Leaders of the union that represents teachers and coaches at IUP and the other state system universities are saying they are troubled by the recent remarks of State System Chancellor Dan Greenstein suggesting the dissolution of the system if financial problems cannot be fixed.
APSCUF held an emergency meeting of its executive council on Tuesday, and discussed the fallout from Greenstein’s comments during last week’s Senate budget hearings. During an exchange with PA Senator Joe Pittman, Greenstein said that unless the financial problems that currently plague the state system are figured out, he will recommend to the PASSHE Board of Governors that they go back to the Senate next year with a legislative package that would end the State System.
In a statement issued this morning, APSCUF Vice President Dr. Christopher Hallen said the timing on the Chancellor’s remarks was very bad for recruitment efforts, saying it undermines the confidence of parents and students who are applying, along with the confidence of the communities in which these schools are located. John Gump, the executive leader for the coaches, said that the remarks will make it difficult to recruit student athletes and called Greenstein’s remarks “divisive.”
APSCUF plans on communicating with its members about the Chancellor’s comments, their repercussions and what actions should be taking next. Meanwhile, Chancellor Greenstein is due next Tuesday for a virtual visit to the IUP Campus, and will hold a public forum Tuesday afternoon.
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