Classes Resume At 14 Pennsylvania-Owned Universities

HARRISBURG, Pa. (KDKA/AP) - Classes have resumed for more than 100,000 students who attend Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities.

Classes resumed Monday after the union representing more than 5,000 faculty members and coaches reached a tentative contract agreement Friday with the State System of Higher Education.

"I'm thrilled. It was definitely a stressful period. I felt badly for the teachers to be in that situation, I felt bad for the university. It was a rough situation all around," California University senior Jonathan Miljus said.

The new contract provides raises for all employees but also requires them to pick up a greater share of their health care costs. It must now go to the full union membership for ratification.

Professors walked off the job Wednesday morning after the union turned down what the state system said was its last contract offer.

"It was frustrating…To see our faculty have to fight for that and fight to be treated fairly, and actually fight for us and… the quality of education that we deserve," California University senior Kirra Lent said. "I'm glad we can move on from this."

The schools affected are: Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock, and West Chester.

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