The Slippery Rock Student Government Association announced plans Monday to hold an advocacy event regarding the ongoing APSCUF and PASSHE negotiations.
The event will be held next Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Quad with the goal of informing and educating students on the status and ongoing negotiations between the state government and the state school faculty members over contracts.
According to APSCUF President Dr. Patrick Burkhart, a strike authorization vote is coming up, and he believes it is important to convey to students that they need to advocate for successful negotiations.
“We have no intent to strike, and there has never been a strike before,” Burkhart said, “but it is important to bring about a contract, because the school year will not get off without hitches otherwise.”
SGA President Dave Wolfe noted that it was important to understand what stance SGA was taking on the situation.
“Because they are not allowed to publicly negotiate by law, we don’t know what side to advocate for,” Wolfe said. “We need a deal to get done, but we also need to make sure both sides are negotiating in good faith.”
Dr. Pease-Hernandez, SGA faculty advisor and communication professor, reminded senators not to spread false information.
“Share this information with residents and friends very carefully and be educated,” Pease-Hernandez said. “Be informed, and don’t say the faculty are going on strike.”
SGA also elected a new commuter senator, Matthew Van Kirk, a senior communication major with minors in political science and European history.
As a part of SGA, Van Kirk wants to participate on the Student Affairs Committee.
The committee addresses student concerns, campus safety and university policies.
“I want to change the campus to make it better for students with disabilities, particularly by adding more disabled access and wheelchair ramps,” Van Kirk said.
Two new organizations, SRU Film Society and SRU Men’s Choir, were approved at the Monday evening meeting.
The SRU Film Society plans to hold weekly meetings and participate in activities such as watching and making movies and starting a film blog.
They plan to convert techniques learned from watching different films into projects for independent, low-budget movies.
SRU Men’s Choir, which currently has 15 members, plans on becoming involved with the music department.
The organization is open to everyone on campus, and they are currently looking for more representation. Their first concert will be in December.
Wolfe was recently appointed to the PASSHE Board of Governors as a student representative.
“I will do my best to represent the student body and the missions of the University,” Wolfe said.
Jim Henry, Vice President of Student Affairs, said that there is a possibility of a footbridge being built in between the Rock Apartments and Building F.
According to Henry, they are also investigating the idea of building another ‘green shelter’ bus stop next to the Rock Apartments, which will be similar to the one that is presently located near Weisenfluh Dining Hall.
