PSU: Active in addressing faculty concerns

During the past academic year, the PSU Chapter has been active in a number of areas. In regard to Measure 8, the Chapter expended considerable effort in trying to defeat the Measure and through legal suits attempting to overturn it. Internal monthly newsletters, flyers and personal communications with faculty and staff, coordinated activities with and financial support of the PERS Coalition, and public demonstrations (i.e., participation in the demonstrations such as the one in Salem on December 8, 1994) were used. During this legislative period, the Chapter conducted a continuing campaign to encourage the faculty to communicate directly with their legislators on bills which impact faculty and higher education in general. This included providing descriptions of key bills, guidelines for writing letters, and addresses of legislators. In addition, members of the Chapter met with legislators, both on campus and in Salem, to present the concerns of the faculty and to testify concerning various bills. Stephen Kafoury provided valuable service by direct lobbying, providing copies of bills, and coordinating efforts of Chapter members in meeting with legislators and testifying.

Other faculty concerns were addressed, both in the monthly newsletter, Unit-ties, and sponsored seminars. Articles by Jim Mustard on financial planning were published. Seminars on various topics were conducted, including Financial Planning for Retirement, Post Retirement Financial Planning, and Copyright, Intellectual Property and Instructor Packets. In response to the OPEU strike, the Chapter contributed financially to their cause and organized a "teach-in" for faculty and staff. In addition, the Chapter provided help to a number of faculty members with grievances. Finally, the Chapter present the AAUP Faculty Service Award to Thomas Morris, Professor of History, for his many years of exceptional service in areas that best exemplifies AAUP ideals: protection of academic freedom, support of faculty governance, and service to students.