On Oct. 7, APSCUF, the faculty labor union, requested that the council of trustees keep Interim President Osgood in place for a second year.
Karen Hamman, a faculty member in the Student Success department and an APSCUF representative, stated “that one year is not enough, and there is more work to be done.” Hamman approached the university trustees on Tuesday, Oct. 7, requesting to extend Interim President Osgood’s contract for a minimum of one year.
When asked why the faculty union made the request, she stated “We as a union last year worked very hard to capture the attention of the council regarding our displeasure with the administration last year for a variety of reasons.” Hamman then explains that the union is pleased with the change in leadership structure at CU. The union, as well as many faculty members, have stated that they are happy with Osgood’s communication.
Hamman then says the university is facing many challenges, making us unattractive to potential permanent presidential candidates. The university is struggling with a budget crisis, and enrollment has been declining. However, they hope that in two years the budget will be more neutral. “Some of that is cutting things, but also some of it is advocating at PASHEE to increase the number of allocations we get from the system…” Hamman continues “He (Dr. Osgood) seems poised to take those challenges on and put us on the right path. But the concern is the challenges are so great that a year likely is not enough time.”
The student response:
When students were asked about their thoughts on Osgood staying another year, the results were positive.
Aaron Green-Hemmerich, a sophomore CU-Bloomsburg student, states “I think he’s a better fit for Commonwealth, so I wouldn’t mind. It seems like he cares more; it’s not just like ice cream visits at Commons. It’s emails, meetings, and real life meetings. Compared to what I have seen with Bashar, it seems like Dr. Osgood actually wants to make a difference.”
Alanys Garcia, a sophomore CU-Bloomsburg student said “I like how different things have been this semester. Dr. Osgood seems to really care, it’s refreshing.”
Interim President Osgood’s Response:
The Voice asked what Interim President Osgood thinks about the request, he states “I’m not sure I have the words for how much it means to be welcomed the way I’ve been here. This community has shown me kindness, trust, and belief in ways I never expected, and it’s deeply moving to know that faculty, staff, and students who’ve been through so much see something in me that might help move us forward. If the community wants me to stay, I’m always ready to roll up my sleeves and serve.”
