Kathryn Morton,kmorton@apscuf.orgor 717-236-7486

Leadership from Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education and the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties returned this week to discuss a new contract through Interest-based bargaining.

Bargaining sessions were held Wednesday and Thursday at the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg. They are scheduled to continue July 22-23.

“Both sides are coming together with the understanding that we have shared interests and a stake in student success," State System Chancellor Dan Greenstein said. “We appreciate the spirit of goodwill these negotiations have taken, and I'm optimistic about the direction we're all heading."

The most-recent faculty contract expired June 30, and by law, the provisions of that agreement continue until a new collective bargaining agreement is ratified.

The IBB strategy focuses on collaboration instead of traditional exchange of contract proposals.

"We have made substantial progress on several key issues," APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash said. "We continue to appreciate the quality conversations as we collectively try to move forward in the best interests of our students."

Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education oversees 14 four-year public universities educating more than 90,000 students across the Commonwealth. The State System offers more than 2,300 degrees and certificates in more than 530 academic areas.