Minutes
February 8, 2002

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 December 4, 2001. John Hutchens made the motion to approve those minutes, Kris Helou seconded, and the minutes were approved as is. Mr. Jenik then turned the floor over to Allison Brown-Owens, who introduced guest speaker Erin Wilson from the March of Dimes in Columbia, SC to discuss the goals and mission of the March of Dimes.

2. Guest Speakers: Erin Wilson, Suman Rankin, Tres Rankin; March of Dimes
   1. Ms. Wilson explained that the March of Dimes strives to continue its 64-year track record of advances that have saved millions of babies from death and disability. She emphasized that, though the medical community has come a long way in treating a variety of illnesses and disabilities in babies, there is still much more to be discovered, particularly in determining what causes certain birth defects and diseases in newborn children. Some of the medical advances made possible by funds from the March of Dimes include the following:
      • A newborn screening test ("heel-prick" test) for PKU, a condition that causes mental retardation if left untreated
      • Discovery that drinking during pregnancy can cause birth defects
      • Establishment of a system of neonatal intensive care units to treat very sick babies
      • Development of surfactant therapy, which saves the lives of thousands of premature babies with premature lungs by helping them breathe
      • Folic acid awareness campaign encouraging all women of childbearing age to take daily multivitamin containing the B vitamin folic acid, which helps prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine.

      Ms. Wilson then introduced the USCA March of Dimes Ambassador, Tres Rankin and his mother, Suman Rankin, who told us a little about her son.

Ms. Rankin explained that Tres was born at 27 weeks gestation in Montgomery, AL. He was immediately admitted to the NICU where he remained for 2 and 1/2 months. While in the hospital, Tres had a very severe hemorrhage resulting in hydrocephalus. He had surgery at only three pounds to correct this problem. At about 9 months of age Tres developed a seizure disorder that resulted in a tremendous reduction in his motor skills. Tres began therapy and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He is still in therapy and now in public school. Tres uses a wheelchair and other equipment for positioning. He is currently nonverbal but is very communicative.

Ms. Wilson stressed that for the March of Dimes to continue its mission, the foundation needs the ongoing support of all USCA Employees. She then listed a series of fundraising events sponsored by the USCA March of Dimes Team:

• Feb. 13 Chance to win four feet of chocolate for Valentine's Day.
• Feb. 20 Pampered Chef Party in SAC
• Mar. 30 Buy a Pacer at the Triple Crown Harness Races
• Apr. 20 WalkAmerica

For more information about these fundraisers or how to get involved with the March of Dimes, Ms. Wilson suggested we contact Kay Benitez (ext.3609), the USCA Team Coordinator.

3. Reports from Administration
   1. Randy Duckett: Strategic Planning

   Mr. Duckett explained that he wanted to give us an update on "how Strategic Planning is going and where we stand." Since October 2001 the Strategic Planning Committee has been gathering information from inside and outside the USCA community in order to help in identifying what our goals and missions are as a university campus. Mr. Duckett described the process as being much like the development of a map - we know where we are and where we want to be, so now we must develop a strategy on how to meet our goal. He gave us a brief timeline of the reports expected from each sub-committee involved and explained that a first draft of the final summary was expected to go to the Chancellor by May 2002. Hopefully, by Fall 2002 a final report will be drafted and submitted.

   Jeff Jenik mentioned that USC's Strategic Planning Report suggested that USC staff hours be moved from 37.5 hours a week to 40 hours a week, and asked how such a suggestion might affect the employees at USCA. Mr. Duckett answered that Dr. Hallman had been assured by Dr. Palms that USC's Report had nothing to do with USCA and would not affect our campus.

   2. Tony Ateca: USCA Expansion
      Mr. Ateca provided a projected timeline for upcoming USCA construction and renovation projects, which included the construction of a new convocation center, the Roberto Hernando Baseball Stadium and the renovation of a Student Activities Center storage closet to create a 18x36 (smaller than Penland 110) dining area meant for special events. Listed is the timeline provided:

      Convocation Center

      February 2002	Schematic design approved by State Engineer's Office
      June 2002	*Approval of state bond bill*
      July 2002	Initiate detailed design development (mech/elec/arch drawings)
      October 2002	Detailed design approval/commission final design and bid package
      January 2003	Early site preparation in conjunction w/ stadium construction
      February 2003	Request for bid proposals
      April 2003	Start Construction
      January 2005	Complete Construction/Begin SAC renovation
      May 2005	First commencement exercises in new building
      *The entire Convocation Center timeline rest on this supposition.

      
      Roberto Hernandez Baseball Stadium

      April 2002	Schematic design approval/initiate detailed design
      July 2002	Detailed design approval/commission final design and bid package
      November 2002	Request for bid proposals
      January 2003	Start stadium construction
      August 2003	Complete stadium construction
      February 2004	First home game at new site (?)

      Mr. Ateca also added that at this time, more greenery is being added to the quad, and swings will be added shortly. Several members asked about the construction near the library. Mr. Ateca explained that they were exploring what could be a small irrigation leak.
4. Reports from CEA Committees
   1. Carla Hayes: CEA Employee of the Year Award Nominations
      Ms. Hayes reminded everyone that February 8 was the last day to nominate a member of the Classified Employees Assembly for this year's award. She urged everybody who wished to nominate someone to turn his or her nomination forms into Jeff Jenik as soon as possible.
   2. Carol Cutsinger: CEA Elections
      Ms. Cutsinger explained that the following members were rolling off of their present committees:

    

   Advisory:	Telesia Davis, Randy Duckett Erin McKinney and Jodi Herrin remaining
   Nominating:	Marshall Davis, Carol Cutsinger Troy Mothkovich, John Hutchens, Jane Shumacher remaining
   FUD:	Mary Anne Cavanaugh, Ahmed Samaha Elijah Price, John Cumbee, Annette Beeler remaining

   Nominations for new committee members can be made by contacting Carol Cutsinger by phone or email. She will announce the nominations no later than Monday, April 15, and we will vote on new members at the next CEA meeting in April. Mr. Jenik reminded everyone that in order to vote, we must have a quorum (25% of total membership) present at the next meeting, which equals roughly 43 - 45 people. He urged all members of CEA to be present at the April elections.

5. New Business/Announcements
   1. Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Search Committee:
      Mr. Jenik announced that Dr. Trudy Henson, head of the Search Committee, has made arrangements with him for each candidate for the position of Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs to meet with CEA specifically. The first candidate to meet with CEA will be Dr. Chris McGowan, Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, who is scheduled for Friday, February 15, 10:30- 11:20 in B&E 140. Scheduled meetings with the remaining candidates will be announced at a later date.
   2. Appreciation Luncheon:
      Karen Morris, announced that the Faculty/Staff Appreciation Luncheon Committee has had its first meeting and the members have come up with some great ideas. She invited anyone who is interested in helping to coordinate the Faculty/Staff Luncheon to join the committee or contact her with ideas.
   3. CEA Family Night/BYOB:
      Mr. Jenik announced a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beef) Night at the Newberry College/Pacers baseball game on April 2. CEA will have a grill available, so he invited everyone to come out and enjoy good food and fellowship at the game.
6. Adjournment
   Having discussed all new business, a motion was made to adjourn and was seconded. The meeting ended. List of February 8, 2002 Classified Employee Assembly attendees:

Classified Employees' Assembly of USC Aiken | Membership | Accomplishments | CEA Committees | CEA of the Year Award | Enrichment | Meetings | Calendar | South Carolina State

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Aiken, SC  29801
Phone: 803-641-3455
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