SLIPPERY ROCK - Faculty members at Slippery Rock University and 13 other state-owned universities went on strike early Wednesday morning, after last minute contract negotiations abruptly broke down late Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, professors and some students at SRU gathered at all of the 14 roads leading on campus, carrying signs and shouting slogans demanding a contract with the Pennsylvania State System Of Higher Education.

Faculty members --6,000 statewide and about 450 at SRU--have been working without a contract 16 months, as the two sides disagree over compensation and the role of part time and adjunct faculty members, among other things.

SRU was telling students on Wednesday to attend all their classes, internships and work study jobs as normal. The university declined to share any other plans it has for operating during the strike, but has also said that student services will remain open.