4-1-01
                                       IEEE Region 3 
                         Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) Meeting
                                        Clemson, SC
                                       30 March 2001

                                       DRAFT MINUTES

Attendees: J. Beall; D. Caston; R. Duggan (Chair); R. Harris; D. Jackson; D. McLaren; D. Powers;
 V. Powers; W. Ratcliff; R. Thompson.  Ex-officio: J. Howard. Visitors: D. Green; D. Hill; C. 
Lord.  Absentees: D. Conner; W. Sullivan.

1.  Minutes of the SPC e-Conference of 8 Jan 2001 were approved.

2.  The Reg 3 Strategic Plan for 2001+ and the SPC goals and objectives for 2001+ were briefly
 reviewed.  No changes were suggested.

3.  V. Powers reported some delays in the Reg 3 History update, but he predicted completion by 
12/31/01, and it will include the achievements under the current director.

4.  V. Powers discussed the updating of the Reg 3 ByLaws and Operations Manual.  As RAB ByLaws 
have been revised, Reg 3 ByLaws should be in agreement.  The composition of the Communications 
Committee has changed considerably.  This too affects the updating.  A tentative draft completion
 date of 15 July 2001 was set.

5.  Various mentors assigned from SPC reviewed their activities:  

o D. McLaren (Communications) discussed the challenge of distributing both snail and e-mail 
letters for greatest economy.  
o J. Beall (Conferences)discussed the various challenges facing current Reg 3 conferences.  
o R. Harris (Student Act.) discussed the challenges of students participating in a conference in 
Jamaica.

6. At the request of Conference Chair Charles Lord, the SPC discussed at length the future of 
Southeastcon.  Here is a brief summary:
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Purpose for Southeastcon:  
Serve the Reg 3 members and students -- but don't lose money in the process!

Some key problems:
o Continuity often lost between SECons
o Peer-reviewed papers are needed to enhance SECon reputation
o Formal technical schedule should be publicized sooner to attract attendees and help them to get
 employer support
o Working with tech societies does not appear to be a viable approach
o An earlier schedule (Fall) for SECon could attract more potential
employers of graduating engineers
o To get more potential host sections, publicize more the opportunities for hosting in future 
years.

A novel suggestion:
o Focus SECon on high school juniors, attracting them to EE and providing a vehicle for Reg 3 EE
 schools to show their attractions for future students.
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7.  The next SPC meeting was set to be during the Reg 3 Fall ExCom meeting.

8.  The meeting was adjourned at 10pm.

Robert S. Duggan, Jr., SPC Chair