Minutes
December 5, 2002

 

I.          Call to Order

A.        The Classified Employees Assembly was called to order by the CEA Chairperson, Jeff Jenik, who welcomed everyone to the meeting and reminded everyone that the CEA minutes from previous meetings are always available on the CEA website. That said, Mr. Jenik asked for a motion to approve the minutes of September 10, 2002. Karen Morris made the motion to approve those minutes, Corey Feraldi seconded, and the minutes were approved as is.

 

II.        Reports from Administration

A.        Mike Lemons: Computer Service Division

Mr. Lemons gave an informative presentation on points of interest regarding CSD and Instructional Services, and helpful tips on how to best utilize their services.  The PowerPoint presentation is available in its entirety on the computer services website at: http://www.usca.edu/csd/CEA_files/frame.htm

 

Highlights of the presentation include:

·        Though everyone in CSD is there to help, Mr. Lemons explained that the Help Desk should always be your first point of contact for any computer problems (you may contact the Help Desk by dialing “HELP” on your phone or via email.

·        Mr. Lemons pointed out that the amount of messages stored on the server is quite high (over 1 million), and he encouraged everyone to archive messages in order to keep the server running at top performance level.

·        Recent Accomplishments include wiring Pacer Downs for cable TV and internet, adding 258 new computers to the campus network, moving to Windows XP and Mac OS X, and establishing online SGA voting.

·        Hot Topics include proper use of system, IT priorities (CTC), Strategic Planning, Lottery Money (IT grants), and security issues.

 

B.        Randy Duckett: Strategic Planning Update

1.         The strategic Planning Committee had developed eleven University goals. Mr. Duckett distributed copies of these goals and the twelve action teams that have been created in order to devise strategies to meet these goals. These action teams include:


·        Academic Programs

·        Faculty Support

·        Staff Support

·        Internationalization/Globalization/Diversity

·        Community Outreach

·        Enrollment Planning

·        Student Life/Athletics Program

·        Technology

·        Development

·        Facilities

·        Communications

·        Organizational Structure/Planning & Budgeting


2.         Mr. Duckett encouraged everyone to share ideas, concerns or question about strategic planning, even if he or she is not presently a part of an action team.

 

C.        Tony Ateca: Baseball Field & Convocation Center

1.      Plans for the new Convocation Center are going as scheduled.

2.      The new baseball field should meet the April 30 deadline. An exhibition game is scheduled against the Gamecocks during the first week in May.

3.      A housing foundation has been set up to begin the USCA housing project, perhaps by Fall 2004.  It will be adjacent to Pacer Downs (close to the soccer and softball fields).

 

D.        Mike Hosang: Family Fund

1.         $36,000 has been contributed to the Family Fund thus far. There are several ways to contribute to the Family Fund, such as donations, endowments and gift annuities.

2.         Mr. Hosang reminded us that the Aiken Partnership is responsible for the following benefits:

·        296 Scholarships (totaling approximately $310,000)

·        CEA Award

·        CEA Enrichment Funds

·        Faculty Award

·        Faculty Support Funds

·        Chair endowments/Scholarships for Faculty

3.         The Alumni Tracking Database now includes approximately 8000 alumni.  Mr. Hosang asked that everyone share update information with Alumni Services to assist in tracking alumni.

4.         Also, please feel free to share with the Development Office any information about possible donors to the University or members of the community who may be interested in being a part of USCA events and activities.

5.         Jeff Jenik interjected with a reminder that enrichment funds are available for those staff members who are interested in taking advantage of them for travel to professional meetings, seminars and workshop fees, tuition and book reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate courses at USCA and other area institutions of higher learning.

 

E.                 Deidre Martin: Adopt a Child

Dr. Martin reminded everyone that once again Circle K is partnering with DSS to collect unwrapped holiday gifts for foster children in the area. They have a list of children by first name, age and gender with a wish list. If you would like to help out by purchasing a gift for one of these children, please let Dr. Martin know as soon as possible, and she'll get the information to you. Dr. Martin also thanked all of those who have already donated gifts.

 

F.                  Sandra Sanders: Commission on Disabilities Fundraiser

Ms. Sanders announced that the Commission for Disabilities is having its annual fundraising campaign for scholarships for Aiken County residents with disabilities to attend post secondary school. This year’s fundraiser, which will take place Saturday, December 7 at 2:30 during the Odell Weeks Craft Fair, offers a “chance to win” a basket full of Christmas goodies and a gift certificate for Chile’s restaurant. Some USCA students have benefited greatly from these scholarships.  USCA’s Office of Disabilities is coordinating this year’s event, so those interested in supporting the event or obtaining more information, please contact Sandra Sanders or Kay Benitez.

 

III.       Reports from CEA Committees

Carla Hayes, Chair of the CEA Advisory Committee stated that there was currently nothing to report.

 

IV.       Reports from the CEA Chair

Dr. Sorenson, the new president of USC, is scheduled to meet with the Classified Employees Assembly December 11 at 2:30pm in H&SS 116. Mr. Jenik asked that everyone make every effort to attend this meeting.

 

V.        Announcements

A.        Mr. Jenik reported that another CEA Family Night is planned for January 29, 2003 at the Pacers vs. North Florida basketball game.  The women’s team will tip off at 5:30 p.m. followed by the men’s team, who will tip off at 7:30 p.m.  The USCA Pacer Club has graciously invited all CEA members to watch the games and then join them at the end of the women’s game and at half time of the men’s game at the Watering Hole located in the SAC cafeteria for fun and fellowship. Snacks will be provided along with soft drinks and some adult beverages.  If  you  are  interested in  taking  advantage  of  this opportunity, please  contact  Jeff  Jenik (jeffj or x3258).

B.         Since the holidays are upon us, Mr. Jenik also mentioned that there are arrays of items in the USCA Bookstore that make great gifts.  Also, the USCA print shop is still selling personalized mouse pads for $5.00 each. These make great stocking stuffers and gifts for grandparents—even if they don’t have a computer!

D.        Carla Hayes reminded everyone that the newly increased insurance premiums and optional life premiums (if applicable) will be reflected in the December 15th paychecks.  We will also be receiving our bonuses along with our December paychecks.

 

E.         Mr. Jenik asked if there were any other comments, questions or announcements.  Kathy Simmons asked if the University was considering getting voicemail in the near future. Mike Lemons explained that the subject of voicemail has come up frequently, and is being considered as a possibility for the near future.

 

That said Corey Feraldi made a motion to adjourn which was seconded by Sandy Besley.

 

List of December 5, 2002 Classified Employee Assembly attendees:

 


Sandra Besley

Allison Brown-Owens

Kathy Simmons

Jamie Raynar

Cindy Gelinas

Sandra Sanders

Kay Benitez

Angela Taylor

Karen Morris

Kathy Brantley

LaToya Wiley

Bob Wiesner

Jody Yates

Joann Williamson

Michael Casdorph

Linda Parrish

Ahmed Samaha

Kris Heliou

Jackie Brown

Kim Durden

Miriam Toole

Corey Feraldi

Stan Price

Brigitte Smith

Donna Howell

Sue Boatright

Jodi Herrin

Miles Black

Ginger Steel

Joan Stevens

Katya Terry

Randy Duckett

Brenda Hill

Maria Chandler

Deidre Martin

David Adock

Michale Kelly

Mike Hosang

Carla Hayes

Andrea Yawn

Carol Cutsinger