CEA Minutes for Wednesday, February 15, 2006

I.                     Welcome/Approval of November 2005 Minutes

Jeff Jenik welcomed the Assembly to the third meeting of the academic year.  He called for approval of the November 29, 2005 minutes, and with no changes, the minutes were unanimously approved.

II.                   Announcement of new CEA Members

Jenik then noted the four new CEA members as listed on the back of the newsletter and recognized Catrena Cheston, new to the Records office, who was in attendance. 

III.                  Report from the Chancellor, Dr. Tom Hallman

Chancellor Hallman was then welcomed by the CEA, and he began by updating them on the budget.  He noted that Program Review requests have been sorted through and a list of new positions and new programs in order of priority has been made.  A tuition increase will be needed to cover the needs on campus and to keep debt to a minimum.  Dr. Hallman also noted that USC Aiken does not have as much debt as other institutions of equivalent size.  Renovations and new construction on campus was also included in the discussion of tuition increases, and a 1% additional increase to students will be added on top of the initial increase to assist with these two areas.  A tuition cap has been proposed by the Governor and is working its way through the legislators. However, Dr. Hallman concluded that the cap will most likely not effect USC Aiken in its currently proposed format.

At the conclusion of his comments, Dr. Hallman posed the question, “should the Classified Employee of the Year Awards be presented on May 5th at the faculty/staff appreciation luncheon instead of at the convocation,” to all CEA members and requested feedback.  Out of the comments immediately provided, CEA members were in agreement that this was the more appropriate venue for the awards.  Jeff Jenik will email the CEA to solicit additional responses to Dr. Hallman’s question.

IV. Committee Updates

Prior to the committee reports, Jenik asked the CEA to please note the smoking resolution/proposal provided by the SGA and listed on the back of the newsletter.  The survey results were also provided by the SGA for CEA review.  Jeff Jenik will email the CEA to solicit additional responses to the smoking proposal.

The Nominating Committee had no update today, but noted that the CEA will hear from them soon on upcoming nominations needed for the 06-07 committees. 

The Advisory Committee update was given by Carla Hayes, who noted that feedback is desparately needed for the CEA of the Year Awards process.  Jeff Jenik will also email the CEA on this matter to solicit additional responses. Hayes reviewed the current nomination and selection process for these awards, and she reminded members that they could review the current process online at http://www.usca.edu/cea/Award/awards.html . Hayes noted that the committee was now in the second phase of the award’s procedure, and nominees would be notified next week.

The FUD committee update was given by Scott Peace, and he noted that the old phone booths have been removed from the buildings and that picnic tables have been added around the Downs.  Please let Peace know of other locations where picnic tables need to be added.  Peace also asked for feedback for the signs in the quad.  He noted the need for a directory in the Penland building to give new student and faculty/staff assistance when entering campus for the first time.  Sidewalks are still being pushed for University Parkway for the safety of our students, especially since plans now exists for a shopping center at the end of the parkway. Peace asked that staff provide FUD with any comments from students or parents on the safety of the campus. 

The Enrichment Committee report was provided by Jeff Mastromonico.  He noted that they are continuing the Employee of the Month program, although nominations have been slow for the last few months.  First Friday is also continuing, but with low turn out from the CEA.  The committee is taking suggestions for other meeting places for First Friday.  The committee will meet next week to start planning the Staff/Faculty Appreciation Luncheon for May 5th, and anyone who would like to join in on planning this event needs to email johnh@usca.edu.  There was no report on the survey taken by the CEA at November’s meeting.

 

 

V.  Departmental Updates –

A. Institutional Effectiveness – Braden Hosch walked the CEA through the IE website which can be found at http://ie.usca.edu.  He reviewed the mission and goals along with the currently published surveys which can all be found online.  He also noted the roles of each IE staff member.  He announced that the IE office completes about 40 different external reports each year, and internal reporting can be assessed online.  In addition to these two roles, the IE office also works on the assessment of the University including learning outcomes and research.  Hosch showed examples of current student data and online public reports, and the School of Business staff complimented the IE on the ease of usage of the site.  Hosch concluded by stating that the IE office places importance on putting action to the results they find.

B. Etherredge Center – Jane Schumacher provided a calendar of events to each CEA member.  She noted that while the Cultural Series was sold out in July 2005, their were many other worthwhile events to attend including The Mikado  and The Princess and the Pea from the Playground Playhouse. Both events will be presented by USC Aiken’s talented undergraduates. She also noted that discounts for most events are available for CEA members, and she asked them to call the box office with any questions.

VI.  Announcements from the Floor

Scott Peace reminded the CEA that today was RA Day, and also noted that the housing staff would be serving lunch next Wednesday with a Wizard of Oz theme to raise funds for the heart walk.  Karen Morris also noted that the Mardi Gras lunch would follow the next week. Cups of Love are placed around campus and hearts are also being sold to benefit the Heart Walk to be held on March 4.

Jamie Raynor reminded the CEA of the upcoming Homecoming events on February 24-25 and the Alumni Golf Classic on March 6.

Carla Hayes reminded the CEA of the Money Plus deadlines and the “Countdown to $1000” lunch and learn and retirement seminars coming up.

Jeff Jenik asked the CEA to please note all of the upcoming events listed on the back of the newsletter and place special importance on attending the meeting with President Sorensen on March 20th.

VII. Adjourn

With a first motion from Sherene Power and a second from Braden Hosch, the third CEA meeting of the 05-06 academic year was adjourned.

CEA Members in attendance

Carla Hayes

Jeff Jenik

Jody Yates

Angela Taylor

Aileen McTaggart

Paula Stribling

Gail Ratchford

Barbara Henkes

Braden Hosch

Scott Peace

Cheryl Ehmke

Tony Ateca

Dr. Thomas Hallman

Maureen Bergstrom

Deborah McMurtrie

Linda Ferrell

Janice Weeks

Jeff Mastromonico

Cheryl Fogle

Joann Williamson

Vicki Watkins

Robyn Watson

Lisa Gillespie

Karen Morris

Jane Schumacher

Mary Anne Cavanaugh

Laura Anderson

Ashley Ball

Sarah Keeling

Cory Feraldi

Rebecca Shrader

Cindy Gelinas

Mary Millies

Jacki Brown

Jim Blair

Sherene Power

Nick Shrader

Lib Thomas

Tony Ateca

Ginger Steel

Darlene Smalley

Sandy Dewitt

Kristen Allen

Karen Morgan

Jeff Crosby

Maria Chandler

Catrina Chastin

Jamie Raynor