Minutes
February 4, 2003

I. Call to Order

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 the previous meetings are always available on the CEA website. That said, Mr. Jenik asked for a motion to approve the minutes of December 5, 2002. Sherene Power made the motion to approve those minutes, Corey Feraldi seconded, and the minutes were approved as is.

II. Reports from Administration

A. Chancellor Tom Hallman

Dr. Hallman covered the following topics:

· There has been talk of sequestering, or “giving back,” funds, perhaps as much as 5% of this year’s budget—an amount that could increase by 2-3% more. Enrollment is expected to grow in the coming year, but we are still looking at a possible 12% decrease in available funds.

· Some employees seem to be concerned about furloughs and lay-offs. These actions are not an option at this point.

· Assistance from the SC Lottery to higher education institutions is limited. Approximately $790,000 of lottery monies goes to teaching institutions, while the rest goes toward student scholarships. This year 81% of the USCA student body was awarded some form of merit based assistance.

· Thus far, USCA tuition has increased by 17% over the past year. The fact that enrollment is up by 4% and that this year marks the highest number of applications for enrollment in USCA history is hopeful, but it is possible we may see more tuition increases just the same.

· We are still $6million short of the necessary monies to complete the Convocation Center. The baseball field is on schedule and will be completed by May.

· A draft of the Strategic Plan strategies and measures will be submitted to Dr. Shirley in March.

B. Christine Inman, Environmental Health and Safety Management

Ms. Inman commented that this meeting presented an ideal opportunity for her to introduce herself for the first time to many of the CEA members. She also wanted to discuss some of the issues that will be arising in the area of Environmental Health and Safety and that will affect staff and faculty.

· The web page is presently under construction and will provide a large amount of valuable information, such as campus health and safety policies, several health and safety manuals, material safety hazard sheets, and recycling and disposal measures and procedures.

· Ms. Inman explained that plans to really increase campus recycling efforts are underway, and reminded everyone that blue recycling bins should be readily available to all employees. If there is no recycling bin in your area, please contact Ms. Inman, so she can make arrangements for you to have one. For more information about what goes into these bins as well as how to dispose of text books, card board boxes, cans and plastic, and locations for all recycling areas, contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety Management.

C. Kris Helou, AHA Walk-A-Thon

Ms. Helou announced that on Saturday, March 8, 2003 the American Heart Association will hold its annual American Heart Walk. This year’s Heart Walk goal is $190,000. All money raised will be used to fund critical research as well as professional and community education programs that increase awareness about cardiovascular disease. Ms. Helou asked that anyone interested joining the walk-a-thon or in donating to a walker or directly to the American Heart Association, can contact herself at Housing or Holly Guy at the Wellness Center or any of the 7 team leaders or team walkers.A list of these participants is located on the American Heart Association’s Walk-a-thon web page at:

http://www.kintera.org/faf/teams/groupTeamList.asp?ievent=10672&lis=1&tlteams=53779

III. Reports from CEA Committees

A. Carla Hayes, Chair of the CEA Advisory Committee

Ms. Hayes explained that the Advisory Committee will be discussing ideas for “morale boosters,” such as a CEA sponsored “Stop by for Pie.” She encouraged anyone who had ideas or wished to share comments or thoughts about the University to contact her or any member of the Advisory Committee.

B. Sherene Power, Nominating Committee

Since John Hutchens, Chair of the Nominating Committee, was unable to attend the meeting, Ms. Power announced that the Nominating Committee will be overseeing the upcoming committee and officer elections. CEA members can email or call Mr. Hutchens with their nominations. The election will take place at our next CEA meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday, April 10 at 2:00pm. Voting boxes will be located on campus as we approach the meeting time to allow for people who don’t make it to the meeting to vote.

IV. Reports from the CEA Chair

· Mr. Jenik reminded everyone that the CEA Employee of the Year Award nominations would be accepted through February 14.

· Mr. Jenik also reminded everyone of the importance of the South Carolina Employees Assocation, and he encouraged everyone to consider joining. This organization is responsible for a number of state employee benefits. For more information, employees can contact USCA SCEA representative, Kojak Martin.

IV. Announcements

Deidre Martin announced that March is Women’s History Month. On March 24 the annual symposium featuring the contributions of southern women will focus on the women of the Pickens-Salley House.

Sherri Jenik made a motion to adjourn which was seconded by Sherene Power.

List of February 4, 2003 Classified Employee Assembly attendees:

Tony Ateca

Maureen Bergstrom

Sandra Besley

Myles Black

Sue Boatwright

Jackie Brown

Jeanie Brown

Allison Brown-Owens

Gina Buckley

Elese Cegalis

Tiffany Coleman

Randy Duckett

Cheryl Ehmke

Corey Feraldi

Linda Ferrell

Tom Hallman

Kris Helou

Jodi Herrin

Brenda Hill

Donna Howell

Christin Inman

Sherri Jenik

Evelyn Knight

Mike Lemons

Kojak Martin

Jeff Mastromonico

Aileen McTaggert

Karen Morris

Melissa Poe

Sherene Power

Stan Price

Jamie Raynor

Glenn Shumpert

Corine Simmons

Cindy Sparling

Ginger Steel

Paula Stribling

Katya Terry

Miriam Toole

Ruby Turner

Sylvia Williams

Joann Williamson