OOC News
February 2013
newsletter
Innovation Fund Proposals
In this issue:
Forward Together Update
Click on list item to jump to page
Page 2
• Healthy Carolina
• Equestrian Online
Page 3
• Campus Citizen
of the Month
Page 4
• Is A College
Degree Really
Worth It?
Page 5
• Degree-Tracking
Software Updates
• Pacer Athletics
Page 6
• Online Learning
Page 7
• New Campus
Road Names
the State of the
D uring
University Address on
November 12th, Dr. Jordan
announced the creation of an
“Innovation Fund” of $50,000
that will be used to reward creative
approaches to enhancing student
retention through heightened
student engagement. The purpose
of the Innovation Fund is to
provide funding for “pilot” projects
that will help us retain students
by actively engaging them in the
learning process.
Proposals will be reviewed
and ranked by a committee of
faculty, staff and students and
recommendations for funding will
be forwarded to the Chancellor
for final selection. Awards will be
determined and announced by
the end of February.
In response to the request
for proposals, 37 faculty
and staff submitted 27
proposals requesting a total
of $147,353.
Of the 27 proposals, 18
proposals were submitted by
faculty,
6 proposals were submitted
by staff, and 3 proposals
were submitted by faculty
and staff teams.
Faculty and staff who
submitted proposals
represent 14 different units
on campus.
USC Aiken Recognized for Small and Minority Business Outreach
T
he University of South
Carolina Aiken campus
has been recognized for
making and recording its
outreach efforts to Small
and Minority businesses
over the past year during
a ceremony at the
Williams-Brice Stadium
on January 18, 2013. The
commemorative breakfast
and recognition ceremony
was a highlight of the
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day celebration. The
campus received honors
in the following areas
for the Highest Number
of Recorded Outreach
Attempts:
By Division:
USC Aiken campus
By Department:
Bookstore and Geology
By Individual:
Cynthia Gearhart
and Brad Reinhart
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Healthy Carolina
Working Well Initiative formed to help USC Aiken make healthy choices
W
ith the beginning of this calendar year,
the University of South Carolina System
is launching a new initiative called “Working
Well.” The mission of this initiative is, “To
create a healthy campus environment that
promotes the development and maintenance
of a healthy body, mind and spirit through
the collaborative development, promotion
and assessment of policies, programs, services
and initiatives that address all dimensions
of wellness for the members of the campus
community.” Focused on helping all members
of our community make healthy choices, the
initiative will include educational seminars,
health assessments, access to information, and
wellness opportunities. Mila Padgett, Director of
the Wellness Center, is coordinating the Working
Well Initiative Team at USC Aiken. Watch for
announcements from Mila in the days and weeks
to follow.
Equestrian Online
USC Aiken Announces Equestrian Continuing Education Classes Online
T
he University of South Carolina
Aiken is pleased to offer a variety
of equestrian classes through the
University’s Office of Continuing
Education. There are 26 online
classes from which to choose. In this
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innovative online program, students can
tailor beginning and completion times
for each course, which allows students
to work at their own pace.
“With Aiken’s great equestrian history,
and our interest in being a partner with
all areas of our community, USC Aiken
is very proud to offer this exciting new
equestrian program,” said Dr. Sandra
Jordan, chancellor. “This flexible,
online format allows anyone – from the
novice to the experienced equestrian –
to expand their base of knowledge to
become even more ‘horse-smart.”
Classes offered cover a wide range of
topics including behavior modification
techniques, health and disease
management, equine massage, and
stable management. Visit the website
at http://web.usca.edu/conted-equine/.
You may view each class there, along
with the class syllabus, and information
about the instructor. Choose the areas
of study you are most interested in and
gain confidence around your horses,
equine facilities and anything equine.
After completing six courses, students
will be awarded a “Horse Smart”
certificate. This certificate entitles
students to enroll in other courses in the
program for a discounted price.
For more information about the
equestrian online program, please
contact Laura Anderson at LauraA@
usca.edu or at (803) 641-3563, or visit
http://web.usca.edu/conted-equine/.
Click here to return to Table of Contents
CAMPUS
CITIZEN
of the Month
Congratulations to Mila Padgett and Judy Waters for
being selected as Campus Citizen of the month for
January and February 2013!
Mila Padgett
Judy Waters
January 2013
February 2013
Wellness Center Director
Coordinator of Gift Accounting
T
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:
o
o
o
Initiative/Creativity: Exhibits
ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Examples: Improved work methods,
efficiency within the department.
Loyalty/Dedication: Willing to go the o
“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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page 3
Is A College Degree Really Worth It?
O
ver the past several years,
statement in the report concludes,
According to Pew’s research manager,
editorialists, radio talk show
“The data here are at odds with media
Diana Elliott, “Higher education is
hosts, politicians, and online pundits
accounts suggesting that young college
one of the key factors driving upward
have been engaged in relentless
graduates are finding it much more
mobility in the United States. Even
criticisms of America’s system of higher
difficult to get jobs, are accepting
under the pressures of the most recent
education. While there is much in
much less desirable positions and lower
economic downturn, a four-year college
academe that can be improved,
degree provided protection
some of the recent editorials
in the labor market for recent
“When the comparative lens is
are particularly ill-considered
college graduates.”
applied, it is evident that recent According to the report,
and biased. These critics have
focused their reproaches on
analysis of the data reveals
college graduates were
questions related to the “worth”
that during the recession all
well-protected against the worst 21-24 year olds experienced
of a college education by using
personal financial gain as the
effects of the recession.”
declines in employment and
measure of value. They point
wages, but “the decline was
to and question the expense
wages when they can get jobs, and are
considerably more severe for those with
of attending college, the level of debt
increasingly “camping out” at home and only high school or associate degrees.”
students are carrying, and the relevance
in schools when they cannot get jobs.
Additionally, college graduates, in
of some majors.
When the comparative lens is applied, it comparison to populations that have
A recent study released by the Pew
is evident that recent college graduates
not received a college degree, can still
Charitable Trust provides much needed
were well-protected against the worst
count on much higher earnings and
perspective on the subject. The study
effects of the recession.”
lower unemployment rates.
reveals that college graduates weathered
In past research conducted for Pew’s
Sharing this information with current
the recession more successfully than
Economic Mobility Project, reports
and prospective students may help
other population groups. While there
indicated that a college education helps
counter some of the unsupported
were few jobs created or vacated
promote upward economic mobility.
editorials currently circulating in the
voluntarily during the recession,
The chances of moving family incomes
popular media.
college graduates were more successful
to upper financial levels are three times
For more findings, see the complete
than those with some or no college
greater for someone with a college
report at:
preparation in finding jobs and moving
degree than for someone who does not
http://www.pewstates.org/
upward in the job market. The summary obtain the degree.
uploadedFiles/PCS_Assets/2013/Pew_
college_grads_recession_report.pdf
page 4
Click here to return to Table of Contents
Degree-Tracking Software Updates
New System will Replace DARS
D
uring the coming months, our current degree
audit system known as DARS (Degree Audit
Reporting System) will be replaced by DegreeWorks
as part of the larger technology implementation called
OneCarolina. DegreeWorks functions much like
DARS and will be available to students and advisors via
a self-service component that will replace VIP (Visual
Information Processing). Last year’s bulletin (2011-12)
is almost completed in DegreeWorks, and the next step
will include getting this year’s bulletin 2012-13 and the
upcoming 2013-14 bulletin ready for use this Fall. In
time, we will include bulletins from the years 2008-09,
2009-10, and 2011-12 so that the majority of students
will be able to use DegreeWorks. The timeline for this
project is very aggressive, and we hope to be able to have
the new students for the Fall using DegreeWorks when
that semester begins. Those other bulletin years will be
brought online as soon after that as possible.
One feature of DegreeWorks is a tab called “Class
History.” It’s basically a chronological list of classes
(unofficial transcript) if a student wanted to review a
record in that way. Students can also save this display
as a PDF if they wish. DegreeWorks will also be the
place students view their progress in completion of the
Intercurricular Enrichment requirement, the Writing
Intensive classes, and the Writing Portfolio.
Pacer Sports Update
The University of South
Carolina Aiken men’s and
women’s basketball teams
have had a strong start
to their 2012-13 seasons.
Both the Pacer men and
women (through January
24) are in first place in the
Peach Belt Conference
East Division with 7-2
conference records.
The USC Aiken women (14-2,
7-2 PBC) have been ranked
as high as third nationally
this season, while the Pacer
men (11-5, 7-2 PBC) have
been receiving votes in the
national poll for much of the
2012-13 season.
Both the Pacer men
and women have been
extremely strong inside the
friendly confines of the
Convocation Center.
The USC Aiken women
have won 26 of their
last 27 regular-season
home games, while the
Pacer men have claimed
victory in 23 of their last
24 regular-season home
games.
Upcoming Home Basketball Games
Sat. February 16
Vs. Lander*
Women’s 5:30 PM
Men’s 7:30 PM
Sat. February 23
vs. Armstrong*
Women’s 5:30 PM
Men’s 7:30 PM
Wed. February 27 Vs. Augusta State*
Women’s 5:30 PM
Men’s 7:30 PM
* = Peach Belt Conference Game
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page 5
K
Online Learning at USC Aiken
udos are in order for the
School of Education and
the School of Nursing for
excellence in their online
programs which have been
ranked by US News & World
Report among the best
programs in the nation!
For online graduate programs
in Education, USC Aiken’s
Education Technology Masters’
degree (delivered with USC
Columbia faculty) has been
ranked #6 in the nation for
admissions selectivity, #30 in
terms of student engagement
and accreditation, and #77 in
terms of student services and
technology.
Meanwhile, the
undergraduate program in
Nursing received a ranking of
#12 in the nation for student
engagement and assessment;
and #123 in terms of student
services and technology.
Congratulations to both of
these programs for providing
programs of excellence to
learners who opt to study
online!!
The Future of Online Learning at USC Aiken
T
he Forward Together process began
with a series of questions to identify
what about the University made us
most proud, the characteristics we
wanted to protect, and the areas where
we might make improvements, expand
opportunities, or innovate to meet the
changing landscape of higher education.
Among the things we most cherish is
the USC Aiken reputation for providing
high-quality and student-focused
educational opportunities. We also value
our community partnerships; abundant
opportunities for student leadership,
growth and engagement; the welcoming
campus atmosphere; the dedication
and quality of the staff and faculty; the
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learning. As we discuss a plan for
expand online programs and courses we
need to think about how we translate
and integrate the characteristics we
cherish the most about a USC Aiken
education into online medium. Most
of us agree that online courses or
programs must reflect the USC Aiken
brand…that is, it must be a high quality
academic experience. If it contributes
to a USC Aiken degree, then it should
reflect our high standards – whether
it’s delivered online or in-person. We
need not think of online learning
as access in lieu of quality. Rather,
it must be a way to expand access
to our institution while reflecting
our standards. Institutions with elite
mission; and our lovely campus.
reputations, such as Vanderbilt, the
Among the several items that were
University of Virginia, MIT, Stanford
identified as areas of opportunity was
and Harvard are embracing online
a recommendation that USC Aiken
education as an option for students.
increase the delivery of more online
Additionally, smaller private liberal
courses and programs. It is important
arts institutions and comprehensive
for us to begin to advance and discuss
this initiative and develop a thoughtful public institutions—from Dartmouth
to UNC Asheville are responding to
and conscientious plan for expansion
the demand for quality courses online
of our online and hybrid education.
by offering select programs through
As you know, the online programs we
distance learning. We answered the call
currently host are of high quality and
several years ago with the development
we will want to maintain that quality.
of several online programs. The question
The delivery of rich content through
existing technology is, and will continue before us now is, “Where do we go from
to be in the near future, just one of the here?”
ways we meet our public mission, not a
replacement for high quality residential
See “Online” on Page 7
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“Online” cont. from Page 6
Expanding upon our current online
education options, if done well, can be
an effective way to expand our student
population (particularly in the face of a
shrinking pool of high school students
and a growing pool of adult learners),
continue to meet our public mission by
addressing the needs of students, and
bringing more people into the Aiken
family – provided we ensure that it’s a
great USC Aiken experience.
I believe the questions around this
topic might include:
• Which programs and how many
programs should be offered online
as well as on campus?
• Are there discreet classes that
might be delivered online?
• Could online options help our
under-subscribed programs reach
a larger audience?
• What kind of faculty support and
development will be required to
create engaging online classes?
• What kind of support will online
students need to succeed?
• What infrastructure items need to
be augmented to support online
education?
• How do we replicate the
“engagement” aspect of our
programs in an online program?
• How do we provide a sense
of the USC Aiken experience
(of community) to our online
students?
This is an initiative that will benefit
from rich discussion. Toward that end,
I’ve asked Jeff Priest, Deb Kladivko,
and Ernest Pringle to engage their
constituents around the topics
associated with how we move forward
thoughtfully, but expeditiously, on
the recommendation that USC Aiken
provide greater access by increasing
online learning options….and how we
incorporate the best of USC Aiken into
that learning environment.
New Campus Road names
L
ast semester USC Aiken
students were invited
to recommend names for
USC Aiken Campus streets.
In order to provide better
service, emergency agencies
in the county and city
requested that USC Aiken
name the campus streets so
emergency vehicles would
know where to go when they
are called to the University.
Students generated a long
list of potential names and
Aiken County reviewed the
list to eliminate any names
already in use in this area.
Students were then asked
to vote on the name and
the top five names were
submitted to the Aiken
Click here to return to Table of Contents
County Commission for
Higher Education.
The final names selected for
campus streets are: Scholar
Loop, Leadership Drive,
Champion Way, Proud Pacer
Drive, and College Station
Drive. University Parkway will
retain the current name.
Street signs will begin
going up around campus in
February.
While the street names
will help with way-finding
and emergency calls, the
university mailing address
will remain 471 University
Parkway. Offices and
individuals will not need to
change their stationary,
business cards, or websites.
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