Kutztown University President Dr. Kenneth Hawkinson hosted an open forum today, Oct. 19, in an effort to ease staff and student’s concerns regarding the APSCUF faculty union strike.
The forum consisted of a video addressing students, followed by a general discussion portion and concluded with a session of question and answer.
“The role of the university and its faculty was to awaken young minds,” Hawkinson said in the video.
“At this time, this mission is being challenged,” he said.
“We understand that this situation has caused confusion and uncertainty.”
“We expect that uncertainty to continue,” said Hawkinson.
“But I want to assure you that we are going to do everything possible to make sure that Kutztown University campus continues to be a comfortable living and learning environment for everyone,” he concluded.
Throughout his discussion, Hawkinson gave a brief history in regards to the origin of the strike from the 2008 recession and the loss of state funding. In his address to the students though, he reassured them to remain hopeful, but also to be safe.
“I implore you to be responsible,” said Hawkinson.
The President said the university will still be open for business and students should continue to go to class.
After his remarks, he opened up the floor for more strike-specific questions.
Students had a variety of concerns from issues with graduation, the length of the strike and issues with commuting.
Afterward, a few students shared their thoughts regarding the strike.
“It’s just sad,” said Ashraf Hassan, a student of the university. “I have friends that commute, and most can’t afford to waste gas to only find out their classes were cancelled.”
Kairi Creighton, another Kutztown University student, simply hopes the two parties reach a solution sooner than later.
“I understand why they are striking,” said Creighton. “But it is just getting ridiculous now.”
George Fladeland, a student and a Student Government Board Representative at the university, also wants to see an end to the strike.
“Student Government Board wants to be that link between the university and it’s students,” said Fladeland. “That is why our motto during the strike is ‘Settle For the Students.'”
In response to the work stoppage called by the Association of State College and University Faculties, Kutztown University has launched a strike information website at www.kutztown.edu/strikeinfo.
Patriot correspondent Darius Pleasant is a graduate student at Kutztown University.
