October 2015
newsletter
Page 2 & 3
• Campus Citizen of
the Month
Page 4
• Budget Process
Page 5
• ACS & Alumni Run
Page 6
• Office 365
Page 7
• Campus
Improvements
Page 8
• Academics
Page 9 & 10
• Chancellor’s
Remarks Continued
OOC News
Chancellor Remarks
c
olleagues,
I hope the fall semester is
progressing well for you! The State
of the University Address was on
October 7th, and for the second time
in our history it was a presentation
only for the members of our USC
Aiken community. We set aside this
time for honest assessment of how
the University is doing and discuss
our progress in the attainment of our
Forward Together strategic goals.
I appreciate all who attended the
address, and for your willingness to
ask questions and provide feedback.
While you can see the “Prezi” on our
intranet, I want to reiterate some of
the high points of the presentation
with you in this column. Below please
find excerpts from the presentation.
State of the University, 2015
As you all know, these are
challenging times for universities and
colleges, both public and private,
large and small, and all across the
nation. The recent recession, or as
some have called it, the “Great
Reset,” has altered the landscape for
higher education in a way that none
of us have seen before.
Among the challenges, public
funding has declined dramatically
while public and governmental
scrutiny and demands for
accountability have increased.
While universities have done a
good job of keeping the cost
of education level (by which I
mean, the cost for the university to
educate a student has remained
level for nearly a decade), who
pays for that education has
dramatically changed. For those
parents and students paying
for college, the tuition and fees
have gone up dramatically as
states have stepped away from
the traditional role they have
played in supporting public
education. Student behaviors have
changed as well with the result of
lengthening the time to graduate
for many students. As a result
student debt is climbing sharply
and reaching crisis levels for many
American families. Unfortunately,
costs for students and their parents
soared in an environment where
the economy was making a
sluggish recovery and jobs were
scarce. Thus, the issues around
rising tuition were exacerbated
by the fact that recent graduates
found it challenging to find wellContinued on Page 9
Congratulations to all of our Campus Citizens!
Thanks to their efforts, they all receive a $20 gift card, a sign for their desk, and a parking spot.
T
May 2015
Kathy Chambers
Housekeeper for Penland Building
In her nomination it was stated that
Kathy has an unrivaled level of dedication
and an unsurpassed work ethic. It was
noted that she takes great pride in her
work, and that after she cleans an area
she checks with the occupants to make
sure they are happy with her work.
Her nominator stated that Kathy really
cares. She works diligently to keep suites
and individual offices clean. One example
of her diligence was she wasn’t satisfied
with how the front doors looked after she
cleaned them. She tried different methods
until she got those doors to shine! Another
example of her diligence has to do with
a persistent spider that continually would
build a web on an office ledge after
Kathy would knock it down. She would check daily to make sure the spider had not
returned.
In recognition of her pleasant attitude, persistence in getting a job done right,
and diligence, Kathy Chambers has been named the May Campus Citizen of the
Month. Congratulations Kathy!
June 2015
Kathy Temples
Teacher Assistant for
the Children’s Center
In her nomination it was stated that
many parents on campus already know
how lucky they are to have Miss Kathy
working with their children. She always
has a positive attitude. Her nominator
states the day she met Miss Kathy, she let
her know that this is her “dream job,” and
that sentiment is made clear every time
she see her. She truly cares about the
children in her care, and is attentive to
their needs when they are in her presence
and inquiring about their home and family
lives.
Her nominator stated that her child
prefers to be with his parents over anyone,
and yet he lights up when Miss Kathy tells
him she loves him. Her child is excited
to go to school each day, and is learning so much and flourishing because of the
loving care that is being received.
In recognition of her dedication, positive attitude, and love and care she gives
the children in her care, Kathy Temples has been named the June Campus Citizen of
the Month. Congratulations Kathy!
Page 2
he Campus Citizen of the Month
award is given in recognition
of good citizenship. All faculty,
classified and unclassified staff,
and university partners who have
been with the University for one
year and are in good standing are
eligible. The nomination remains
active indefinitely in the pool of
candidates. The nomination form
must be signed by the nominee’s
supervisor and sent to the
nominee’s Vice Chancellor in that
unit. The criteria to be used in the
nomination are:
• Initiative/Creativity: Exhibits
ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Examples: Improved work
methods, efficiency within the
department.
• Loyalty/Dedication: Willing to
go the “extra mile” without
being asked.
• Positive Attitude: Maintains
effective relationships with
others both on and off
campus; serves as role model.
Example: Consistently delivers
prompt, friendly service.
• Leadership: Acknowledge
those whose efforts have
inspired and supported
the performance and
achievement of others.
Monday Group will
review the nominations
and select each
month’s winner.
Contact Maria
Chandler at
MariaC@USCA.edu
for more information.
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July 2015
Sherri Jenik
Administrative Coordinator for Office of the Chancellor
In her nomination it was stated that Sherri displays many characteristics that make
her worthy of the honor. She has a strong passion for the University which can be seen
through her work ethic as she is always willing to go above and beyond to get a task
done and maintains a positive attitude while doing so.
Her nominator stated that she exhibits ingenuity and resourcefulness to ensure her
job responsibilities are achieved. In addition, Sherri always displays a positive attitude
and represents USC Aiken with pride. People can hear her passion and excitement
for USC Aiken whenever they speak with her about the campus and the different
activities and events.
In recognition of her passion, positivity, ingenuity and resourcefulness over the
past 29 years for USC Aiken, Sherri Jenik has been named July Campus Citizen of the
Month. Congratulations Sherri!
August 2015
Daniel J. Robb
Director of Admissions
In his nomination it was stated that Dan has been a very committed member of
the Retention, Progression, and Graduation (RPG) Committee. He was an important
contributor to discussions, shared information from external groups so the committee
had up-to-date information, and arranged a webinar and to meet with an expert
who was on campus. It was also stated he was open to new ideas.
In addition, his nominator recognized how Dan has become a loyal USC Aiken
fan and promoter at sporting and other events.
In recognition of his ideas, support, and numerous contributions, Dan has been
named the August Campus Citizen of the Month. Congratulations Dan!
September 2015
Arlene DiPietro
Administrative Specialist for University Police
In her nomination, a co-worker stated how impressed she is with Arlene’s calm
and efficient nature. In addition to making student ID cards for new students,
issuing everyone new parking stickers, and her other job responsibilities, she helps
administrative assistants on campus enter students that need access into labs. This
year it was a little more difficult to print on the new Banner system and the print was
extremely small. Arlene took the report, small print and all, and said she’d have it
done as soon as she could. She always reacts positively and is quick to respond to
requests. Her co-worker states that she is a great example of a good citizen and
ambassador for the University!
In recognition of her positive attitude, teamwork with other departments, and
efficiency, Arlene DiPietro has been named the September Campus Citizen of the
Month. Congratulations Arlene!
Page 3
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Update of the Budget Process
FY17 Budget Process
T
he adoption of the USC Aiken budget is a
result of the convergence between the state
budget process, the USC System budget process
and the USC Aiken budget process. The USC Aiken
budget process begins with the University’s strategic
plan and continues with departmental reviews
of annual performance. Based on the annual
departmental reviews as well as new departmental
and institutional strategic initiatives, budget requests
will be solicited in November 2015 from the campus
using the TRACDAT system. All submitted requests
will be reviewed and prioritized by each member
of the Chancellor’s Cabinet and then the prioritized
list of all requests will be shared with the campus
via a Campus Budget Forum (likely in March
2016). Feedback from the Campus Budget Forum
and input from the Campus Budget and Planning
Committee is used to develop a final priority of
requests.
PeopleSoft
T
he University community may access finance.
ps.sc.edu to sign in to PeopleSoft using their
Network username and password. This link is only
available on the USC network or through VPN
access off-campus.
PeopleSoft Information can be found on the USCA
A-Z Index: under P: PEOPLESOFT. Here you will find
links to forms, processes and training.
From December 2015 through June 2016, as the
state budget process develops, USC Aiken will gain
a better sense of new appropriations as well as
mandated new expenditures (e.g. required changes
to compensation, retirement increases, health
increases, etc.) Additionally, as the USC System
budget progresses with the state budget process,
USC Aiken gains a sense of any tuition increases,
additional tuition revenue, as well as any additional
USC System mandated expenses.
With each change in the state and USC System
budget process USC Aiken will update models and
reassess resources likely to be available. By having
the prioritized list of requests that is developed
through the USC Aiken budget process, the University
is able to make quick adjustments and produce a
budget reflective of institutional priorities, economic
realities and with aspirational foundations.
Fair Wage Plan Round II
Funding has been set aside in the FY16
budget for implementation of Round II of
the USC Aiken Fair Wage plan. The logistics
of the plan continue to be reviewed, but it
is anticipated that Round II will occur during
spring ‘16 semester. Additional information will
be shared with the campus as implementation
plans are finalized.
Current Tips:
Understanding there is seemingly an abundance information on this new platform, we would like to
offer a few tips/suggestions to help make create consistency and a better understanding as to how
to initiate/process electronic requests. Here are our top 3 for this month…
• #3 Utilize the comments box in the line item section of the requisition to indicate any special
notes or comments you need relayed to the buyer or approver.
• #2 Attach all of your back up documentation to your request i.e.: quotes, membership memo,
agreements, justifications, etc.
• And the #1 tip….Be sure to choose a buyer! For the USCA campus, the default buyer is JENIK.
We thank you for your patience and support as we continue to implement PeopleSoft!
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TWO USC AIKEN STUDENTS NAMED ACS
SCHOLARS FOR 2015
Manuel Dominguez and Massiel Payero-Garcia, students at the University of South Carolina Aiken, were
named 2015 American Chemical Society Scholars. Both students will receive a renewable scholarship.
Established in 1994 to attract minority students to chemical science programs, the ACS Scholars Program
gives awards based on academic achievement, as well as financial need and extracurricular activities.
According to the ACS website, “The program also aims to help build awareness of the value and rewards
associated with careers in chemistry and assist students in acquiring skills and credentials needed for success.”
Scholarship amounts vary based on available funds and financial need, but are awarded up to $5,000.
Dr. Chad Leverette, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics at USC Aiken, said 100 to150
students earn the prestigious award nationwide each year. “To have two at USCA is outstanding and quite
rare,” he said.
Dominguez is a (Senior) from (North Augusta) majoring in (Chemistry). Payero-Garcia is a (Sophomore)
from (Aiken) majoring in (Chemistry).
ALUMNI DOUBLE KNOT TRAIL TROT
Thanks to the Midlands (Columbia/
Lexington) Alumni Chapter and
everyone for making the day a
great success and helping raise
over $1000 for scholarships for USC
Aiken students.
USC Aiken Alumns Adam and Vicki Davis
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Office 360
After more than a year of planning, meeting and gathering
input from the campus community, Computer Services has
completed the migration of the university’s faculty, staff and
student e-mail systems to Microsoft Office 365. We were able
to successfully migrate 856 faculty and staff mailboxes while
keeping the boxes’ contacts, e-mails and appointments
completely intact. As a result, we have begun to realize the
benefits of outsourcing our e-mail systems. Some of those
benefits include:
• Larger user mailboxes, and no e-mail reminders about
oversized mailboxes
• 438 OneDrive users and counting
• Students, faculty and staff in one address book, now with
the ability to share calendars
• Access to Microsoft Office Professional on home and office
computers
• USC Aiken avoided paying thousands of dollars in hardware
and software costs associated with hosting e-mail in-house
• Representatives from MediaSite will be on campus next
month to demo a product that will allow us to repurpose our
old e-mail storage space for use as a repository for online
course materials
Faculty/Staff E-mail Advisory
Committee Members
Maria Chandler
Chet Longley
Dan Robb
Gerard Rowe
Ahmed Samaha
Gary Senn
Chris Spires
Deborah Tritt
Joann Williamson
As with any migration of this size and scope we fully anticipate
that there will be unforeseen issues that we need to address;
that is where we need your help. If you encounter any
problems using any of Office 365’s features please contact the
CSD Help Desk so we can document and correct those issues.
Here are two issues we have already identified:
• Users might notice sent messages collecting in the Outbox
folder. CSD can correct this problem. We own a utility
that will also recover any messages that disappear from
the Outbox before being sent correctly. We are aware
of approximately five users (including me) who have
experienced this issue.
• Following the migration, Outlook might have collapsed your
mailbox’s folder list. Two users reported their folders missing,
but were reminded how to expand the folder list, revealing
the hidden folders
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Spiffing Up Campus
Improved Faculty/Staff Dining Room:
Have you been over to the newly renovated
Faculty and Staff Dining area? Features include
new carpet, LED lighting, LED TV, and campus
artwork.
Green House Construction:
The USC Aiken Greenhouse is almost completed and
ready for student-faculty research. Dr. Andy Dyer
was the PI on this ASPIRE III grant from the USC Office
for Research to build the greenhouse, along with
co-PI’s, Dr. Nathan Hancock, Dr. Michele Harmon,
and Dr. Virginia Shervette. The University extends
their gratitude to these faculty members who have
provided an outdoor research center for our students.
A potential solar farm for the University is still pending,
and in the discussion phase with SCANA.
Energy Improvements:
All common area lighting of the H&SS Building was
replaced with high efficiency LED lighting. This will
save the campus approximately $6,000 per year in
electrical costs, and provide us with brighter interior
halls.
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SACSCOC Fifth-Year Report
The U.S. Department of Education requires accrediting agencies to monitor their institutions
that have access to federal funds to ensure continuous compliance with accreditation
standards. To that end, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on
Colleges requires the submission of a Fifth-Year Interim report that is evaluated off-site.
The bulk of this report is made up of two parts:
1. a Compliance certification showing the institution is in compliance with accreditation
standards and
2. an impact report of our Quality Enhance Plan. Unlike the decennial review that includes
a self-study that culminates in a written response to 92 standards, the fifth-year report is
an abbreviated compliance review with responses to 17. It is nevertheless a significant
undertaking. Our report is due next year. In preparation, the Office of Institutional
Effectiveness has started to draft our responses to the accreditation standards and to
collect evidentiary documents that demonstrate compliance.
USC Aiken visits local industries
throughout the month of
October
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CHANCELLOR’S REMARKS CONTINUED
paying jobs in their disciplines right out of college, raising the question about the “value of a degree.”
Despite the challenges, I’ve come to learn firsthand that this is a university that does not shy away from dreaming
big and embracing aspirations that are better than the moment in time. This is a university that has always set
what some call “big, hairy, audacious” goals. A little more than fifty years ago we were a two-year college that
had aspirations to become a 4-year institution. Then we became a regional college, separately accredited
and funded from our sister institution in Columbia. More recently on the timeline, the institution added graduate
programs, which moved us to a new Carnegie designation, the Comprehensive University. Then, while we have a
long-standing liberal arts and sciences focus in our mission, USC Aiken places more emphasis upon this distinction
by applying for and ultimately joining the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, (COPLAC.)
Scanning the higher education journals, we can identify many challenges and we know that at this moment in
time our profession is experiencing unprecedented change. As an institution, we can have many responses to
these challenges and changes…we can build walls around the institution, we can be in denial, or we can rail
against the changes. But, anyone who has met me knows that I am not, by nature, prone to “hand-wringing.”
And anyone who has a relationship with this university knows that we are resilient; we never recoil from a
challenge; and we continually reach for that next goal, even though it may be difficult to achieve.
What this moment in time demands is for us to use all our intellectual prowess, all our talents and creativity, all the
forces in our power to be a relevant, student-focused, versatile, change-tolerant, entrepreneurial, and strategic
university. To be an innovative, creative, flexible institution, relevant in the 21st Century and able to help our
community, state and nation meet today’s enormous challenges, we need to model what we want our students
to learn to be: Problem solvers, collaborators, creative thinkers, and achievement-oriented and aspirational
colleagues.
A few select highlights from 2014-15. Please see the full set of slides on the USC Aiken intranet:
2015 numbers are not yet official
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Strategies Needing Additional Attention or Information:
•
•
•
•
•
Collective focus on improving student retention and graduation rates
More integrated and dynamic focus on global studies
Assessment of the impact of “Out of Class” learning
Develop (and assess impact) of responsible and socially conscious graduates
Expanding and enhancing partnerships to support economic, educational, and personal
development
I look forward to seeing you around campus, in meetings, or at the socials we’ve set up to give us a
chance to get together less formally. Thank you for the extraordinary year…and the opportunity to work
with you and for you. USC Aiken IS moving Forward Together!
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