Welcome to APSCUF-KU XChange. This blog is an unofficial, member-initiated blog for APSCUF-KU members (and others) to discuss all issues related to working at Kutztown University. For the uninitiated, “APSCUF-KU” stands for the Kutztown University Chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State Colleges and University Faculties. APSCUF is the union that represents the faculty at Pennsylvania’s 14 State owned universities.
Why is this an “unofficial” blog? Well, for starters, I don’t think a blog devoted to discussion among members should have to have the approval of local or State leadership. I believe that a strong union has its roots in an active membership. And by active membership, I mean members who are invested in discussing issues that directly affect their work-lives and organizing collectively to solve problems, resist injustice, and improve work-life quality. An active membership does not wait for dictates from its local or State union leadership before it acts–just the opposite. An active membership organizes in order to set the agenda for its local and State leadership. An active membership also privileges member-to-member communication. Member-to-member communication is one of the best ways we have to keep on top of administrative decisions, to build solidarity, to gain a more complete understanding of the workings of our university, to develop effective responses to abuses of our contract, and to educate each other on 0ur contract and what it means to be an academic union member.
This blog can serve as a means for determining the merit of rumors that might affect our work lives (e.g. “Did anyone else hear that they were shutting down program X?” “What ever happened to the university’s plans to build a conference center?” “Someone told me that our State union is selling its building…is that true?”). Sometimes rumors amount to nothing. Other times, these little whisperings might key us all into something important. The key is to separate the rumors with merit from the BS.
This blog can also serve as a clearinghouse of information about our union, our university, and the state of higher education. Eventually, I hope that other members become interested in posting here too. If you are interested in becoming a contributor to APSCUF-KU XChange, drop me an email at deepdemocracy@gmail.com.
Here’s to the discussion.
Kevin Mahoney
APSCUF-KU XChange initiator
Kevin,
I appreciate your having picked up my piece from “The Call”, but did you include my name anyplace as the author? Also, I am retired now but would love to contribute to your blog.
Vincent
Vincent,
Ooo…sorry about that! I’ll add a byline when I’m online later (I’m posting this from my phone). I’ll send you some more info about contributing later as well. In the meantime, are you subscribed to the xchange?
K
Hi Kevin ~ adding kuxchange feed to rss reader. I blog & tweet New Faculty Majority after a fashion but am still not entirely clear as to whether officially or not. Official anytime anyone on the board notices but most don’t. I don’t have to clear posts but also try to avoid going too far off the reservation. It’s a question I think about every time I self-edit or pass on something as not reflecting consensus.
Have you been over the the Program for Change page? A site blog, not mine but I seem to be tending it.
PS Like the cat… the running black cat gif is my fave
Vanessa,
Thanks for the look and comments…I’m heading over to the Program for Change page to check it out. I recently added @NewFacMajority to my twitter account…the Xchange also has a twitter feed at @kuxchange if you’re interested.
…and, that’s the tricky part about the black cat…it’s a bit unruly 😉