CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES ASSEMBLY MEETING

September 17, 2003

Mr. John Hutchens (CEA Chairman) called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting. He then introduced Chancellor, Dr. Tom Hallman to greet the Assembly.

Dr. Hallman reported to the Assembly that student enrollment was up from the previous year. He also reported that traditional students comprise the majority of the student population this year. This will put more of a demand on the type services required by traditional students.

Dr. Hallman reminded the group that the state budget situation continues to appear bleak. He told the assembly that he appreciates all their effort and thanked them for making USC Aiken a great institution.

Dr. Hallman took questions about the four day summer work schedule. Overall the Classified Employees Assembly expressed satisfaction with the schedule. There were reservations from the academic side and concerns about the library being closed on Fridays. Dr. Hallman will be discussing the issue with Dr. Sorenson who agreed to try the four day week as an experiment. There has been no decision made about the work schedule for summer 2004.

Mr. Hutchens introduced the new officers and committee members. He then introduced Mr. Tony Ateca to present an update on campus facilities.

Mr. Ateca presented a rendering of the new student housing. Work has begun and there should be visible structure by the end of October. The new complex will house approximately 316 students and require additional staff. It is proposed to add two additional maintenance staff, an assistant director, and a part-time administrative assistant.

Mr. Ateca reported that the conversion of Satcher Field to the Softball Field has begun. Work on the Humanities & Social Sciences Building roof should be complete by September 26, 2003. The air conditioning will also be replaced in the building. After the H& SS work is complete, renovation of the Gregg-Graniteville will begin. The roof, heating & cooling units will be replaced. There will be some interior renovation. Carpet and some furnishings will be replaced. These renovations are being paid for through tuition bonds.

Mr. Ateca reported that the Convocation Center is now in the third phase of design and should soon be ready for final approval. Groundbreaking for the Center is planned for May 2004. Following completion of the Convocation Center, renovations will begin on the Student Activities Center. A request for SAC renovation designs has been submitted.

Mr. Ateca was asked if the road off the Robert M. Bell Parkway would be permanent. He reported that for the present time the road would only be used for access of construction equipment.

Mr. Hutchens introduced Ms. JoAnne Baynham to discuss the Family Fund Campaign. Ms. Baynham thanked those who had already made their pledges to the Family Fund. She reminded the group that to be eligible for door prizes at the Family Fund Luncheon they would need to return their pledge cards by the morning of September 23, 2003 prior to the start of the luncheon. Ms. Baynham encouraged the group to give, even if they could only give a small amount. All gifts are appreciated and if members pledged even $1 per paycheck they have given $24 per year. Ms. Baynham then introduced Ms. Sarah Keeling, Alumni Association president to come forward. Ms. Keeling made an appeal to the USC Aiken Alumni in the Assembly to designate their Family Fund donations to the Alumni Association.

Mr. Hutchens reminded the Assembly that they could also designate their Family Fund donations to go to the Classified Employees Assembly.

Mr. Hutchens informed the Assembly that there are enrichment funds available for members through the Classified Employees Assembly. Requests are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis so members should get their requests in early.

Mr. Hutchens introduced Ms. Sandy Besley. Ms. Besley presented a proposal by the executive committee to create a “hospitality” committee. This committee would act to welcome new staff members to USC Aiken, plan social events, and oversee an “employee of the month” program to build camaraderie amongst the Classified Employee Assembly and increase moral.  Ms. Besley made a motion to develop this new committee; the motion was carried by the body present. The nominating committee will be asked to solicit membership for the committee.

Mr. Hutchens welcomed new staff members to the Classified Employees Assembly. Ms. Sarah Keeling, Advisement Counselor and Mr. Braden Hosch, Director of Institutional Effectiveness were present.

Mr. Jeff Jenik introduced the nominees for the Facilities, Utilization, & Development Committee (FUD). The nominees were as follows: Christine Norris, Maureen Bergstrom, Willie Elmore, Andrew Hendrix, and Melissa Poe. (Ballots were collected as the Assembly exited the meeting.)

Ms. Carla Hayes made a brief announcement to remind everyone that open enrollment would take place in October.

Mr. Jeff Jenik reminded the Assembly to attend the Roberto Hernandez Baseball Stadium Dedication event on September 18, 2003. He also encouraged the Assembly to join the State Employees Association, the state employee lobbying group. He informed the group that Mr. Kojak Martin is the representative to the State Employee Association and to see him for more information.

Mr. Hutchens asked the Assembly to approve the minutes from the last meeting. Ms. Carla Hayes made a motion to approve the minutes. The minutes were accepted as written.

Ms. Hayes made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Sherene Power seconded. The meeting was adjourned and the Assembly gathered for refreshments.

Submitted by,

Elese Cegelis,

CEA Recorder

Members Present:

John Hutchens

Sandy Besley

Karen Morris

Elese Cegelis

Mike Lemons

Allison Brown-Owens

Sarah Keeling

Corey Feraldi

Sandy DeWitt

Carla Hayes

Linda Ferrell

Jeff Mastromonico

Evelyn Knight

Brenda Hill

Katya Terry

Mareen Bergstrom

Lou Smith

Jodi Herrin

Braden Hosch

Brigitte Smith

Donna Howell

Stan Price

Ruby Turner

Corine Simmons

Gretchen Erb

Joan Stevens

Melissa Poe

Jamie Raynor

Jeff Jenik

JoAnne Baynham

Christine Norris

Annette Beeler

Scott Peace

Cheryl Ehmke

Tiffany Coleman

Carol Cutsinger

Jackie Brown

Jean Haynes

Paula Stribling

Jeanie Brown

Miriam Toole

Kojak Martin

Sherene Power

Barbara Henkes