September 5, 1991
AGENDA
- Introduction
- Discussion with Dr. Alexander
- Introduction of Officers Service Projects
- Awards Process
- Announcements
- Adjournment
Michelle Connelly, president,
welcomed everyone and expressed her thanks to those who helped make the CEA
Appreciation Day a success in May.
Dr. Alexander addressed the
group on three major topics:
- results of the Self-Study,
- a reaffirmation of our commitment to
USC-A
- budget.
Item 1: Every
ten years public institution visitation teams from the southeast conduct a review
based on 300 standards covering every area. A
team was here in April and some things were found that needed to be improved.
At the conclusion of the review, a team can do three things, 1) make recommendations,
2) make suggestions, and 3) give commendations.
- USC-A received 5 recommendations out
of 300 standards.
- That USC-A continue to develop and
implement the assessment plan and make active use of results for improvement
purposes.
- That USC-A establish a plan for the
ongoing evaluation of its institutional research function, to include
a reexamination of how the mission of this office relates to mission of
the Office of Academic Assessment.
- That efforts continue to develop
and implement appropriate assessment measures which effectively demonstrate
that all students, both on and off campus, receive comparable quality
in their educational programs.
- That regular evaluation of the ROTC
contract be conducted and only those faculty who meet the appropriate
faculty requirements be permitted to exercise teachinglfaculty responsibilities.
- That a comprehensive contract for
educational services and programs for Salkehatchie be implemented in accordance
with the Self-Study criteria.
- USC-A received 20 su gestions.
- That the University reexamine the
matching of disciplines and the structural logic within the current organizational
arrangements to ascertain if more effective relationships might facilitate
lines of responsibility and the continued develo,nment of each program
unit.
- That USC-A examine its approach to
developmental studies and consider implementing a systematic, ongoing
student follow-up and program evaluation structure.
- That references to proposed changes
in the assessment of student academic records for admission decisions
be omitted from the Bulletin since such references may confuse students
and others.
- That there should be consistency
throughout the University in all degree programs in terms of the: a) number
of credits required for graduation in general and major courses, and b)
specific courses that satisfy the general education requirement.
- That USC-A develop a university-wide
core for all degree programs to include proficiency requirements or at
least one course in each of the following categories: SociallBehavioral
Sciences, and Natural SciencelMathematics.
- That course evaluations from USCB
and USCS be furnished to the appropriate Chairs and Deans on the home
campus so that regular evaluation of instruction occurs.
- That USC-A maintain individual plans
and time periods for remedying deficiencies when the credentials of faculty
members do not meet the requirements of the Criteria for Accreditation.
- That USC-A publish its description
of the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities for faculty members
in the category of 'Part-time teaching assistant. "
- That USC-A evaluate the academic
and professional preparation of all faculty members who teach USCA courses.
- That ways and means be sought to
support development of faculty as teachers.
- That the position or office of Director
of Field Experiences be clearly identified in practice as well as on organizational
charts.
- That the library explore the feasibility
of providing interlibrary loan services for undergraduates who wish to
obtain items not found in the USC system.
- That USC-A review the adequacy and
equity of computer resources available to the faculty.
- That a more formalized approach to
providing health services needs to be explored.
- That a more formal and structured
system of administrator evaluation be designed and implemented and that
a policy statement describing this system be published and distributed.
2 '*A I I r-,
- That the work of the Ad Hoc Committee
on System Relationship of the USC Board of Trustees exploring issues of
governance be affirmed.
- That the USC-A Policies and Procedures
Manual be considered the foundation policy document for the campus.
- That USC-A reevaluate its academic
and administrative organization patterns to insure that structure facilitates
the realization of program promise and effectivenesslefficiency of administrative
services.
- That the institution develop guidelines
for consistent use of logo design, seal and other trademarks to create
a uniform marketing approach.
- That USC-A continue its efforts to
raise private funds for unrestricted purposes to offset possible reduced
state support.
- USC-A received 3 commendations.
- Library and the cataloging of government
documents,
- fundraising, endowments and the public
support for USC-A,
- the openness of our budget planning
process.
- The visitation team stated that USC-A
was found to be outstanding and found to have a clear understanding of what
we're doing.
Item 2: Dr.
Alexander stated that we need to reaffirm our commitment to USC-A. We are here
to serve students whether they're 18 or 55. We are in tough times. A serious
issue is the way we approach our jobs and those we serve. There are some areas
in which we need to focus our attention.
- Our telephone manner is a very important
part of ourjob. Our courteous, professional, and helpful attention to those
we speak with on the telephone can leave a lasting impression of USC-A. Dr.
Alexander recommended everyone read a book entitled, Not My Department " by
Peter Glenn. Additional copies have been ordered by the library a n-d the
book should prove to be most enlightening.
Item 3: We are in a very difficult budget
situation. USC-A started the fiscal year with a cut from last year, then an
additional 3% cut was made.
- Dr. Alexander has made every adjustment
that he can make. The decision was made to cut everywhere except in classroom
instruction.
- Dr. Alexander mentioned that as part
of the effort to minimize costs, one man is now taking care or 144 acres of
grounds. This could not be done without a loyalty and commitment to USC-A.
- Dr. Alexander stated his desire to publicly
thank Mr. Al Woodward for his dedication and hard work in keeping our campus
as beautiful as ever. It seems to be a miserable situation but the state of
Georgia has instituted furloughs and drastic cuts in numerous areas. USC-A
has not reached that point yet, and hopefully, won't have to take this step.
Dr. Alexander stated that it was everyone's responsibility to relate to our
legislature that education from 3 kindergarten through high school must be
a priority. We must invest in people so that our students have the skills
for tomorrow.
- Michelle Connelly asked Dr. Alexander
about the situation with Coastal Carolina and their desire to sever relationship
with the University system. Dr. Alexander stated that Coastal Carolina has
grievances with the way their campus has been funded. A System Relations Committee
is trying to deal with a variety of issues involved with Coastal Carolina.
Dr. Alexander believes there is value in being part of the University of South
Carolina. He stated he was not convinced that some of these issues can't be
resolved and Coastal will stay. Dr. Alexander left after making these last
comments.
- Joanne Davis discussed the possibility
of the CEA undertaking a service project.
- There were suggestions of participating
in the '92 March of Dimes Walk-a-Thon,doing
something for Helping Hands, Mattie C. Hall or Aiken Nursing Homes.
- It was also suggested that we have
a 'White elephant or flea market" with the proceeds going to a particular
charity.
- Another suggestion was a food bank.
- It was also suggested that a birthday
party a month at Helping Hands might be a consideration.
- It was agreed that employees would
sponsor a Christmas party for the children at Helping Hands.
- Jodi Herrin stated that it would soon
be time to begin the annual awards process for Classified Employees of the
Year. A copy of the guidelines were distributed.
- Deidre Martin announced that a Weight
Watchers group at USC-A was being organized. Anyone interested in joining
should contact Deidre Martin, Karen Bass or Linda Whitlaw.
- Michelle Connelly invited everyone to
attend the "Juke Box Jam" scheduled for Friday night, September 6 at 8:00
in the Student Activities Center. Door prizes were awarded to Peggy Medlock,
Ann Dixon and Laurie Keith.
- Meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m. 4 61
Attending: Carey Mathison Philip Hancock
Al Woodward Bob Przybysz Barbara Reynolds Renee Cline Laurie Keith Susan Bates
JoAnne Baynharn Jane Schumacher Kate OHara Mary Beth Avent JoAnn Davis Jodi
Herrin Brenda Hill Cindy Sparling Jan Hardin Joyce Willis Shirley Neal Willie
Mae Dumas Rita Peterson Brenda Braxton Eddie Hammonds Margie Wilson Ben Lawton
Ann Dixon Jackie Brown Deidre Martin Kolak Martin Michelle Connelly Peggy Medlock
JanetJoy John Cumbee Karen Bass Karen Morris Lilo Orebaugh
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