Instead of reading about negotiations, students want a seat at the table.
Shippensburg University sophomore Sam Fritz started a change.org petition for student representation in negotiations. Fritz believes students should have the opportunity to weigh in on matters that affect their education.
“I want us to have a direct voice,” Fritz said. “We have zero word in the actual negotiations.”
Students should be able to discuss items like adjunct faculty hours and online education, Fritz said, but they do not need to be at the table for talks on health care, for example.
When PASSHE and APSCUF started a news embargo just days before the 5 a.m. negotiation deadline on Oct. 19, Fritz felt students were in the dark during a crucial period. He then got the idea to petition for student representation.
Ideally, Fritz would have students elect three representatives, possibly from student governments across the 14 colleges and universities. These representatives would sit in on contract negotiations regarding topics that directly affect students’ education and voice their opinions, Fritz said.
He worries the state system and faculty think negotiations would go over the heads of students. Although Fritz believes the faculty care about students, he thinks they are not the only thought on their minds.
“The unfortunate part about being in college is you’re seen as an adult and a kid at the same time,” Fritz said.
Once complete, the petition will be sent to Gov. Tom Wolf, PASSHE Chancellor Frank Brogan and APSCUF, according to Fritz.
“No matter what they settle on, we’re the ones affected,” Fritz said, comparing the negotiations to parents talking about their children.
Members of the faculty union have repeatedly said they are fighting for the students. They chant for them on the picket line and post pictures with students on social media, but some PASSHE students, like Fritz, have concerns.
“I truly believe the students should speak for themselves,” Fritz said. “I don’t think we’re the only thing on their mind.”
After two days, the petition has 74 signatures out of the initial 100-signature goal, as of early Friday morning. Supporters made comments on the page.
“I should be the one controlling my education. I choose to go to this university and I shouldn’t be hindered precious time, money, and valuable education,” Adrianna Carboni of Shippensburg said.
“I deserve to have my voice heard,” MacKenna Angert of Woodbury, New Jersey, said.
“I just want to graduate. Please let me graduate this semester,” Travis Dasher of Mount Wolf said.
Even if Fritz’s movement is too little, too late, he said he hopes it will put students at the negotiating table in the future.
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