Negotiations continued today between the union representing faculties at Pennsylvania’s state-owned universities and Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education at the State APSCUF office in Harrisburg.

“We are moving ahead on several important topics,” said Dr. Kenneth M. Mash, president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties. The teams did not release specifics about topics covered thus far or agendas of future sessions.

Interest-based bargaining is slated to continue Aug. 19–20 at the APSCUF office and Sept. 14–18 at Dixon University Center in Harrisburg. The IBB strategy focuses on collaboration instead of traditional exchange of contract proposals.

“These discussions are underscored by a shared interest in student success, and with that continued goodwill, we’ll keep making progress," State System Chancellor Daniel Greenstein said. "I’m optimistic about the future of our State System, and much of that optimism comes from the collaborative nature of these talks.”

The contract expired June 30; by law, that collective bargaining agreement remains in effect until a new one is ratified.

Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education comprises 14 public universities, which combined enroll the largest number of Pennsylvania residents among all four-year colleges and universities in the Commonwealth. With nearly 100,000 degree-seeking students and thousands more enrolled in certificate and other career-development programs, the State System is a vital contributor to the Pennsylvania economy, generating an estimated $6.7 billion of economic activity annually. Collectively, the State System universities offer more than 2,300 degree and certificate programs in more than 530 academic areas. The universities have nearly 800,000 living alumni, the vast majority of whom reside in Pennsylvania.

The State System universities are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania. The universities also operate branch campuses in Oil City (Clarion), Freeport and Punxsutawney (IUP), and Clearfield (Lock Haven), and offer classes and programs at several regional centers, including the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg and in Center City in Philadelphia.

APSCUF represents about 5,500 faculty and coaches at the State System universities.