APSCUF and PASSHE websites.
McCormick classroom 1303 left practically empty in the wake of the strike.
Karli Miller smiles as she supports APSCUF outside of classroom
2303.
By Kaitlyn Pope - Oct. 20, 2016

6. She went on to passionately say, “His [the Chancellor’s] next paycheck, his next raise, is not going to come from the
professors or the students. He needs to march down to Harrisburg and ask for more state funding.”
The final student to speak was a fifth year senior named Carly. Carly stated that she is considered a “nonresponsive
student” when it comes to mental health diagnosis. Her freshman year, she had professors—she made sure to point
out that they were just her general education professors—who made sure she got the mental health care she needed
and encouraged her to go to her classes.
Carly believes that we need to “support our faculty who go above and beyond.” She stated that she “will be on the
picket line as long as [she has] to be in order to stand with the professors.”
The rally ended with Weber making sure people knew that these students also stand with “our coaches, janitors,
and other staff who stand by us,” and one other student encouraging a peaceful protest and staying safe.
A few minutes before 3:30 p.m., all of the students standing by APSCUF marched down to Carver Hall to protest
with the faculty.
Students join faculty in their protest
10 11
Today, at 3 p.m. Bloomsburg University students took
to the academic quad to show their support for the
Association of Pennsylvania State College and University
Faculties (APSCUF). Students in support of APSCUF
marched onto the quad with their picket signs, chanting, all
while the song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” was playing.
The first student to speak at the rally was Thomas Weber, a
sophomore, who discussed how Bloomsburg is a “working
class school” with quality staff who give their time to their
students. Weber stated that he is standing with APSCUF,
with our professors, and not with the Pennsylvania State
System of Higher Education (PASSHE), “particularly the
Chancellor.”
Weber continuously said, “We [the students] will not give
up.” Speaking for the students in support of APSCUF, Weber
discussed the desire for a quality education and how “education is the pursuit of the truth.” The students rallying
are searching for the truth since most of the information about the strike makes it seem like APSCUF is simply
looking for raises.
By standing by APSCUF, Weber stated that “we [the students] are flexing our muscles and powers by being out
here.” Their goal is to stand by APSCUF’s side as long as they need to to ensure that our professors are valued.
Weber believes that with the proposed negotiations, PASSHE is devaluing our education by proposing we have
more temporary staff.
Weber went on to say that we, the students, “keep the lights on” by paying our tuition, paying our professors’
salaries, and keeping the universities running. He and the students standing by APSCUF are demanding “quality
education that is not dumbed down.”
The students believe that PASSHE is treating our education as a business, which they do not believe is right. “Is this
about money or our future?” Weber proposed. Simply put, Weber just wants the Chancellor to make a reasonable
deal that has our education in mind.”
The next student to speak, whom did not release her name, continued to say that their goal is to have a quality
education. She believes that the negotiations are about “our future, our degrees, and our quality education,” but
PASSHE is seeing “what they can get away with cheating out on and cheating out on us.” She went on to say that
PASSHE is nothing without us and “we are the money and we are the power.”
This student urged all students in support of APSCUF to email the Chancellor and let him know that we are not
giving up and that he can “stay up past his bedtime,” alluding to how he left the negotiations early. You can email
him at Chancellor@passhe.edu.
The next student to speak also did not release her name, but she pointed out that the Chancellor is the highest
paid state official. She mentioned how he makes more than Governor Wolfe, but during the negotiations, the
Chancellor would not agree to freeze or lower his paycheck.
Students rallying on the quad
Bloomsburg Students Rally in Support of APSCUF
By Cindy Johnston - Oct 19, 2016

7. INTERVIEWS:
BUnow members Emma Everrett and Katie
Travers went out in the field to get interviews
during the strike. Check out their videos on
our YouTube!
Behind the Picket LineRain or shine, faculty and students were out on strike. These are some of the photos from the three days of the
strike, all photos taken by Ryan Welkom.
Check out BUnow.com for more images
from the strike.

8. My Reaction to the Strike
By Rachael Sheller - Oct. 20 2016
The evening before the potential strike, there was a sort of heaviness that hung on top of campus. A heaviness
that usually does not exist among the lovely fall landscape of Bloomsburg University; unless it’s final’s week of
course.
Last night, APSCUF’s Facebook page held a live broadcast and answered some questions that students had. It was
about 13 minutes long and it seemed to end with more questions than when they started. Here on the right is a
picture of the Facebook live stream from Oct. 18.
I went to bed confused and unsure of what the morning might bring. Should I still report to class? Should I not
go to class? Should I be out there picketing with faculty? Or is it not my fight? On Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 5 a.m., it
was time for me to make up my mind whether I was ready or not. The faculty were officially on strike for the first
time in PASSHE’s history.
I was given a ride to the campus from a friend of mine that morning. We were discussing what course of action we
should take during this weird time. This wasn’t a strike that happened in a high school where things would shut
down and that was it. In this case, the university wasn’t closed and we still had to report to class according to an
email that was sent to us by Dr. Soltz. Part of the email is shown below.
Dear Students:
Tomorrow may be the beginning of the first faculty strike in Pennsylvania State System of
Higher Education’s 33-year history. I am certain you are wondering what this means for you.
In many ways, life at Bloomsburg University will continue uninterrupted if a strike occurs.
You will still be expected to go to your classes, because some faculty may choose to teach.
When the possibility of a strike first began (in August) I’ll admit, I was angry with the professors. I thought that
this was just a selfish thing to do to set us seniors back from graduating. I asked myself, “Why do the professors
think they’re helping us by striking?” I was sadly forming this opinion off of not-so-true “facts” and not trying to
hear the other side. I was just focusing on graduating in May.
It wasn’t until I started listening to my fellow students who were more informed than me. In my Capstone class,
we started to talk to each other about our concerns about the potential for a faculty strike. I wasn’t sure how 100%
true this information was, but I was all ears to listen at this point. What came up into discussion was the quality
of our degrees. Our quality of degrees and education would lower if this contract wasn’t revised. I have busted
my tail since June 2013 and have gotten Dean’s List every semester (not to brag). So to hear that my degree that
I’ve worked SO HARD for might get devalued because of PASSHE had me fired up. Then hearing about how we
wouldn’t get enough time with our professors due to this new contract was even more unsettling. There were so
many other factors in this situation that had me angry that I can’t even name all of them in this article. To get all of
the information you need on these changes in contracts, visit the APSCUF official Facebook page or their website.
14 15
BU Students Blind Supporters?
By Dallas Kriebel - Oct 20, 2016
The sights at Carver Hall yesterday and today have been almost parallel. Faculty are marching in front of the
well-known BU building, and students are sitting on the steps supporting them. Watching the support that
the students are giving BU faculty is incredible. However, some may ask what their motivation is for supporting
the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF).
After interviewing students wielding picket signs at Carver, the reason they were all there was unanimous. “We are
here to support the teachers.” Some said that the faculty sacrifice their time to be at the university after hours, and
that the faculty members were like family.
This is a good thing right? Students are supporting their educators and their right to a fair contract. Without good
professors, students wouldn’t be getting a quality education. But
that is exactly what is happening as the strike goes on. Faculty
are striking and students are suffering.
That is not to say that the faculty want to strike. Interviews with
striking faculty have also shown that almost none of them want
to be striking. 5,500 faculty throughout the 14 state universities
are relying on APSCUF President Dr. Ken Mash and a small
executive board to make a decision on whether PASSHE has
given them a good enough contract. None of the striking
professors have a vote as to whether they want to accept a
contract from PASSHE.
Much of the disgust from students has been directed toward
PASSHE and its Chancellor, Frank Brogan. Students and faculty
are angry that PASSHE left the negotiating table on Wednesday,
Oct. 18 and have yet to return.
But have students considered that the state system does not have
the funds to continue negotiating? Unless PASSHE bargains the
state for more money, they only have a certain amount of funds at their disposal. This basically means that either
the students will be paying more for tuition, or the faculty will have to settle for a lower salary. This is also the
reason why PASSHE is negotiating for more adjunct faculty, they don’t get paid as much as full, tenured professors.
One phrase that has been said quite a bit the last few days is that by refusing to negotiate further, PASSHE is
“devaluing our education.” At what point is APSCUF the one devaluing our education by not accepting a contract?
At any rate, students can support whomever they choose. In the end, it is a matter of whether or not APSCUF
President Ken Mash and his executive board accept a contract offer from PASSHE.
But students, before making a decision on who to support, do your research. Ask questions and become informed
on the real issues pertaining to the strike. Don’t just listen to what your friends are saying, and don’t be blind
followers. Not being informed is like playing a game of Telephone – at the end, the message is never the same as it
was in the beginning.
You can find out more about PASSHE and APSCUF and what they stand for by visiting their websites, and keep
up with negotiations by looking at bloomu.edu/negotiations. You can also follow PASSHE and APSCUF on their
social media accounts.

9. Following the conversations we had in Capstone, I had a change of tune real fast. How could this state system
that claims to care about us, treat our faculty and its students like cash cows instead of living, breathing, cognitive
human beings? Has money become so much of a factor in our society that it has taken away the very things that
makes us all human: understanding, listening, and sympathy?
So on Wednesday, Oct. 19, I did not go to my classes. I did not sit there in those empty classrooms hoping for
someone to take attendance. I instead met with my fellow peers on the Student Services Center at 3 p.m. to get
ready for the rally at Carver Hall.
Students on the Student Services Center steps gathering students to return to Carver Hall in support of the faculty
Bloomsburg student Mara O’Malley made her own sign and brought it to Carver. With the phrase, “This doesn’t
feel very ‘personal,’” O’Malley was referencing the campaign “It’s Personal” that was launched on campus last fall.
This campaign resulted in students paying a $300 “Student Success Fee.”
Do I still want to graduate in May? Hell yes, but not if my Bloomsburg University degree that I busted my ass over
is the same value as a table napkin. I am hoping that this strike ends soon and that I can go back to my learning.
I want to get out of school in a timely manner. I do not want to make up for lost time. However, I have come to
realize that this strike, this contract, these professors are a lot bigger than myself.
After a very long and hot day surrounded by the faculty and students, I am officially saying that I am #withAPSCUF.
16 17
Students on the Student Services Center steps gathering students to
return to Carver Hall in support of the faculty
Students and faculty join together on the steps of Carver Hall at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

10. As Strike
Continues, So
Do Concerns
While the strike may have been filled with fun
and games in the beginning, Bloomsburg
University students are now having some growing
concerns about their educations, teachers, and
more. The strike began two days ago on Oct. 19
and began at about 5 a.m. that morning after the
faculty union, APSCUF, and the state system,
PASSHE, were unable to reach an agreement
regarding the new contract.
Some of the main issues that are regarding
the strike have to do with professor’s salaries.
According to USA Today, the state was able to
withdraw proposals regarding faculty members to
teach more than the average four classes, increase
the number of temporary faculty, and have
graduate students teach classes. As of now the main
concerns seem to be about professor’s salaries not
being high enough and the cost of health care. The
strike is affecting 14 different Pennsylvania colleges including Bloomsburg University, California University of
Pennsylvania, Cheyney University, Clarion University, East Stroudsburg University, Edinboro University, Indiana
University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown University, Lock Haven University, Mansfield University, Millersville
University, Shippensburg University, Slippery Rock University, and West Chester University.
Many Bloomsburg students’ classes are not being held. While there are still around 20 or 30 teachers—a rough
estimate—still possibly teaching, that is a small percentage of the approximate 400 professors at the school.
Students are getting anxious, nervous, aggravated, and bored with the strike. Sophomore Emily Mansilla stated she
has “concerns when we come back about pace of class. I don’t want to rush through stuff.” Student Laura Josuweit
added that she believes “more than 3 days [of the strike] will be a mess.”
Freshmen Alison McKay told BUnow that she wanted to know, “how long is it going to last? That is what I am
concerned about.”
Some students are not only fearing for their classes, but also their housing. Brooke Vanim, a junior at Bloomsburg
University, said she was worried about getting kicked out of her apartment: “I don’t want to get kicked out of my
apartment, and I don’t want to go home.”
By Jessica Pupillo - Oct. 21, 2016
Faculty members participating in strike on day 3
Sophomore, Monica DeLora had this to say when asked about her opinion on strike and if she had any concerns: “I
think the professors have every right to strike, but I am worried about my education. They definitely need to work
towards a solution not only for the professors but also the students.”
While most Bloomsburg students seem to be upset about the strike, at least a handful of students are entirely
behind the strike and are okay with risking a few class days if the teachers can be treated fairly. Bloomsburg student
Nick Garisto said, “I’m glad it is happening. If I have to sacrifice a week of education to get professors what they
deserve I’m okay with that.”
Some students are not only voicing their support through their opinions, but are going down to the picket lines with
the faculty. Outside of Carver Hall, faculty are marching, holding signs and even having musical accompaniments
of drums and horns. When asked why he was here today, Frank Bucco, a senior at Bloomsburg University, had this
to say: “Because I feel our professors deserve more and want to be able to finish semester, and it ultimately affects
students, most especially seniors like myself who want to graduate in May.” Freshmen Vanessa Yonkin, whom was
seated on the stairs just steps away from
the picket line, stated “We support it and
we want equality for all teachers.”
Professors like Joseph Tloczynski, who
teaches in the Psychology department,
were seated outside of Carver Hall
holding signs and hoping that this course
of action will help the state and union be
able to come to a conclusion that is best
for everyone. When asked what he would
like to say to student body, Tloczynski
said “basically the state needs to get back
to negotiating.” Tlocyznski also stated
that there were people whom were part of
the union in Harrisburg protesting as well
and whom have hope for them [the state]
to negotiate.
As of right now, there is no further
information regarding the state and
faculty union negotiations or any
indication of when the strike will be over.
Even heavy rain will not stop these faculty members from participating
in the picket line
18 19

11. 4 Feelings After Learning the Strike
is Over
By Rachael Sheller - Oct. 22, 2016
1. Happiness
Hooray! If you’re a senior, you can take a breather, sit
down, and un-clench your cheeks. This strike that lasted
three school days will not have impact on whether you
will graduate on time. December 2016 or my May 2017
seniors, relax kids, you’re still getting your diploma! We
can hopefully look back on this experience and give it a
good laugh someday.
2. Confusion
Okay. So we just go back to class like nothing ever happened?
Resume our daily routine? Pick up where our professor left off? I
know it was only three missed school days, but, jeez, I lose track
of time after a regular weekend. Wait, what day is it? What are my
classes again?
3. Stress
Those three days off were used for a couple of things: “Fall
Block Party,” sleeping, Law & Order: SVU marathons, and more
day drinking. Basically, no one studied. I’m being completely
honest here. I am as prepared to get back to class as Donald
Trump is prepared during the Presidential debates. Like in
Trump fashion, I will just conduct myself in a manner where I
think I know what I’m talking about.
4. Empowered
If you were the students who stood with the professors during the strike,
wrotearticlesoremailsexpressingyouropiniononthematter,orjustsimply
went outside and took pictures as a citizen journalist, congratulations. You
were a part of history and you (should) feel empowered by it. You saw
something that will define your time here at Bloomsburg University or
any of the other schools associated with Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Without us
students walking side by side with the faculty, who knows how long it would’ve taken for PASSHE to return to the
table and for both sides to settle their differences and reach an agreement.
If you did not part take in any of this, I hope you feel empowered by beating your Netflix binge record, your day
drinking record, and your pizza consuming record. We are all winners here.
20 21
APSCUF and PASSHE Reach an
Agreement
By Cindy Johnston - Oct 21, 2016
At approximately 4 p.m. today, the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (AP-
SCUF) announced that the strike was over.
According to Fox 43, APSCUF and Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) have finally
reached an agreement. There is now a new contract that will end on June 20, 2018.
With APSCUF’s goal of keeping a quality education, they compromised with PASSHE to accept a lower salary
package than most other unions in exchange for removing most of the 249 changes PASSHE proposed. APSCUF
has not yet released specific details about concessions, but they will in a future statement.
In a quote Fox 43 received from APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash, Mash discussed his goals during the
negotiations and his sense of relief now that the strike is over:
“Our primary goals were to preserve quality education for our students, protect our adjuncts from exploitation,
and make sure the varieties of faculty work are respected. We achieved every single one of those goals, and the
faculty were willing to take less than every other bargaining unit in order to preserve those goals. We are relieved
to have an agreement that preserves quality public higher education in Pennsylvania and allows our members to
get back into the classroom where they belong.”
Mash continued on to praise Gov. Tom Wolf for his support in encouraging an agreement and praised “brothers
and sisters” at other unions for their support. He especially wanted to thank the students for their support:
“Most of all, [we] thank our students. If any high school student is looking for a place to go to school, they
should look at how much all our students supported their faculty. We have phenomenal students, and we are
proud to be able to return to the classroom to supply the quality of public higher education they deserve” (Fox
43).
This strike lasted almost three days and was the first strike in APSCUF history.

12. 22
The Strike is Over; Let’s Have One Last Look at What Happened
By Micah Richards - Oct 21, 2016
If you are a student at any Pennsylvania state school, you probably just received a text or email letting you know
that the strike has ended and that classes will be back on Monday. But what exactly went down on Bloomsburg’s
campus when we were all away?
• Out of approximately 425-450 faculty, only 45 showed up to campus today. All
remaining faculty were required to sign-in if they wished to be paid for the day.
• Interestingly enough, there are around 100 faculty members who are not members
of the teaching union. This means that about 55 non-union members did not
show up during the strike.
• There were a few unproductive Q&A sessions. Evidently students were not happy
with the vague and rehearsed answers which were being fed to them from all sides.
• Manyprofessorsbegantopanicasmidtermgradesareduenextweek.“Wednesday,
midterm grades are due. Then the kids should really start to worry and get pissed
off,” said one faculty member. Fortunately, it looks like none of us have much to be
pissed off at now that the strike has ended.
• Many of the dorms were half-empty. Apparently a lot of students were confident
that the strike would give them a five-day weekend, so they decided not to stick
around. It looks like this one worked out in their favor.
Now that negotiations are over, things should return to normal for students and faculty. However, it’s safe to say
that most of us will remember this past week for a very long time.
Photos courtesy of Ryan Welkom.
A “Special Message” from Chancellor Brogan and the Board of Governors
By Cindy Johnston - Oct 27, 2016
With the conclusion of the Association of
PennsylvaniaStateCollegeandUniversity
Faculties (APSCUF) strike at 4 p.m. this past
Friday, Oct. 21, we’ve had some time to take in
the craziness, reflect upon what happened, and
try to return to normal campus life.
Today, Bloomsburg University students received
an email with a link to a message from the Board
of Governors and Chancellor Brogan. Click here
to see the “special message.”
All in all, the Board of Governors and the
Chancellor wanted to remind students, faculty,
staff, and “friends” that a college campus is a
special place and that the State System and the
14 universities are strongest when they work together:
“As we look to the days and months ahead, let us remember
thattheStateSystemandouruniversitiesarestrongerwhen
we stand together. Let us harness the intellect, the will,
and the energy of all who know how powerfully important
higher education can be, and—together—work toward a
solid future for the State System.”
The Board of Governors and the Chancellor also took the time to thank the students and everyone on the campuses
for their patience and contributions.
Chancellor Frank Brogan
23

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