Minutes
April 24, 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 February 8, 2002. John Hutchens made the motion to approve those minutes, Kris Helou seconded, and the minutes were approved as is.

2. Honorary University Service Ward: Dr. Blanche Premo-Hopkins
   Mr. Jenik recognized Dr. Blanche Premo-Hopkins for her years of service to USCA and her "avid support of the Classified Employees Assembly," by presenting her with a Gardenia -- an evergreen that represents both purity and refinement -- as a gift of appreciation. He then awarded her with an Honorary University Service Award plaque to show our gratitude for her years of service as Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and her dedication to the University. Dr. Premo-Hopkins thanked all of the members of the Classified Employees Assembly and reiterated her gratefulness to the many classified employees who have supported her, thanking everyone for "making me look good."

3. Reports from Administration
   1. Dr. Tom Hallman: Dr. Hallman also took a moment to thank Dr. Premo-Hopkins for all her work over the years. He then went on to comment on the present state of budgetary planning for the next fiscal year. According to Dr. Hallman, the future, admittedly, looks a little bleak. Due to decisions made at the last Senate Finance Committee meeting, it looks as though next year's tuition will have to be increased more than the projected 10% in order to balance the University's budget and keep USCA "out of the red."
   2. Randy Duckett: Mr. Duckett gave an update on Strategic Planning and the new mission statement, which was recently approved by the faculty assembly. It now goes to the Board of Trustees and then to the Commission of Higher Education for approval. Strategic planning group reports were recently reviewed by the Strategic Planning Committee. The Administrative Programs Committee, Academic Programs Committee and the Student Services Programs Committee will be submitting their reports shortly. Dr. Shirley, USCA's strategic planning consultant will be in Aiken April 25th and 26th to review the progress we have made thus far.

    

4. Reports from CEA Committees

   A. Jodi Herrin, Advisory Committee: At the last Advisory Committee meeting, two issues were discussed:

   1. Starting a CEA Club with yearly dues to cover the costs of various CEA functions. Due to low attendance to most CEA function, the Advisory Committee decided that there is no need for this time of club at this time.
   2. Recognizing employees for 5 years of service to USCA. This idea will be channeled through the proper committees for review.

Mr. Jenik emphasized the anonymity of those employees who go to the Advisory Committee with comments and/or suggestions.

B. Ahmed Samaha, FUD: Mr. Samaha discussed the new Faculty/Staff Dining area, which is located where the old Print Shop used to be in the SAC. Hours for dining use are from 11:00am to 2:00pm daily. Reservations to use the dining facility for special events can be made through the Aramark office. The usual Facilities Request Form will be used to arrange for set ups. Mr. Jenik added that those who use the room for special events should remember to leave the room as it was found (for instance, moving chairs back to their proper places, etc…) when using it.

C. Karen Morris, Appreciation Luncheon Committee: Karen announced that the annual Faculty/Staff Appreciation Luncheon will take place Friday, May 10 at 12:00pm in the B&E Gym. Highlights will include Bobby's Barbeque, USCA Famous Faces Slide Show, Smartest Link Game Show and Tons of Door Prizes (must be present to win). For more details about the Faculty & Staff Appreciation Luncheon, please contact Karen Morris (karenm or ext. 3489). The committee also continues to call for faculty and staff volunteers for the Smartest Link Game show. If you would like to volunteer to be on a team, please contact John Hutchens via email (johnh) with your name and department.

D. CEA Elections: Mr. Jenik requested that we make general announcements before moving on to elections for the sake of time and continuity. Everyone agreed.

3. New Business/Announcements
   A. Jean Haynes: Ms. Haynes announced that the Departments of Continuing Education and Athletics offer a full schedule of day camps in the summer for kids. Kids in College Day Camp sessions run from 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm, costing $75 for one session $135 for both sessions. (Optional lunch fee and early drop-off/late pick up fees may also apply), while a variety of sports camps will be available for kids at different times of the day. For more information about Kids in College or for a complete listing of sessions offered, please contact Jean Haynes or Elese Cegelis. For more information about Sports Camps offered, please contact Jackie Brown.

   B. Brandi Harper: Ms. Harper invited everyone to attend this year's Senior Picnic, which will be held on the lawn of the Pickens-Salley House. Also, Exam Survival kits are available through Monday, April 29 for student assistants, and can be ordered through the Alumni Services Department. With no more announcements forthcoming, ballots were passed out, and voting proceeded.

4. Adjournment
   Having discussed all new business, Sandy Besley made a motion to adjourn and was seconded by Gina Buckley. List of April 24, 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

471 University Parkway
Aiken, SC  29801
Phone: 803-641-3455
Fax: 803-641-3516
Email: jeffj@aiken.sc.edu