TheBoard of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) has ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the State College and University Professional Association/PSEA/NEA (SCUPA).

SCUPA represents about 500 admissions, financial aid and student life staff who work on PASSHE campuses. The new agreement takes effect immediately and runs through June 30, 2007. SCUPA members have been working without a contract since July 2004.

Under the terms of the new agreement, SCUPA-represented employees will receive general pay increases and longevity payments similar to those included in other PASSHE union contracts.

PASSHE also will hire a consultant to conduct a review of current job classifications within the bargaining unit and recommend possible revisions. The new agreement also includes language regarding PASSHE’s ability to contract out bargaining unit work under certain conditions.

With more than 109,000 students, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth. The 14 PASSHE universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. More than 405,000 PASSHE alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

The state-owned universities are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock, and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania. PASSHE also operates branch campuses in Clearfield, Freeport, Oil City and Punxsutawney and several regional centers, including the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg.