The official minutes of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees are maintained by the Secretary of the Board. Certified copies of minutes may be requested by contacting the Board of Trustees’ Office. Electronic or other copies of original minutes are not official Board of Trustees' documents.

The Student-Trustee Liaison Committee of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees met Thursday, March 20, 2003, at 3:30 p.m. in the Carolina Plaza Board Room.

Members present were: Mr. Arthur S. Bahnmuller; Mr. Miles Loadholt; Mr. John S. Long; Mr. M. Wayne Staton; Mr. Mack I. Whittle, Jr., Board Chairman; and Mr. Herbert C. Adams, Board Vice Chairman; Members absent were: Mr. James A. Shuford III, Chairman; and Dr. C. Edward Floyd.

Others present were: President Andrew A. Sorensen; Secretary Thomas L. Stepp; Vice President for Student and Alumni Services Dennis A. Pruitt; Vice Provost and Executive Dean for Regional Campuses and Continuing Education Chris P. Plyler; General Counsel Walter (Terry) H. Parham; Director of the Department of Student Life, Division of Student and Alumni Services, Jerry T. Brewer; Director of University Housing Gene Luna; Director of Academic and Student Support Services, Regional Campuses and Continuing Education, David Hunter; Assistant Dean for Student Development, Carolina Productions Scott Sowell; Michael Laforcia "The Gamecock"; USC Beaufort, Andrew Walsh; Director of Student Activities, USC Lancaster, Tracey Taylor; Joe Fennell; and Director of the Office of Public Affairs Russell McKinney.

Student Government Association (SGA) representatives present were: USC Aiken: SGA President, Tiffany Meador, Jason Holt; USC Beaufort: Vice Chairman of Student Development Joan Apple Lemoine, Anthony Lettich; USC Columbia: Outgoing President Ankit Patel, Vice President Katie Dreiling, Treasurer Becky Floyd, Community Service Representative Jessica Steadman, Student Body Treasurer Becky Floyd, Corey Ford; USC Salkehatchie: President Daryl Bartley; Vice President (Walterboro) Erica Taylor; Secretary (Allendale) D.J. Smith, Parliamentarian (Allendale) Jeremy Frank, SGA Senators Donald Wynn, JaSteven Pate, Matt Saxon, Sheila Brown, Kendra Robinson, Sheryln Moore, Daniel Westbury, Brandi Grimes, Angel Rush, Jane Brewer, and SGA Advisor Kathy West; USC Sumter: Incoming Chair Carrie Hadden, Joanne Brown, Jennifer Berry, Katie Collins, Ahmend R. Washington, Jennifer Berry, USC Union: Freshman President Thorbem Primke; USC Lancaster: Incoming President LaKeisha Brace, Vice President Amanda Comer, Outgoing Sophomore Representative Nefratina Dixon, Freshman Representative Stefanie Hancock; USC Lancaster Student Activities Tracey Taylor.

Chairman Bahnmuller called the meeting to order and welcomed those present. He invited Board members and the Administration to introduce themselves. No members of the media were in attendance. Chairman Bahnmuller stated that the agenda had been posted and the press had been notified as required by the Freedom of Information Act; the agenda had been circulated to Committee members; and a quorum was present to conduct business.

1. Introduction of Students and Officers: Chairman Bahnmuller invited students from each of the represented campuses to introduce themselves.

2. Reports from Campuses: Chairman Bahnmuller requested reports from each of the represented campuses.

   1. USC Aiken: Tiffany Manor, SGA president, reported that the Board of Trustees had approved additional housing for the campus. USC Aiken was finalizing the design and the housing expected to open by August 2004. The construction of a new baseball field was well underway; this project was partially funded by a $1 million donation from a former USC Aiken student, Roberta Hernandez. Plans were on hold for another project due to the need for an additional $6 million.

      USC Aiken would be sponsoring their first "Relay for Life" which would be held in conjunction with an American Cancer Society event.

      Recently, a new structure for Student Government had passed which would create a better communication system between organizations, students, faculty and staff.

   2. USC Beaufort: Joana White, the new Vice Chancelor for Student Development introduced herself and reported on behalf of SGA President Jonathan DuBose who was unable to attend the meeting due to illness. Ms. White was a colleague of Dr. Upshaw. Ms. White was formerly Dean of Students and Academic Affairs in New Jersey and a graduate of Indiana University. Ms. White stated SGA elections would be held within two weeks. Students had been very active, had hosted a faculty-staff cookout on the campus lawn and participated in a St. Patricks Day Parade held in Hilton Head where they provided a beautiful float. Student Government was working closely with the Commencement Committee in planning their first outdoor commencement this spring.

   3. USC Columbia: Ankit Patel reported on activities that the Student Government had been involved in this year. The Senate Finance Committee had submitted a budget. There was a substantial increase in the amount of funds allocated to student organizations - up to around $117,000 from the traditional $60,000. Carolina Productions had a budget in excess of a half million dollars and had offered more programming and activities to help improve the quality of campus life for students.

      Reforms had been made to the cabinet structure. The goal was to create a council type structure within a cabinet to help integrate many of the organizations within the campus. The Columbia campus had more than 300 student organizations and part of the difficulty they faced was all the organizations were active in campus life but not connected with each other. Councils had been created within Student Government that addressed issues involving women's affairs, community service, Greek affairs, minority affairs, and a new interfaith council which would bring many of the religious organizations together. Two weeks ago, the religious organizations hosted a very successful war and religion forum. Representatives from the Columbia area and students representing different faiths discussed their religious perspectives on conflict and other matters going on in the world.

      During the past month, efforts had been made to reform the Constitution. There were two new positions added to the Student Government executive officers - a Student Government Secretary which would collect information from the Student Senate and present it to the executive officers, development administration officers and finally to the Board of Trustees. The purpose of the position was to help student government stay more connected with administrative policies and ensure the policies and recommendations coming from students were traveling appropriately to the right administrators. The second position that was created was an Attorney General. The purpose of the position was to have a student serve as an advocate to help reinvigorate officers and student judicial programs, keep students abreast of academic policies, give students an opportunity to have their grievances heard and to make the judicial process easier and more efficient for Student Body.

      Currently, the Student Senate was preparing proposals for changes in the Parking Policy. The leadership hoped to have the proposal completed and submitted to administrators by the end of the spring semester. Mr. Patel introduced Jessica Steadman.

      Jessica Steadman made brief remarks. She had served a dual role in Student Government this semester as the Chief-of-Staff and Director of Institutional Affairs. Student Government was in the process of getting feed back from all committees on improvements.

   4. USC Lancaster: Matthew Ellis, SGA President, reported that two goals from last year had been met. Lights had been installed in the parking lot; this was a great addition to the campus. In addition, the first phase of the library expansion had been completed and the library staff had moved in. The second phase of the project was in progress and initially would consist of an Opportunities Scholarships Program Lab, additional offices for faculty and classrooms and computer labs were being upgraded. A few new faculty had been added and they were well respected and liked by the students.

      Several activities were held: the fall blood drive, a jazz band - Youth Explosion - performed in February, NBA Lock Up, Valentines Day Party, and Student Government elections. The new incoming SGA President was Keisha Brace; Vice President Shureka Blackmon, Secretary Kirsty McIlwain, Treasurer Amanda Comer and the Sophomore Representative Chi'Quita Parker.

   5. USC Salkehatchie: Daryl Barkley, Outgoing Student Government President reported on activities going on at the Salkehatchie campus. The new Leadership Building was near completion and the new entrance road to the Allendale Campus had been approved connecting the old and new sides of the campus.

      In Walterboro, the Marvin Park project would be completed by April 2003. This project was the renovation of the courtyard area on the campus funded by donations in memory of the late Robert Marvin, a renowned landscape architect who had lived in Walterboro. Students on-campus involvement for spring 2003 was up from the fall and spring of the previous year.

      Several community events were hosted: The Allendale-Hampton Hospice Festival of Trees in December, the Allendale County Community Leaders Institute in February and the Colleton County Business Expo in March. The baseball team was in the middle of their season and several of the players were members of the Student Government Association (SGA). SGA had reached their three main objectives for this year:

      • Provide social activities monthly for each campus. Events included a Talent Show, and two annual events - Feast Day in Allendale and a luau in Walterboro. Efforts had been made to provide activities on campus so students would feel at home outside the classroom in addition to enjoying the learning experience.

      • Service to the campus and USC. By providing social activities, it would help the campus and USC with recruitment and retention of students. Events held this year were Black History programs in February, both in Allendale and Walterboro. In Allendale, the theme was "Poetry in Motion." Students read their favorite poems by African American poets followed by an inspirational speaker, the Rev. Betty Morehouse, grandmother of one of students, who spoke on looking back on Black History. In Walterboro, the theme was "Music." Several students performed musicals followed by a presentation on Music in Black History by Children Librarian Sheila Kearse, Colleton County Libraries. Soul food was served at both events. These events were successful and well attended by students, faulty and staff. Also, SGA hosted a dinner for all of the baseball players and their families during the first home game weekend for the baseball season. SGA would provide free food at the March 27th baseball game in an effort to pack the stands and show support for the baseball team.

        The 24th Annual USC Salkehatchie High School Bowl was held February 28, 2003. This event brought teams from all area high schools to compete in a quiz bowl. The campus served as host for the USC Regional Campus Faculty-Senate meeting held on their campus this year. At the end of February, egg rolls and green tea were provided as refreshments following a presentation by Darrel Haynes. Mr. Haynes was once SGA President, completed his BA degree at USC Columbia and lived and taught English in China. During a recent visit back home, he spoke with students, faculty and staff in Allendale and it was televised on the Walterboro campus. Everyone felt proud to see one of their own so successful and came back to tell how much USC Salkehatchie meant to him.

      • Community Service. The campus was very involved in the March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life events in Allendale and Collenton counties. A student Rock Band would be performing at the Allendale Relay for Life and the theme would be built around that with everyone dressing as their favorite Rock Stars. In addition, the American Red Cross Blood Drive would be held on March 24th. Everyone were eagerly awaiting the annual Commencement and Awards exercises on May 5th when Dr. Sorensen, Mr. Stepp, Dr. Odom, Dr. Plyer and others would be guests at the Salkehatchie campus. The commencement's speaker would be Dr. Thadeus Bell, a medical doctor and faculty member at MUSC, Director of Minority Recruiting for MUSC, Vice- Chair of the South Carolina Commission on Minority Affairs, and a world-class competitive runner.

      Dr. Sorensen interjected the fact that the movie "Radio" was filmed in Walterboro and would be released in December. The USC Salkehatchie main building had been disguised as a high school for the movie starring movie star Cuba Gooding Jr. The movie was based on a South Carolinian who lived in Anderson, South Carolina.

   6. USC Sumter: Carrie Hadden, chair of the Student Government Committee at USC Sumter reported they had three black history month programs: the Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Walk with approximately 300 participants. Karl Ray performed his rendition of "a Killing in Choctaw" and received rave reviews. AAAS sponsored a night of African celebration and pageantry. Students eagerly anticipated the arrival of the new Student Life Director, Shannon Mewborn, who would begin Monday. On Friday, March 28th, the Student Government would sponsor a spring dance with a beach theme "Life's a Beach Party." Free admission to the dance with one nonperishable food item which would be donated to the Greenhouse, a youth shelter in Sumter.

      Two town hall meetings had been held with Dean Carpenter. A question and answer session was held with the Dean and the students received a free lunch. The next meeting was scheduled for April.

      Ms. Hadden stated the general consensus on the Sumter campus was students were concerned about the pending fee structure and proposed tuition increase next year. With the current financial situation in the United States, economic cutbacks, lower government funding and a possible recession, it was understandable that an increase in students' monetary contribution for tuition was expected. However, the prospect of having to pay per credit hour with no cap for relief and facing a possible tuition increase simultaneously would create a financial hardship on the students. There was concern that the rapidly rising cost of tuition would cause the already dwindling student enrollment to drop dramatically and in turn, affect the student participation in activities on campus.

   7. USC Union: Jason Blue reported that on a spring semester "Welcome Back" social event on January 29th. Events held in February were: a Valentine's Day social, USC Founders Day celebration, and Black History month. In addition, Black History month was observed. One of the guest speakers was Michael T. Goodwin from USC Columbia. He was introduced by Hugh Travels, WSBA News Channel 7 news anchor. Mr. Goodwin was an excellent speaker and the event was well attended. SGA held a fund-raiser for the Tandy Willis Scholarship. Tandy Willis was a former USC Union professor and the Scholarship was established in his memory. SGA would assist with the Academic awards and had sponsored three intermural tournaments. Open mike night would be held April 16th from 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. and students would perform skits and comedy routines.

      Chairman Bahnmuller stated that the reports were received for information.

3. Budget Status Report: Dr. Sorensen reported that state appropriations for USC had been cut three times during the past fiscal year, now totaling $41 million. On July 1, 2003, the beginning of the new fiscal year, State legislators indicated there would be an additional cut of 9.88 percent, or $20 million for total overall budget cuts of $61 million in a 12-month period of time. Dr. Sorensen stated he was faced with a dilemma and would have to come up with a solution to this serious problem. Dr. Sorensen encouraged the Student Government Associations to get involved in talking with legislators from each prospective district. Additionally Dr. Sorensen suggested the eight SGA presidents schedule a meeting with him to discuss ways that they could collectively influence the legislature to invest more funds in our institutions rather than continually cutting our budget. The next legislative session would begin January 2004.

   Dr. Sorensen stated it was very likely there would be a tuition increase but he would be sensitive to the concerns of the students. Dr. Sorensen addressed the concerns of students who were in opposition of charging students per credit hour. USC was faced with students signing up for 21 to 24 hours but dropping down to 15 hours; therefore, others who needed the classes were unable to register, and faculty loads and class size were thrown off balance. The proposal to charge students per credit hour was to discourage students from registering for more hours than they actually intended to take. Dr. Sorensen stated he was open to suggestions on other ways to handle this problem.

   Dr. Sorensen reported on the USC Research Campus and that plans were to expand the amount of research at USC. He was working closely with the Sumter County Development board to bring a 110,000 square foot research laboratory to the Sumter County Development Park. The Research Campus would create jobs and opportunities for USC students and faculty.

   Dr. Sorensen said he was very actively visiting the regional campuses and met at least twice a semester with each campus head to discuss common problems and accomplishments.

   Chairman Bahnmuller stated the report was received for information.

4. Presidents Report: Dr. Sorensen reported on several accomplishments made collectively by the eight heads of the USC institutions. A common calendar had been designed for all campuses making the ability for concurrent classes much easier. We are now working closely to ensure a coordinated Admissions process across all eight campuses. Several campus heads had reported a substantial increase in admissions applications for this coming fall. Dr. Sorensen had visited each of the campuses during the past semester and would be visiting again this semester. For the first time, the campus heads had the opportunity to present their upcoming budget requests to the Legislative Committees. Dr. Sorensen stated he supported the expansion of the system's helping Aiken and Spartanburg acquire needed housing, supported Beaufort in achieving four year status and ensuring that facility needs on all eight campuses were presented in bond bills. Dr. Sorensen was open to ideas on how the USC System could be improved. Dr. Bill Hogue was working with the respective campuses to improve the ability to communicate among all eight institutions through information technology.

   Chairman Bahnmuller stated that this report was received for information.

5. Late Night Programming: Mr. Brewer reported the Late Night Programming was a new initiative this semester. Through the leadership of Student Government, Mr. Patel and other executive officers, they were able to get a funding proposal passed by the Board of Trustees. Mr. Brewer called on Scott Sowell, the 2003 Homecoming Commissioner for Carolina Productions. He was representing the Russell House University Union and Alcohol and Drug Programs Department. Late Night Carolina was a program of the Russell House University Union and Alcohol and Drug Programs. It was designed to offer students options to high risk behaviors and substance abuse. Additionally, Late Night Carolina was originally created to offer programming to minority populations which specifically requested on-campus programming during the weekends. In Fall 2000, Carolina Productions conducted a student survey. Students expressed an interest in programs on the weekends that lasted after 10:00 p.m. Students and the Director of Student Activities noted similar programs at the University of Florida called "Gator Night" and West Virginia University called "WUV Up All Night." The first Late Night Carolina was held in Spring 2001. Students enjoyed the event so much that they wanted to continue it. Grant funding was used until the Spring of 2003. In Spring 2003, the Students Activity Fee increase enabled funding earmarked specifically for Late Night Carolina. These funds provided permanent funding of $3.00 per student for a total 2004 budget of more than $100,000 per Late Night Programming. This increase in funding would enable students to host a program once a month and would occur on the last Friday of each month. On January 31st, comedian Spike Davis performed.

   Mr. Sowell stated Late Night Carolina was open to USC students only with a valid USC ID. Registration occurred from 10:00 p.m. until 12:00 p.m. Students received a wrist band which allowed admission to all the activities. The average number of students attending the event in Fall 2002 was 354 students. On February 28, 2003, Late Night Carolina was held with a record attendance of more than 500 students. There had been three themes for Late Night Carolina: "Mardi Gras", "Winter Wonderland" and "March Madness". The last night of classes this semester would be a Hawaiian theme and activities were still being planned for that event.

   The Russell House University Union ballroom, game room and various lobbies and the Gamecock Park where Chick Fil-A and other fast food stations were located were used for the events. Activities for Late Night included: Be Your Own Star - Make Your Own Music Video - where students picked a song and put graphics behind them. They received a free copy of the video to take home. In addition, waxed hands, bumper cars, sand art, movies, ping pong, pool, and a full breakfast buffet were included.

   There being no further business to come before the Committee, Chairman Bahnmuller declared the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Thomas L. Stepp
Secretary