UAA Meeting
August 21, 2008
Micklethwaite Banquet Hall

Secretary Angela Henderson called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m., as co-chairs Bill Rockwell and Jennifer Bailey were unable to attend.

The minutes from the July 17, 2008 meeting were distributed.  Vickie Crawford made a motion to approve the minutes.  Steve Gregory seconded.  Motion passed.

New Business

1)      UAA Luncheon Update

Ann Marie Short reported on the UAA luncheon featuring Kordell Norton, who will speak on how administrators can help enrollment at SSU.  The event is September 18^th from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall.  Vickie reminded everyone that they need to RSVP to her so she can have a head count for the food.  Angela reminded everyone that the luncheon will take the place of the September UAA meeting.

2)      Information Booth Update

Vickie reported that she has a few slots open for the UAA information booth.  The booth will be open beginning at 7:30 a.m. on the first two days of classes (Tuesday, August 26^th and Wednesday, August 27^th).  Vickie asked for anyone willing to help to please talk with her.  Angela stressed the importance of this activity—especially in light of our enrollment numbers for this semester.  Brian Saul reported that one of our students’ biggest fears is not being able to find their classes, which makes this activity all the more important. 

Several members made suggestions about ways to make improvements, including course schedules and maps in the booths, signs on the booths telling what they are for, and signs pointing to difficult places to find on campus.

Denise Gregory stressed the importance of helping people now as they are walking around campus to get a head start on where to find their classes.

3)      Introduction of New Employees

Angela mentioned that the New Employees Orientation Luncheon was yesterday, and she complemented the members on that committee for their excellent work planning the event. 

Tracy Conn introduced Elizabeth Blevins, Director of Communications.

Denise introduced John Temponeras, Construction Project Manager.

Kim Patton introduced Dr. Xuemei Yang, Director of Institutional Research.

Angela welcomed the new employees and thanked them for coming.

Campus Announcements

1)      Alumni Update

Angela reported that the Alumni Association will be assisting the Office of Student Activities and Housing with Move-In this Saturday from 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m.  She encouraged alumni to help out on Saturday.  She also encouraged non-alumni to join with the Alumni Association in helping our new students.

Angela also reported that there will be an Alumni Kickoff Reception Wednesday, September 10^th from 4-5 p.m. in the Library Alcove for employees who are alumni of SSU.  Angela said that there is no formal program so alumni can drop in whenever they can.  Refreshments will be served.

2)      Lending Closet

Angela announced that the Lending Closet for the international students is out of blankets and is in great need of twin sheet sets.  Ann Marie clarified that those need to be extra long twin sheet sets.  Anyone with those items should contact Rita Haider at the Center for International Programs and Activities.

3)      Orientation

Dale Taylor announced that there will be an International Student Orientation Monday beginning at 9:30 a.m.  He also thanked everyone that assisted with New Student Orientation, which was attended in record numbers, during the summer.

4)      Congratulations

The members offered congratulations to Brian Saul on the birth of his baby, David Isaiah.

5)      New Campus Map

Liz Blevins announced that there will be an updated campus map on the SSU website beginning tomorrow showing construction zones and new parking areas.  She encouraged the members to share that map with students.

6)      Shawnee Connect

Cathy Mullins updated the group on Shawnee Connect, which is a mentoring program where students are assigned faculty or staff mentors to give freshmen a connection to someone who works here.  The program was funded by a grant from the SSU Development Foundation.  Cathy reported that 43 students are signed up this year and she encouraged the members to participate in future rounds of the program.

7)      Student Employment

Steve Gregory reported that a large group of students have applied for student employment this year.  He asked that if any office has an opening to please contact his office so the position can be posted and filled.

8)      Gymnasium Update

Answering a question from Brian, John reported the gym will be open for the first home volleyball game September 20^th.  John also answered member’s questions about the project, reminding everyone that for the first two weeks of classes, you will not be able to walk through the Athletic Center via the mezzanine.

Angela finished the meeting by reminding everyone to contact Vickie concerning the luncheon and information booths.  She also asked the members to do what they can to help our students next week.

Mark Moore made a motion to adjourn the meeting with Rick Merb seconding.  Motion passed.  The meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.