Aiken County Commission for Higher Education

Minutes

December 10, 2003 at 5:00 p.m.

ACCHE Members Present: Tim Simmons, Ernie Allen, Gasper L. Toole, Eugene Sawyer, Barbara Hendrich, Linda Eldridge, James West, and Thomas L. Hallman

USCA Staff Present: Deb Kladivko, Tony Ateca, Ginger Steel, Randy Duckett, Mike Hosang, and Deidre Martin

ACCHE Members Not Present: Joe DeVore, Rebecca Robins and Clarence Jackson

Chairman Simmons called the meeting to order and stated that notice of the meeting had been published in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. He went on to seek approval of the minutes of the

November 19, 2003 joint meeting with the Aiken County Legislative Delegation. There being no comments, the minutes were approved as mailed.

The Chairman called upon Ms. Steel to report for the Finance Committee. Members were referred to a report of current balances of ACCHE funds, which were reported as follows:

Security Federal Bank Money Market Account as of 11/30/03 ($28,130)

Smith Barney Citigroup as of 10/31/03 ($85,748)

Vanguard Value Index Fund as of 9/30/03 ($251,595)

Security Federal CD as of 6/30/03 ($25,573)

Ms. Steel reported on options for covering the new student housing on insurance. To be covered under state insurance, the foundation (set up for financing the new student housing) would enter into a lease agreement with USC Aiken for the new student housing. The other option is private insurance which would be an unexpected expense for the project. Ms. Steel will continue to pursue options on insurance and keep the group informed.

Mr. Ateca reported for the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Mr. Ateca reported that the new student housing project is progressing well with the third floor underway. He reported that the Convocation Center design drawings are in the State Engineering Office and we are awaiting their feedback. The plan is for an April bid opening and a June groundbreaking for the facility. He said that we have also talked with the City and County about their interest in being involved in the Convocation Center and associated fields. He said that we are preparing a proposal for funding from the 1% sales tax for the Convocation Center project.

Mr. Ateca reported that we are discussing HVAC, roof and interior renovations for the Gregg-Graniteville Library with the Gregg-Graniteville Foundation. He reported that the conceptual design process is underway for the Student Activities Center renovation. He reported that we will be submitting a revised capital improvement projects report in January to include a new academic building and other building renovations on campus.

Dr. Hallman reported for the Academic Affairs Liaison Committee. He reported that the new Music Education degree has been approved and will begin Fall 2004. He said we have responded to a request for the USC Columbia campus for a wish list for grant funding from the federal government.

For the Chairman’s Report, Mr. Simmons briefed the group on interest rate considerations for the student housing project. He said that we are paying interest on a floating rate. We could lock in a rate at the end of construction for a four-year period. Mr. Toole made a motion and Dr. Eldridge seconded the motion that the ACCHE suggest that Collegiate Housing Properties, the foundation for the student housing project, continue to float the interest rate and monitor it carefully rather than locking it in at this point. The group unanimously approved the motion.

For the Chancellor’s Report, Dr. Hallman discussed the Governor’s proposal for privatizing South Carolina public higher education.

Dr. Hallman discussed the Campus Budget Update held on campus last week. This update provided information on USCA’s state funding history, impact of tuition increases, and budget balancing measures.

ACCHE Minutes

12-10-03

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Dr. Hallman reported that we are up in applications for both the Spring 2004 and Fall 2004 semesters.

Dr. Hallman presented a report on private giving from July 1, 2003 through November 30, 2003. The total private gifts received at this point is $1,020,261. He stressed the importance of redoubling our efforts in development and alumni affairs.

Dr. Hallman announced that Mr. James Dallas, a 1983 USCA graduate in accounting, will serve as the speaker for the Convocation for December Graduates. Since there is a short timeframe for Mr. Dallas’ visit, we will be making some presentations to him and his family at the reception prior to the ceremony.

Dr. Hallman reported that Dr. Andrew Sorensen will visit Aiken in January. Our plan is to have him visit industry and possibly a school in the community. He will also be in attendance at the January ACCHE meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

Key Dates:

December 11, 2003 – Convocation Reception and Ceremony, 6:00 pm/7:00 pm

January 14, 2004 – ACCHE Meeting, 5:00 pm (President Sorensen in attendance)

March 10, 2004 – ACCHE Meeting, 5:00 pm

April 15, 2004 – Academic Convocation Ceremony, 7:00 pm

May 6, 2004 – Commencement Reception and Exercise, 6:00 pm/7:00 pm

May 12, 2003 – ACCHE Meeting, 5:00 pm