As the 14 state universities brace themselves for a strike, students at Shippensburg University prepare for their own protest in support of their faculty.

Students in Solidarity with APSCUF, a group created by state university students in protest of the state system’s treatment of its faculty, met in SU’s Dauphin Humanities Center tonight to discuss its own plans to take action.

If a strike takes place, the group is planning a boycott of classes by marching from SU’s Ceddia Union Building to Old Main at 12 p.m. tomorrow. At the end of the march, students may choose to join the picket lines alongside their professors.

Led by SU student Shumeta Khan, the idea for a march began following several students’ attendance at a strike information session, independent research and discussions with various faculty members.

“We thought it’d be a good way to show Chancellor [Frank] Brogan and President [George “Jody”] Harpster that we’re supporting the faculty and that’s who we’re behind,” Khan said.

SU chapter president of APSCUF Kara Laskowski said the faculty feels betrayed by the actions of the state system, but is appreciative of the support from SU students.

“We’ve got a good decade in becoming experts in our fields, so for the state to say ‘oh too bad’...there’s a level of insult that goes well beyond a raise or a percentage of healthcare because we take pride in what we provide for you,” Laskowski said.

Although there are no definitive plans for a student movement if a strike does not occur, Khan said the group is considering planning an event to be held in partnership with SU’s faculty.

“I value our education and how the faculty supports our education, and I truly believe they have our best interests at heart,” SU student and early education major Stephanie Carlin said.

Carlin said taking a stand, such as a boycott of classes, is symbolic of how much SU students value their faculty.

“We will stand by our teachers,” Carlin said.

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