Classified Employees Assembly

February 3, 1998

Minutes

Chairperson Judy Clements welcomed everyone to the f irst CEA meeting for 1998. There were no corrections to the minutes of the September 23, 1997 meeting.

Report from Administration Dr. Alexander reported that the state's budget was still in the early stages. The Governor did not include any new money in the budget for higher education. He did recommend a 2.5% increase for state employees for October 1, 1998, however, he did not put money in the budget to cover the raises. USCA is looking at no new money for the coming year. Dr. Alexander did state that he has met with Representative Bone, who is very supportive of more money for higher education. Much depends on the status of the lottery for South Carolina. In light of the lean budget for USCA, f ive planning teams have been created as a means of looking at creative ways to expand and improve the resources we have available. Those f ive areas include: 1) Retirement Community (Jim Kauffman, Chair); 2) Master team, (John Malmrose, Chair); 3) Entrepreneurial, (Karl Munschey, Chair); 4) Distance Learning & Technology, (Blanche Premo‑Hopkins, Chair); and 5) Hospital (Tom Hallman, Chair).

Dr. Alexander also reported that USCA is in the negotiation phase as relates to the purchase of Pacer Downs. A f inal appraisal will have to be done and approval given by several dif f erent groups. Plans are to take possession of the housing complex by fall '98.

Dr. Alexander expressed his appreciation to everyone for the work they do even though USC Aiken has the lowest ratio of faculty and staff to students of any other system campus. Faculty and staff are equally important at USCA and each play an integral role in its future.

Reports from 5tanding 6‑ommittees Facilities Utilization and Development ‑ Jane Schumacher reported that the new nursing building should be completed by Spring '99. Bids are being taken this week with construction to begin this spring or summer. Addition to the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center will be completed shortly after the nursing facility.

Another issue discussed by this group related to ways we might assist the housekeeping staff. Plans are to ask faculty members to assist classified employees by reminding students to pick up their trash and to dispose of it properly.

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The committee members also asked Mr. Malmrose about the possibility of additional parking spaces in "C" lot. When events are held in the Conference Center, parking in "C" lot is almost non‑existent for employees. Three (3) spaces for buses near RPSEC are planned. Twenty‑seven (27) parking spaces will be included for the nursing facility. No additional parking spaces in "C" lot are planned at this time.

Nominating committee ‑ Sandy Besley reported that the vacancy by Winona Hatcher on the Nominating Committee needs to be f illed. A nomination to appoint Lisa Peterson to f ill the unexpired term was made and seconded and passed unanimously. Nominations are being accepted for other committees. If you are interested or know someone who might be interested in serving on one of the committees, let Sandy or a member of the Nominating Committee know (Sylvia Williams, Sandy Resley, Mike Findley, or JoAnn Davis).

Advisory Committee ‑ No report.

Executive Committee ‑ The Executive Committee met in December to plan this meeting.

Reports from Special Committees SP"ial Fvents Committee ‑ Mary Anne DeLaigle announced that Employee Appreciation Day is planned for Friday, May 8. Volunteers are needed to serve on the committee. If interested, contact Mary Anne. She also reported that the "Pie in the Conference Center" was a success. Similar events are planned to show appreciation to faculty and staff for their hard work.

Report from Institutional Planning Cabinet ‑ Judy Clements reported that the purpose of the IPC is to look at requests from departments and prioritize them. Health and safety issues have top priority. Several new faculty positions have been approved. Replacements have been funded for several positions as well. Use of the land acquired across the highway has been under discussion. Air conditioning for several of the buildings, new carpet for the library, and major improvements for the Etherredge Center are all items being considered.

No Old Business

Alew Business

Classified Employees Survey ‑ Jodi Herrin is still working on survey results.

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CEA Awards ‑ Bob Weisner stated that the deadline for nominations for Classified Employees of the Year is Friday, February 13. More information about nominations and the selection process is on the "T drive at TubliclCEAICEAyear. Past winners are also listed on 'J' drive. Nominations should be submitted to Judy Clements, box 13.

Security Update Mike Findley presented an update on security at USC Aiken. Six new full‑time off icers are now on staff. The campus is a fairly safe campus with most of the crime being petty theft. Many of these thefts could be prevented if employees will remember to lock their off ice doors when leaving the room and take your valuables with you. Mr. Findley also mentioned that with the number of officers employed, there isn't the f lexibility of last minute requests for security. One to two weeks notice is recommended.

Sandy Bum9arner announced that Aileen Gallagher was out for surgery and she was sure Aileen would appreciate your cards and get well wishes.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 p.m. A list of attendees is included below:

Kojak Martin

Herbert Williams

Brenda Hill

Amy Cooper

Sandy Bum9arner

Evelyn Knight

Jan Hardin

Corey Feraldi

Lisa Peterson

Carl Dawson

Norma Toner

JoAnn Davis

Maria Chandler

Sandy Besley

Kate O'Hara

Mary Anne bel‑aigle

Karen Morris

Jean Haynes

Jane Schumacher

Bob Weisner

Joann Bone

Mike Findley

Tim Carlton

Gina Buckley

Laurie Keith

Gretchen Erb

Erin McKinney

Judy Clements

Robert Alexander