OOC NewsAugust 2014n e w s l e t t e r

Continued on Page 5

Page 2•Information

Technology

Page 3•Campus Citizen

of the Month

Page 4•Energy

Conservation

Page 5•Campus Dining

Changes

Page 6•Operations

Updates

Page 8•New staff in

Student Life

Page 9•Pacer Athletics

SC Aiken has a proud tradition and a mission which supports

the needs and future ambitions of South Carolina and the region. As a public, comprehensive university with high-quality undergraduate and select graduate programs, the institution is committed to providing students with an excellent learning experience. All of our undergraduate majors, including our distinctive professional programs, are strengthened by an intentional and significant liberal arts and sciences curriculum which affords students a broad base on their educational pyramid.

Unfortunately, students and their parents are often unclear about the advantages of receiving a liberal arts and sciences education. In this particular moment in our history, it is more challenging than ever to help

students see beyond their major and understand how critical thinking, the study of humanities, literature, the arts, languages, social and behavioral sciences, laboratory sciences and mathematics, support their ability to think analytically, communicate effectively, and make connections and new discoveries. The responsibility for articulating the significance of a liberal arts and sciences education falls to each of us at the university. We must use our syllabi and our time with students in and beyond the classroom to reinforce what is gained through the synergy of a broad liberal arts and sciences education combined with the depth of study offered by our major programs. Now more than ever, when one in six recent college graduates are either under-employed or unemployed, we should be prepared to help students recognize the

U

Chancellor RemarksUSC Aiken granted COPLAC membership

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nformation technology has become an integral part of our everyday lives in higher education and beyond. In fact, here at USC Aiken,

literally every function, task and system is dependent upon some typeoftechnology.Feepayment,courseregistrationandfinancialaid distribution are examples of essential tasks dependent upon technology, while our cash registers, HVAC and security camera systems are all technology driven as well.

Given our dependence on technology and the rapid rate at which it changes, forecasting IT trends and their impacts on our university is a must.BelowarethetopfiveIT-relatedissuesfacingUSCAikeninthe2014-15academicyear.

Top 5 Information Technology Issues of 2014

Leveraging Technology to

Improve Recruitment and Retention of Students: The competition for attracting and graduating high achieving students continues to become more intense. At a time when human resources are stretched thin, technology can help. Data analytics can help target previously untapped populations of high school students while robust, high-tech innovations on-campus can entice them to stay here once they arrive.

Security: Cybersecurity, along with data analytics, is

one of the new buzzwords in the IT industry. Our identities and our privacy no longer exist as we once knew them. Our goal at USC Aiken is to provide a secure network (and all access points onto our network) so that our personal and financial data is safe. Computer Services’ recent PCI (payment card industry) compliance project has not only secured our network for credit card users but it has helped us identify and correct other network and policy loopholes that will benefit the entire University.

Strategic Technology

Allocation to Support Online Education: Distance and online education have become the new frontiers in education, with technology helping to lead the way. In anticipation of the new frontier, USC Aiken’s Computer Services Division has made a number of significant improvements to support online learning. Among them are bandwidth increases to the residential, business and research networks, including another upgrade that will be completed in August 2014.

BYOD: Last year’s buzzword is still relevant for

us at USC Aiken. BYOD (bring your own device) describes the expectation that we all have of bringing our own electronic devices along with us and expecting them to work seamlessly. Hotels, airports, restaurants and most recently the City of Aiken have invested a tremendous amount of resources to make BYOD a reality; we must continue to invest as well. Our challenge is made more difficult by a growing residential student population that brings with it a large variety of network-hungry TVs, DVD players, game systems, computers, printers, phones and tablets.

Data Analytics: The other new IT buzzword describes the practice of

using data to make more informed institutional decisions. Technology will lead the way in helping us collect, archive and translate data so that all of our decisions are truly data driven.

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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.

T

Congratulations to our Campus Citizen Angela Taylor

CAMPUSCIT IZENof the Month

Angela TaylorAdmissions Specialist

Congratulations to Angela (Angie) Taylor, Admissions Specialist in the Admissions office, USC Aiken’s August 2014 Campus Citizen of the Month. Thanks to her efforts, she will receive a $20 gift card, a sign for her desk, and a parking spot.

In her nomination, a peer stated that Angie is always in the background making sure that the Admissions department is on task. She acts as the point of contact for the Admissions staff, families, faculty and student workers. Over the years, she has gone the extra mile to ensure whoever walks in the office has been cared for. She has remained a positive influence and always makes people feel at home. Not only are the visiting students and families attended to, she also acts as a mentor to many student workers that have worked in the Admissions office.

In recognition of her positive attitude, caring spirit, and willingness to go the extra mile, Angie Taylor has been named the August Campus Citizen of the Month. Congratulations Angie!

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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Word from Brian Enter, Senior University Facilities Executive:

I wanted to send out a reminder to all those who work, live and learn on this beautiful campus of our commitment to sustainability and energy conservation.

As you may know, USC Aiken has a climate action plan that addresses our carbon footprint, sustainability, and energy conservation. In addition to the America College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment to reach carbon zero, our state of SC Section 48-52-620, code of laws of SC, requires that we develop energy conservations plans to reduce energy consumption by 1% annually during fiscal years 09-13, and a total of 20% by 2020 as compared to 2000 levels.

USC Aiken’s carbon footprint for FY 2008 was 10,479 metric tons and for FY 2010 it was 6,163 metric tons. Our goal is to reduce then eliminate our carbon footprint by becoming climate neutral by 2025.

Over the years, we have implemented many initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint including, installing energy management controls in most campus buildings, retrofit existing lighting with high efficiency lighting, and replacing inefficient heating and cooling systems.

Energy Conservation Efforts at USC Aiken

You can read more about our climate action plan on the Operations website at web.usca.edu/operations

A large part of our energy consumption is with heating and cooling our buildings. That is why USC Aiken’s energy policy sets building temperatures at 75 degrees F (cooling) and 69 degrees F (heating) during operating hours and reducing and/or shutting down building HVAC when facilities are closed. Maintaining buildings at these temperatures also contribute to lowering our utility costs. To give an example, a 1 degree F decrease in cooling temperature is approximately a 3% increase in Kilowatt usage. Therefore, if we decreased the temperature in the Penland building from 75 degrees to 74 degrees, it would cost an additional $450 per hour!

So, what can you do to help conserve energy and help us meet our commitment within our climate action plan? You can reduce our consumption by turning off lights in rooms that are not occupied, shutting down computers at the end of the work day, and reporting equipment problems when noticed.

Thank you for your support and efforts to reduce our carbon footprint!

Sincerely, Brian Enter, P.E.

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“Chancellor Remarks” continued from Page 1

Campus Dining Changes

s many of you may be aware, Brent Wustman, Director of

Dining Services, will soon be presented with a professional advancement opportunity away from USC Aiken. Although the timeline of this is still uncertain, it is inevitable. A search took place to fill the position of Director of Dining Services and Jason Daniel has accepted the offer. Jason attended the University of Georgia and is coming to us from Bob Jones University where he has served in the role of Assistant Food Service Director since 2012. Prior to this, he held management positions at Clemson University and has performed in the role of an Executive Chef in several private establishments.

For a short period of time, we are fortunate to have Brent remaining here to help facilitate a smooth transition of leadership. During this time, and to help eliminate any confusion, please continue to use Brent as the primary contact with the understanding that Jason will be heavily involved in all processes and decision making. An announcement will be made once a more definitive departure date for Brent has been determined.

As we begin to thank Brent for his dedication to USC Aiken, please help welcome Jason as he becomes a part of the USC Aiken family.

Listed below are the Campus Dining key personnel along with their contact information:

Brent Wustman, Director 3388 brentw@usca.eduJason Daniel 3388 jasond@usca.eduTim Martin, Catering Director 3596 timothyma@usca.eduDorothy Quade, Chef Manager 3293 dorothyq@usca.eduBeth Doran, Office Manager 3293 elizabethd@usca.edu

A importance of liberal arts and sciences education for success in a complex and competitive global society.

With that in mind, I am very pleased to announce that the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) has recognized USC Aiken as an institution with a distinctive liberal arts and science curriculum and has invited us to join their organization. COPLAC is the most prestigious organization of public liberal arts institutions in the nation and typically, only one institution per state is invited to join. COPLAC has been championing the cause of liberal arts and sciences education of superior quality in the public sector for decades. It is a highly selective organization and member institutions include some of the most innovative and respected public universities in the United States who provide students from all backgrounds access to an outstanding liberal arts and science education. What is true for individuals is also true of institutions, in that we are “known to others by the company we keep.” Certainly, institutional reputations are shaped by our associations. Acceptance into COPLAC is no trivial achievement and this accomplishment relates directly to goals articulated in our Forward Together strategic plan.

COPLAC institutions are united by their collective educational missions that commit to providing superior liberal arts and sciences education to their students, evidenced by the allocation of resources and outcomes achieved. Among the COPLAC member institutions are the following:

New College of FloridaTruman State UniversityEastern Connecticut State UniversitySonoma State UniversityEvergreen State College

Keene State UniversityUniversity of South Carolina AikenUniversity of North Carolina AshevilleUniversity of Wisconsin SuperiorUniversity of Mary Washington To leverage our new association with

COPLAC, Dr. Jeff Priest is forming a task force of committed faculty and staff who will be charged with helping us focus on using this opportunity to more clearly articulate to students and parents the importance of the liberal arts and sciences curriculum. This group will lead discussions and provide a plan of action to create a comprehensive and intentional campus environment that makes more apparent the importance of a liberal arts and science curriculum in supporting the major and preparing students for meaningful careers and to fulfill their civic and leadership roles in our communities.

COPLAC membership grants us access to a consortium that advances the liberal arts and sciences educational model, while also enhancing opportunities for civic engagement, fostering undergraduate research, promoting institutional exchanges, and disseminating best practices between public institutions with similar missions. Thanks are due to Dr. Jeff Priest and Dr. Lloyd Dawe for their excellent work on the Self Study and for shepherding our application through the COPLAC process!

Visit the COPLAC website for more information and to see USC Aiken’s name among the COPLAC institutions: www.coplac.org.

Congratulations to USC Aiken for this remarkable accomplishment!

Sincerely,Chancellor Sandra Jordan

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Operations: Project updates

Eulalie’s Garden

Percent Complete: Design: 100%Bidding: CompleteConstruction:In-Progress

CDs are complete. Bid awarded to Cold Creek Nursery. Construction is in progress. Patio installation is complete. Contractor is performingfinalgrading around patio. UP next: Install irrigation and smaller landscaping items around patio.

Installation of one of the three oak trees in Eulalie’s Garden.More project updates on following pages

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PEDESTRIAN BRIDGEDesign: 100%Bidding:Re-biddingConstruction: Not StartedSummary: Bids were received and were not within the funded amount. Engineers and cost estimators reviewed the bids and determined that some portions of the design estimate were underestimated, but the majority of portions of the contractor’s bids were over estimated. USC Aiken and the A/E have developed new design that we believe is within current budget. Timeline is belowA/E to revise/repackaged construction documents by 8/20/14Advertise for bid by 8/25/14

STETSON CIRCLE LANDSCAPING

Percent Complete: Design: 100%Bidding: Awarded: N/AConstruction: CompleteSummary: Landscaping around this circle is complete. Waiting on benches to be installed.

GREENHOUSEPercent Complete: Design: 100%Bidding: In progressConstruction: Project scope has been revised such that electrical workwillbeperformedin-houseas a cost savings measure. Construction documents were assembled and put out bid. Bids came in over budget. Engineers are reducing scope of project to fitwithinbudget.Settogooutto bid in 60 days. All material for Greenhouse kit has been received and stored on campus.

H&SS ELEVATOR REPLACEMENT

Percent Complete: Design: 100%Bidding:Re-biddingConstruction: Not started

Summary: The project was bid out, but not awarded due to a contractual issue. The project will be rebid in 60 days. Expect to be out to bid in September. 2014. Schedule is red due to it being behind schedule due to errors in the original bid process.

B&E ROOF REPAIRS Percent Complete: Design: N/ABidding: CompleteConstruction: CompleteSummary: Roof repair work is complete. No issues.

PENLAND RESTROOMS RENOVATION

Percent Complete: Design: 100%Bidding: CompleteConstruction:In-progressSummary: Contractor is Pizzutti Builders.Constructionisin-progresson the south wing 1st and 2nd floorrestrooms.Approximatelytwo weeks ago the contractors encountered issues with material access which has resulted in project delays.

PENLAND & H&SS FIRE ALARM UPGRADES

Percent Complete: Design: 100%Bidding: Not StartedConstruction: Not startedSummary: The original bid package included the Science, B&E, Penland and H&SS buildings, but only the Science and B&E buildings were upgraded. Funds are available. SIMS group has repackaged documents to send out for bid. Schedule is red because this project is not getting attention. Need assistance to get Columbia to put priority on this project. Expect to bid in September.

NATATORIUM REPAIRS Percent Complete: Design: 100%Bidding: CompleteConstruction: I/PSummary: All work complete. No issues. Minor painting touch up to continue in restrooms.

ROOF REPAIRS/ REPLACEMENT AT ETHERREDGE CENTER, TENNIS AND SENIOR NET

TRAILERSPercent Complete: Design: 100%Bidding: CompleteConstruction: CompleteSummary: All roof work is complete. No issues.

UPDATE CAMPUS MASTER PLAN

Percent Complete: Design: I/PBidding: N/AConstruction: N/ASummary: Architectural Firm LS3P to update master plan. 2nd visioning meeting was held in July. Architect iscurrentlyfinalizingmasterplanwith the input provided by USCA. Expect this master plan to be complete in September.

New Projects

1. Ruth Patrick Science Center HVAC upgrades and Roof Repair: Project Established and receiving quotes for design

2. Penland Building Mechanical System Upgrades: Design has started. Engineers and architects working on design documents.

3. Science Building Energy EfficiencyUpgrades:Receivingquotes for equipment

4. QuadImprovements:Identified/damaged trees were removed. Currently removing debris from stumps and replacing with good soil. Next steps are to top dress quad and fertilize and seed.

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Andy Kasabele

Christen TorresMutombo “Andy” Kasabele, the

new Director of Global Studies and Multicultural Engagement, has had his share of experiences around the world. However, when asked about the most interesting place that he has travelled to, Andy will tell you that it has been the United States. With its wide range of cultures, Andy loves that the U.S. is a country full of diversity. He said that when coming to the United States, the first thing he noticed was how strikingly different it is than other European countries. For example, Andy says Americans smile more to establish a comfortable and welcoming environment. It may come as no surprise then that Andy has ended up at USC Aiken after experiencing the hospitality and family like atmosphere of the campus.

Growing up in France, Andy was exposed to many types of languages and cultures. When he came to the United States, he began studying Business Administration at the University of Arizona. It was there that Andy discovered his passion for student affairs while tutoring international students at the University. This enthusiasm is what Andy says has carried over into his profession as he begins planning for the upcoming school year at USC Aiken.

He hopes to assist in building a great diversity program, so that international and domestic students alike, feel comfortable and cared for, by providing them with excellent services. These services will include more interaction and education of both domestic and international students. Andy says that he is excited and ready to get students engaged with amazing diversity opportunities on campus and beyond.

Lauren Eldridge

Ryan RafananLauren Eldridge has answered the

call to handle diversity at USC Aiken as the Assistant Director of Global Studies & Multicultural Engagement. Lauren received a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from Western Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Higher Education from Old Dominion University. As an undergrad, Lauren was highly involved at WIU as a Resident Assistant, a member of the choir and African Student Alliance, and being a part of campus ministry. The idea of serving students and facing new challenges everyday are just a few reasons why Lauren chose a career in Student Affairs.

Before coming to USC Aiken, Lauren was a Resident Director at Coastal Carolina University for three years. She is excited to meet students,

faculty, and staff along with learning the culture of the campus. Lauren chose USC Aiken because she felt that she would be able to grow and learn as an administrator. She also loves the campus, and knows that USC Aiken is a great fit for her. USC Aiken was an easy choice for her because she wanted to stay in South Carolina.

Lauren calls Chicago, Illinois home, and she definitely is a hometown girl when it comes to sports as her favorite sports teams are the Chicago Bulls, Bears, White Sox, and Blackhawks. Lauren is a huge Netflix junkie with Sci-Fi as her favorite movie genre. If she isn’t watching a movie, she is either with her family and friends or traveling.

Matthew Torres

Lacie RhodenTaking the reins as the new Interim

Assistant Director for Community Service and Campus Programming, Matt Torres is excited to be back at USC Aiken. Hailing from Aiken, Matt graduated from USC Aiken in 2011 with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science.

“When I was an undergrad, I was involved in PUB, Aiken Unplugged, IMPACT, Pacesetting, Greek Life, SGA, and a few other planning committees,” Matt says. His experiences with these programs gives him an advantage as he returns to USC Aiken to take these programs to the next level.

Matt’s love for the campus is obvious when he talks about receiving the opportunity to, once again, work in the Student Life Office. “It may be difficult to break the ‘mold’ and bring in new ideas, simply because tradition is comfortable, but I am most looking forward to bringing the excitement back to campus. The same excitement that I knew when I was a student here,” Matt says.

Stop by the Student Life Office to meet Matt and talk to him about Community Service Opportunities, PUB, and Aiken Unplugged.

New in Student Life

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Pacer Athletics Updates

PBC Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year

University of South Carolina Aiken standout Patrick Stiebinger was named the Peach Belt Conference Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The award is the highest individual honor given to a PBC student-athlete during the year and is selected by the league Faculty Athletic Representatives. Patrick was the captain of the USC Aiken men’s tennis team for three years and graduated with a degree in business administration and a 4.00 GPA. A native of Weiden, Germany, he won the PBC Elite 15 Award for men’s tennis in 2013, is a three-time member of the PBC All-Academic Team and was named a PBC Presidential Honor Roll Gold Scholar three times. Inducted to the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society this year, he was also named the USC Aiken’s Outstanding Student of 2014.

USC Aiken Golf Recognized

The University of South Carolina Aiken golf team was one of 23 programs in Division II to be honored by the Golf Coaches Association of America for its

stellar work in the classroom, earning All-Academic Team recognition. To be eligible for GCAA All-Academic Team honors a college or university must submit the GPAs for each player on its official squad list for the academic year. Teams must have GPAs of 3.00 or higher to earn All-Academic Team honors.

All-American Scholars

University of South Carolina Aiken standouts Hayden Letien, Gaines Milliner and Andrew Ward were named to the Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholars. A total of 75 golfers in Division II earned the honor. To be eligible for Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar status an individual must be a junior or senior academically, compete in at least three full years at the collegiate level, participate in 50 percent of his team’s competitive rounds, have a stroke average under 78 and maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.2. A recipient must also be of high moral character and be in good standing at his institution.

NABC Honors Court

Former University of South Carolina Aiken men’s basketball standouts Rick Alderman and Jesse Seilern were named to the 2013-14 NABC Honors Court, which recognizes men’s collegiate basketball student-athletes who excelled in academics during the season. The NABC Honors Court recognizes the talents and gifts that the men possess off the court and the hard work they exhibit in the classroom. In order to be named to the Honors Court, a student-

athlete must meet a high standard of academic criteria. The qualifications include academically, being a junior or senior and a varsity player with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher at the conclusion of the 2013-14 academic year. Students must have matriculated at least one year at their current institution and be a member of an NCAA Division I, II, III or NAIA Division I or II institution with a NABC member coach.

PBC Presidential Honor Roll

The University of South Carolina Aiken had 87 student-athletes named to the Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll, which was released in June. The honor roll is divided into four groups: Presidential Scholars, Bronze Scholars, Silver Scholars and Gold Scholars. All student-athletes with a GPA from 3.0 to 3.24 are Presidential Scholars while Bronze Scholars are 3.25 to 3.49; Silver 3.50 to 3.74 and Gold Scholars are those with a 3.75 to 4.00. Gold Scholars from USC Aiken included- Monica Cardona, Alli Edens, Porsha Martin, Grayson Smith, Patrick Stiebinger, James Lynch, Franziska Regel, Andrew Quirk, Aubrey Danielson, Alyssa Cook, Andrew McElveen and Aly Johnson.

Go to PacerAthletics.com to keep up-to-date with

our student athletes and Pacer teams