From staff reports
Clarion University has withdrawn its letter of intent for retrenchment, removing the concern of faculty cuts at the university at the end of the 201718 year.
Todd Pfannestiel, acting president of Clarion University, announced that the university won’t reduce its faculty roster. A letter had been sent out in March saying faculty retrenchment was possible.
“Even though we still face significantly rising costs, we feel that our decision to rescind the retrenchment notice is in the best interest of our students and university,” Pfannestiel said.
Ray Feroz, president of the Clarion chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF), said Friday “we are happy that the administration removed the letter, ending the threat to faculty.”
“We can now devote our energy in a positive direction, working to improve academics, recover enrollment, and improve systems here,” Feroz added. “I am absolutely convinced that collaboration and cooperation is the way to make Clarion University a great place for students to learn and faculty to work.”
April 1 was the deadline for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education to inform the association about possible layoffs due to program curtailment, elimination of courses or the elimination of the duties and responsibilities performed by nonclassroom faculty.
After Clarion issued its warning, APSCUF members and administrators held meet-and-discuss sessions at state and local levels to find solutions that were best for students and the faculty members that retrenchment would affect directly, APSCUF President Kenneth M. Mash said.
“Although we believe there should never have been a letter on the table, we are glad the Clarion University administration took this step,” Mash said.
Since the late fall semester in 2016, Clarion University has engaged faculty in discussions regarding low-enrolled degree programs, according to a press release from the university. These discussions included dialogue regarding the possibility of faculty retrenchment.
“The university looks forward this year to continuing meaningful discussions on several topics important to the success of the institution without further considering retrenchment,” Pfannestiel said.
Of the five State System universities that in the spring issued letters of intent to retrench, one letter remains at Cheyney University.
APSCUF represents about 5,500 faculty and coaches at the 14 State System universities, which also include Slippery Rock, Edinboro and Indiana.