Ron Straub

President

570-662-4796

Rob Clark

Vice-President

570-662-4482

Shawndra Holderby

Secretary

570-662-4664

Jonathan Rothermel

Treasurer

570-662-4487

Connie Phillips

APSCUF Office

Manager

570-662-4919

APSCUF Office

Mansfield University

205 Memorial Hall

20 Straughn Drive

Mansfield, PA 16933

570-662-4919

Mansfield University

APSCUF Newsletter December 2013 Volume 25 Issue 4

Van Norman Field

this issue

Rob’s Greeting…..p 1

Faculty Accomplishments…..p 3

Reminder…..p 5

Mismanagement Report…..p 6

Income Tax & Union Dues…..p 8

Willing to Share?.....p 9

S ince ancient times, and around the world, the ever-darkening count of days

we now call by the name “December,” (from Latin, the 10th month) has been

understood as a time of rebirth. The winter solstice, the turning point at which the

days begin to get longer instead of shorter, has been viewed both metaphorically

and experientially as a journey from darkness into light.

It is no surprise then that numerous traditions, from Saturnalia of the Romans, to

the Yule celebrations of the Germanic peoples, to the Li Chun holiday of China,

“Spring is Coming, ” to Diwali of Hinduism, the “Festival of Lights,” to the more

familiar Hanukkah of Judaism and Christmas of Christianity, have held their

major celebrations in proximity to this turning. For now we go from despair to

hope, from death to life, as the “Light of the World” returns to shed life-giving

warmth on the Earth, on our journey of days.

If we desire, I think this transition might also be understood as an expression of

hope during our current situation. Though buried deep under the frozen fastness

that is the Endless Mountains in winter, like the evergreen acacia, under the snow

lie dormant the blossoms of spring. The turnings of the solstice and the year bring

the promise of renewal to our workplace, and a keen desire to rebuild Mansfield

University into a shape that is sustainable and poised to face the growing

challenges of the 21st century.

n keeping with this time of transition and hopeful improvement,

it has become customary in American culture to adopt resolutions

for the New Year.

Here is my list for MU:

Let’s continue to work together-- to build our strengths and mitigate our weaknesses.

Challenges are just that—not insurmountable. Let’s continue the positive conversations, and

intelligent planning for the future.

Through such foresight, let’s own the future of this university rather than be buffeted by the winds of

change.

Let’s continue to build a culture of solidarity. By promoting unity with each other and lawfulness

under the contract, a healthy community, well-ordered institution, and respectful atmosphere

will be sustained.

By fostering and pursuing excellence, coupled with constructive dialogue, savvy decision-making,

and standing together, we can surpass the challenges of today and the perceived limits of

yesteryear.

Yet more than all else, after this tumultuous semester, I wish you and your loved ones peace and joy.

Once the grades are in, and the weary students have gone home, and we are once again covered by

nature’s frigid yet life-protecting blanket, may you find restoration amidst the simple and familiar

delights of the season, as the turning of the year leads to renewal of ourselves and our efforts.

From your local APSCUF executive committee and the Clark family,

Shalom (Hebrew, Peace) -- An Le (Mandarin, Peace & Happiness)

Your friend,

Rob

MU APSCUF VP

3

FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Dr. Nanci Werner-Burke, an associate professor in the Department of Education and Special

Education, presented two sessions at the 2013 Keystone State Reading Association

Conference. Her first session, titled, "Speak to the Living: Rethink ing Classroom Research in

the Age of Information and Communication" focused on alternative means of data collection for

classroom research projects. The second session, titled, “The Missing Piece: Tools for Effective

Note-taking, which she co-presented with National Board-certified middle school teacher Dawna

Vanderpool, focused on the need to teach note-taking skills and support skill development with

digital tools.

Edward Washington

Dr. Edward Washington, Associate Professor of English, served as a Review Panel member for

the 2013-2014 PA Partners in the Arts (PPA) Project Stream grant program, Bradford County

Region, August, 2013. The Bradford County Regional Arts Council (BCRAC, Towanda, PA)

administers the PA Project Stream re-grant program throughout seven counties in Northern

Pennsylvania in partnership with the PA Council on the Arts. PPA Project Stream funds

provide project-specific support to arts organizations and individuals for public arts projects

with grant applications reviewed by regional panels. The Panel met at the Keystone Theatre in

Towanda on August 19, 2013 for the all-day review of the grant applications.

Louise Sullivan-Blum

Dr. Louise Sullivan-Blum has received a two-month fellowship at the prestigious MacDowell

Colony in Peterborough, NH to work on her latest novel and sabbatical project. Founded in

1907, the MacDowell Colony is the oldest writer’s colony in the country and has provided

crucial time and space to more than 6,000 artists, including such notable names as Leonard

Bernstein, Thornton Wilder, Aaron Copland, James Baldwin, Spalding Gray, Studs Terkel, E. L.

Doctorow, Louise Erdrich, Alice Walker, Jonathan Franzen, Michael Chabon, Meredith Monk,

Wendy Wasserstein and many more.

4

Kimberly Slusser

Slusser, K. Reading Allies: How Characters in LGBTQ YA Literature Can Inform and

Guide Us in the Fight against Bullying

National Council of Teachers of English – Invited Roundtable Presenter

Boston, Massachusetts November 21-24, 2013

Presentation Abstract: This session will train participants to combat bullying of LGBTQ

individuals and create safe zones at various educational levels. Following the keynote,

LGBTQ education experts will lead roundtables that engage participants in activities that

effectively: teach LGBT topics, prevent bullying, and re-create schools as caring places

where change is cultivated.

Slusser, K. Outing the Allies: LGBTQ Literature's Role in Modeling and Inspiring

Action for Both Closeted and Proud Allies Alike.

National Association of Multicultural Education

Oakland, California November 6-10, 2013

Presentation Abstract: How do educators motivate students to be active in dismantling

oppressive structures and embrace their power as allies? Character Analysis will guide

our examination of, and engagement with characters in LGBTQ texts. Participants will

simultaneously reflect on their personal ally identity, as well as consider effective ways to

engage learners in conversations about allyship.

Jason Roscoe

As members of the Social Equity Scorecard Team at Mansfield University, Jason Roscoe

(Academic Advisor & Director of Minority) and Dr. Gretchen Sechrist (Associate

Professor) presented at the PASSHE Summit which was held on Nov 21 & 22 at

Shippensburg University. The presentation was on Advising & Mentoring Students of

Color.

5

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR FACULTY

MEMBERS!

Premium Notice & Election Form

On November 15, 2013, a premium notice and election form was

mailed to all eligible faculty members from the PA Faculty Health and

Welfare Fund (H&W Fund). This is the final step for the H &W Fund

to become a stand-alone accepted dental and vision plan under the

Affordable Care Act. Faculty members need to sign and date the

election form and return it to the H&W Fund along with a $5

premium/contribution check for 2014. Please note that failure to mail

your check and completed premium notice/election form before

December 31, 2013 could result in the delay in processing any claims

submitted to the Fund.

In addition, please remember that the Hearing, Educational Leave

Without Pay, Wellness Exam and Related Test benefits will cease

under the H&W Fund as of December 31, 2013. Any services rendered

after December 31, 2013, will not be eligible for reimbursement.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Fund at

717-233-4776.

6

7

- Steve Hicks

8

FEDERAL INCOME TAX

AND UNION DUES

This information is important to

you only if you deduct union dues

or fair share payments as an

ordinary and necessary business

expense on your Federal Income

Tax Return. If you do not deduct

union dues or fair share payments,

the following is very important:

Since January 1, 1994, an

amendment to the Internal

Revenue Code prohibits the

deduction of that portion of your

union dues or fair share payments

which is used for lobbying purposes.

Mack Gerberich and Associates has

advised us that for the 2013 the non

-deductible percentage of union

dues which was used for lobbying

was nine (9%) percent. Therefore,

ninety-one (91%) percent of union

dues are deductible. Non-member

fair share payments equate to

ninety (90%) percent of union dues

and all of these payment are

deductible.

If you use a professional tax

preparer, please remember to

provide this information.

Sincerely,

Steve Hicks

President

State APSCUF is now accepting application for

their annual scholarship program. The scholarship

award of $3,000 will only be presented to one (1)

eligible applicant in his/her higher education career in

August 2014. An eligible applicant must be a family

member of an APSCUF/APSCURF member in good

standing or an APSCUF staff member and must be

enrolled at one of the 14 state-owned universities.

Deadline is March 7, 2014. For the application packet

please go to: http://www.apscuf.org/members/forms-

and-benefits. See the packet under Special Services.

Are You A Full Union Member?

APSCUF full members pay union dues equal to

1.15% of their salary. Fair Share contributors

are required to pay 90% of this 1.5%. However,

on paycheck stubs, the fee is simply listed as

“APSCUF DUE” for APSCUF and fair share

contributors alike. The bottom line: just

because it says “APSCUF DUE” on your

paycheck is does not mean that you are a union

member. Contact Connie Phillips at 570-662-

4919 or through email cphillip@mansfield.edu

to ensure that you are a union member.

9

Willing to Share???

The large conference room at the APSCUF Office in Harrisburg has many shelves. APSCUF tries to fill these shelves with the publications of its members. We would also like recordings made of an individual APSCUF member or a group (s) that a faculty member directs or conducts.

We wish to receive complimentary copies of books and articles written by APSCUF members and recordings performed or directed by APSCUF members, preferably signed by the author. This is an ongoing campaign that will (we hope) not only enhance the room but also reflect in some measure the academic quality of our faculty. Letters of appreciation will acknowledge each gift.

You can send your contribution to the APSCUF Office at 205 Memorial Hall, and it will then be sent on to Harrisburg. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the APSCUF office at ext. 4919, or you can call the Harrisburg APSCUF Office at 1-800-932-0587.

MEMBERS ONLY FORUM

The Members Only Forum has been upgraded. It still has

all of same features, but with an enhanced interface and easier

registration. Members will continue to access the forum in the same way

via the Members Forum link in the upper right corner of www.apscuf.org.

The APSCUF.org homepage has also been updated to advertise the forum

upgrade.

There is one caveat. All members with active accounts will need to

re-register since this is a completely new platform. Registration is simple.

Members can simply click on the register button in the Members Forum;

agree to the terms; and then complete the registration information.

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