Andrew Kettler

The meeting included a training presentation for Disability Services, emphasizing accommodations for students, universal design for learning, and confidentiality. The Dean's Report highlighted an upcoming AI workshop, the start of a new athletic trainer, and a research club trip. The Academic Dean's Report noted faculty accomplishments, recommendation requests for nursing, and the upcoming awards night. Committee reports covered a student endowment fund, changes to the Teacher of the Year award, discrepancies in faculty and student handbooks, and discussions on student mental health days. Updates were provided on the Fullbright Program, Service Day for faculty, and a review of the Incivility Policy and Faculty Progressive Discipline Policy.

The Academic Blueprint System for the University of South Carolina Union for Academic Year 2025-2026 outlines strategic priorities aligned with the USC Palmetto College Strategic Plan (2024-2029). Key focus areas include growing enrollments and advancing student success through initiatives like increasing retention rates, promoting teaching and research excellence, fostering staff development, and empowering diverse students and faculty. It also aims to deliver world-class experiences by optimizing services, promoting organizational and financial health, and enhancing fundraising. Furthermore, the plan seeks to impact education attainment and workforce readiness by strengthening community engagement, increasing transfer and pipeline partnerships, and expanding workforce-focused credentials.

The meeting included discussions on the Dean's reports, Academic Dean's report, and committee reports, including the PC Faculty Welfare report and PC report. Other business included inducting a new voting member and discussing a literacy initiative. Concerns were raised about discussing sensitive topics in the classroom and maintaining academic freedom. Announcements were made regarding upcoming events such as Spanish Heritage month, Remembrance Day, and the Latin American Film Festival. The Dean's report highlighted enrollment statistics, grant awards, and updates on various projects. The Academic Dean's Report recognized faculty accomplishments, athletic achievements, and updates on nursing programs, study abroad opportunities, and student support services.

The meeting included a Dean's Report, Academic Dean's Report, and discussion of committee reports and other business. Key topics included mental health services for dual-enrollment students, the new accreditation process, and the discontinuation of Calendly for scheduling advising appointments. The Nursing report highlighted the number of students and the upcoming dedication ceremony. Other announcements covered the medical school open house, First Gen meeting, job fair, Fresh Check Day, Vector training, and the completion of the Central Building Study Center. The agenda also included voting to induct Dr. Conley into FO, the need for volunteers for the Latin American Film Festival, staff introductions, and opportunities for research presentations at the PC social. Future FO meeting dates were determined, and selections were made for the PC Ad-Hoc Awards Committee and various committee chairs.

The strategic plan focuses on preventing drug and alcohol abuse among students and employees. Key areas include consistent communication about high-risk drinking, enhanced policy enforcement, building consistent programs for students, and implementing effective prevention strategies for high-risk groups. The plan also recommends statewide lobbying efforts to reduce access to illicit drugs and alcohol and emphasizes the importance of resource allocation toward prevention efforts.