" I am an athlete here at USC Aiken. The professors work well with me, and understand that I am going to miss class occasionally. They take time to explain to me the things I missed. USC Aiken is the place for me. "

- Jeremy Smith , Business Administration major

Students in Class
Did You Know?
USC Aiken has some of the best professional schools in South Carolina. All three - business, nursing, and education - have received the highest level of accreditation possible. This means more opportunities for you to learn from the best and brightest the University has to offer.

"USC Aiken has the best faculty around! Professors and advisors really have your best interest in mind and will always work with you."

- Dalisha Williams, Middle School Education major

"USC Aiken has so much to offer. Whether it’s Greek life, student activities, athletics, honor societies, or residential life, our campus is full of opportunities and ways to become involved."

- Aaron Doctor, Exercise and Sports Science major

John Ellis
"USCA has many different students from many different backgrounds, but one thing that ties us all together is the campus atmosphere. When I left high school I was scared that I was not going to meet anyone that would be as good as my friends back home. Within my first couple of days at USCA, I had more friends than I have ever had before."

- John Ellis, Communications major

TJ Langford
"During the course of my freshman and sophomore years, I was a resident in the Pacer Downs. When I first met my roommate my freshman year, we became the best of friends from the get-go. We found out that we were so much alike in many ways. We connected like brothers, and we are still roommates today during our junior year. "

- Anthony (T.J.) Langford, Communications major

"Getting involved in Greek Life and participating in intramural sports is a great way to meet new people. I have participated in every intramural sport offered, and it has helped me stay active. "

- TJ Johnston, Business Marketing major

Chris Brown
"Working on campus is a great opportunity for students at USC Aiken. You have the chance to meet so many faculty and staff members and see what happens behind the scenes here at school. Your job will also work around your class schedule because they always put academics first. "

- Chris Brown, Fine Arts major

Kelsey LopezdeVictoria
"I love living in the Honors housing here at USCA. Just living on campus makes participating in university events and activities that much easier. Living in the honors wing is an added bonus because it keeps me in close proximity with like-minded students who are committed to succeeding and in turn inspire me to reach my fullest potential. The atmosphere is great for learning."

- Kelsey LopezdeVictoria, Biology and Psychology double major

"Through the wide variety of classes and clubs, USCA offers a little something for everyone. Its small class sizes, charm, and personal professors make it the perfect choice."

- Jessica Walters, Nursing major

"As a sophomore at USCA, I have really enjoyed the college classroom setting. Since the class sizes aren’t too big, I can always get help from professors anytime I’m in need."

- Thomas Mcleod, Exercise and Sports Science major

"Attending USC Aiken has been a great experience for me. From the campus events to classes and to housing, we are a like a family – a home away from home."

- Alyssa Gadsden, Chemistry major

"I love attending USC Aiken because I feel as if am in a family oriented environment. What I love most about is its location, the independence you gain from attending, and our Pacer spirit!"

- Alesha Jones, Communications major

"I never thought I would meet people from all around the world on such a small campus. You can find the best of both worlds: the advantages of a big campus in a small, friendlier environment."

- Dana Hallat, Biology (pre-dental) major

SGA Minutes

SGA Meeting Minutes November 10^th, 2008

I. Meeting called to order at 5:58 p.m.

II. Roll was taken and Senator Cobb and Wood were absent

III. Senator Heyward moved a motion to approve the minutes and NSAC member Cameron seconded; motion passed unanimously

IV. President’s Report

a. Tailgate this Saturday

i. Be sure to be there if you signed up to help with face-painting

b. Meeting in Columbia went really well, got to meet with other senate members from USC campuses all around the state.

V. Secretary/Treasurers Report

a. Fee allocation is going well; we have a meeting tonight to determine how much money will be allocated.

VI. Advisor’s Report

a. At the end of the semester doing a party at Dr. Deb’s house.

i. They will provide the meat and then everyone else will bring sides and desserts

ii. Should be a lot of fun!!

b. State Revenues board redid their budget and actually need more money than was thought

i. Looks like there will be more cuts next year

ii. If that makes you angry you should ask your state legislature to switch from sales tax to property taxes.

VII. Standing Committee Reports

a. Logan’s Town hall

i. One issue brought up was the budget and how it would affect class sizes

ii. Food was also an issue

iii. Had to do all the talking and no one would participate

iv. Maybe encourage our senators involvement in the meeting

b. Lange’s team townhall

i. Was on the 5^th, we had about 7 people show up though those that came did not have any complaints

ii. However a student did come talk about a complaint before the meeting and it was about parking lot D

1. He had gotten into an accident due to the fact that he could not see oncoming traffic as he was pulling out because of a large vehicle parked in the last parking spot.

2. Senator Marshall explained that she had heard similar complaints before

c. Next Town hall is November 12^th at 5:00 p.m.

VIII. Ad-Hoc Committee Reports

a. Food Services

i. Nothing new

b. Campus Safety

i. Nothing to report

c. Facilities/Green Issues

i. No new news

IX. Old Business

a. Dance Marathon

i. Pageant people need to turn in their forms

ii. Top Chef first round will be during Dance Marathon

b. Vending Machines

i. Parliamentarian Doctor said that the dollar slot is now working in the Penland, however not in the H&SS but a work order has been put in and will be fixed tomorrow

ii. Soda machines are all good now as well; fully stocked.

c. Library Issues

d. Adopt-A-Highway

i. THANKS CHRIS!!!! Great job to all those that helped out!

e. Classes bigger next year

i. They are switching out classes and changing out the times so the large class size for the business class is being fixed

X. New Business

a. Senator Marshall moved a motion to discuss the parking lot D issue and senator Bickley seconded.

i. Senator Williams said that it may be exed out so that it is not such an issue.

ii. Vote on the parking lot D; motion passed unanimously and Hilliard will look into the issue

XI. Librarians came to discuss how the database may not be funded anymore

a. Jane Tuten is the director of the library and Christie Eller came to speak about Pascal

b. Ms. Eller explained what Pascal is

i. Stands for partnership among south Carolina academic libraries

ii. Money can be spent to use resources and is useful for the book delivery service

iii. Allows us to have access to every academic library in the state and also to many databases used to retrieve journal articles

1. Many databases used by students on campus to conduct further research

c. Ms. Tuten explained more about how we can help to support maintaining Pascal

i. On the first sheet she handed out were tips on how you can contact the legislature and let them know how they have been helped by PASCAL’s service and how the elimination of this database will limit their success in the future

ii. PASCAL has funded about 2 million dollars each year for the libraries

1. USCA only has to pay about 5,000 a year to access the database

2. Library budget has been affected by state cuts as well

iii. Whatever you write once you’ve entered a blurb about how PASCAL has helped you and it will be confidential

iv. Senator Congreve asked if the Chancellor understands the importance of these databases

1. Both stated that he understands their importance and he has stressed along with other presidents of universities the importance of

v. There is a PASCAL facebook account to

vi. Senator Daves suggested placing the information in the stall wall

1. He also stated that more information needs to be given out to students to educate them on all that is happening

vii. Advisor Samaha stated how this affects all schools in the state

1. They explained that is also affects private schools who paid an extra

viii. Senator Williams also suggested making a Big Board for publicity

ix. Advisor Samaha asked if a petition would be as effective

1. Both stated that both writing on PASCAL and a petition would be greatly appreciated and help to fight dropping the databases

x. Senator Congreve asked how this would not affect keeping educated individuals in the state

xi. janet@usca.edu to contact Ms. Tuten if you have any other suggestion

xii. NSAC Member Sharif said that she would talk to her English class and discuss the issues because PASCAL was used heavily for their research

1. They also explained that psychology would be hit very hard by these impacts

XII. New Business Continued

a. NSAC Member Sharif moved a motion to discuss the issues of PASCAL and it was seconded by Senator Jackson

i. NSAC Member Sharif suggested doing a petition and having laptops for students to go to the websites and write how PASCAL has helped them.

ii. Vice-President Sharpe stressed how if we do a petition it will be all hands on deck

iii. Senator Williams suggested doing a big board to educate people.

1. Flyers aren’t as obvious because it’s too much to look at

2. Maybe send some information to housing as well

iv. Senator Congreve

1. Wondered how many signatures would be needed

2. Advisor Samaha stated that the signatures may be put into question

3. She also suggested that we should put the issue on the Marquee

v. NSAC Member Cameron stated that doing both petition and laptops at the same time would probably be most beneficial

vi. Senator Walker said that if we asked teachers to speak about five minutes in the beginning of class to tell students about what is going on with PASCAL

vii. Motion passed; one opposed

viii. A week from Wednesday will be when we have a table set-up

b. The issue of speed bumps was re-addressed and

XIII. Announcements

a. Next week’s meetings we will need to have everyone’s schedule

b. We need to think about next semester in February we will think about senate for next year

c. Wednesday is the Kwanzaa festival starts at 6:30 lots of food!!!

d. Thursday night is TKE/PHI MU Social Host Responsibility Workshop 6:30 in the Mezz

e. PUB has a magician Brian Brushwood in the Mezz

f. Phi Mu is having a lady auction on Thursday at 8:00 in the SAC

g. On the 20^th is the Masquerade Ball

h. On the 21^st Is the coming out show

i. Alpha Phi Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta have a step show

j. TKE is starting toilet seat on Thursday!

k. Be a Kid Night is Friday at 8 to support the Dance Marathon – Lots of Fun

l. 20^th is the international festival in the SAC – Food will be provided!

XIV. Senator Heyward moved a motion to adjourn and motion was seconded by NSAC Member Cameron; passed unanimously.

The University Of South Carolina Aiken

SGA Minutes