Conference examines Labor in Higher Education

PSEA teamed up with APSCUF (the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties) to hold the Conference on Labor in Higher Education from October 15-17 in Harrisburg.

Conference attendees from across the Commonwealth gathered to examine the issues currently confronting teachers, scholars, researchers, coaches, professional staff and other individuals interested in academic labor in higher education.

Workshops, panel sessions, roundtable discussions and lectures provided opportunities to explore, discuss, and debate academic labor issues across disciplinary boundaries.

PSEA Pennsylvania Association of Higher Education (PAHE) President Jane Munley commented, “We’re here from community colleges and four year universities. We’re often seen as separate, but we share many issues and individual concerns that are important to discuss with each other. This conference provides important time to learn more about what our colleagues are doing.”

Behind the Headlines, a TV show sponsored by the Susquehanna Valley Center for Public Policy, aired an episode with coverage from the conference. Watch the video online.

Plenary speakers for the conference included Marc Bousquet from Santa Clara University and Howard Bunsis of Eastern Michigan University AAUP. Panel sessions and workshops included PAHE and APSCUF members, along with content experts on a number of topics.

APSCUF President Steve Hicks remarked, “I think it’s important to collaborate and share ideas about how and where labor meets the classroom. Those groups who are actively organized and doing innovative work have a valuable opportunity to meet and share resources during this conference.”

The full conference agenda is available on PSEA.org.