By Jillian Baker

What do KU students think about the strike negotiations between Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculty?

Kady Wuagon, a senior middle education major shared her concerns about the potential strike between PASSHE and APSCUF. Wuagon said, “When I was in high school, the teachers went on strike twice my junior year. I’m concerned personally about what it would to do my senior year and if it would extend the year or give me less time on winter break.”

Wuagon said she doesn’t know how the strike will differ from when she was in high school. She said the strike in high school had affected her because she did not have a spring break and she was forced to stay in school two weeks longer in June. Being so close to graduation, she is concerned about finishing on time.

Thomas Marshall, a senior criminal justice major, is expected to graduate this upcoming spring. Marshall said, “I believe the strike could affect me negatively because I’m worried about my grades and my ability to graduate on time as well as my overall learning experience [and] if I have graduate students teaching me instead of my professors who have doctorates in their fields.” Marshall said he hopes that there is a resolution between ASPCUF and PASSHE before a strike takes place.

Junior environmental science major Noah Frankel said, “Professors should put aside their personal issues with PASSHE so they can focus on their students’ coursework and well-being. If my professors go on strike, will I be reimbursed by the university for the thousands of dollars I pay for my classes?”

Zac Goren, a junior leisure and sports marketing major, said, “I feel like I’m going to miss out on my semester if professors do strike. I hope we get reimbursed for classes that we may miss.” Goren expressed his concerns about who would continue to take over his classes if his professors take action.

Alexis Haviland, a junior communications major said, “I’m worried about getting behind in my classes if my professors strike. I hope the university has a plan in case it happens.”

Bridget Tobin, a junior business management major, said she did not know all the details regarding the current issue that has been taking place. Tobin said, “I don’t see how APSCUF and PASSHE can’t compromise. We students will be the ones that will be affected most in the end.”

According to an APSCUF press release, of the 82 percent of faculty members who voted, 93 percent were in favor of the authorization. KU has been reassuring students via email that classes and campus events will still take place unless told otherwise by the university. APSCUF is holding information sessions for students to learn more about what has been going on recently.