The meeting
was called to order by the Chair at 7:45 AM in BSB 435. A
quorum was present.
Minutes of the
March 8, 2005, meeting were approved. The approved minutes are
posted on the Senate's Web site.
I. NEW BUSINESS
MUSC Code of Conduct – Guests Dr. Ed Conradi and Mr. Mike
Wheeler
Dr. Conradi and Mr. Wheeler explained that the intent for the Code
of Conduct is to apply these guidelines across the entire enterprise.
There are two versions of the proposed document. The Senate agreed
that as long as Legal Counsel approves, either version is acceptable.
Return Rate on Evaluations of Department Chairs and Deans – Dr.
Tom Higerd
Evaluations for Department Chairs and Deans will be distributed the
week of April 18th. Dr. Higerd asked Senators to encourage faculty
to submit the evaluations. There was discussion regarding whether or
not there should be evaluations for Associate Deans, as well. Dr. Kathy
Chessman, Chair, stated that this item would be brought back to the
Deans’ Council for consideration.
Proposal for Changing Promotion Cycle to Twice a Year in the College
of Medicine – Dr. Lina Obeid
The College of Medicine has requested a change in the promotion cycle
from once a year to twice a year. This change would provide opportunities
for faculty to receive promotions more quickly and it would spread
the workload for the Promotion and Tenure Committee. The College of
Medicine is asking that the university consider implementing this bi-annual
cycle, as well, approving promotions January 1 and July 1. A change
in the promotion cycle requires a minor change in the faculty handbook
to reflect the bi-annual opportunity. A recommendation was made that
individual colleges have the option to follow an annual or bi-annual
cycle. The Senate approved the proposed bi-annual promotion cycle along
with the opportunity for individual colleges to determine an annual
or bi-annual cycle.
Smoking in Private Offices
Dr. Kathy Chessman stated that students are requesting a policy to
ban smoking in private offices. The Senate voted to support this
policy. In addition, a recommendation was made for the Senate to
write a letter to Dr. Greenberg supporting the designation of MUSC
as a smoke-free workplace. This was also approved and Dr. Chessman
will follow-up with a letter to Dr. Greenberg.
Introduction and Q&A with Dr. Roger Poston, Director of Academics
and Research, Office of the CIO
Dr. Roger Poston provided a brief overview of his position and discussed
his areas of focus since beginning as Director of Academics and Research
in March 2005. Dr. Poston stated that the purpose of his position is
to support faculty in information technology efforts related to academics
and research. Since arriving on campus, Dr. Poston has been conducting
a needs analysis, meeting with faculty, administrators, and staff.
In addition, Dr. Poston is steering an effort to create a strategic
plan for academic and research computing. Faculty were assured they
would be involved in the development of this plan.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Upcoming Accreditation
The SACS visit for reaffirmation of accreditation will take place in
2007. Currently, eleven committees are being formed to support this
process. Dr. Chessman will ask representatives from Faculty Senate
to serve on seven of these committees.
Subcommittee on Academic/Research
Space Backfill
This subcommittee will review and recommend plans for filling vacated
research space. Dr. Chessman asked for a volunteer from the Senate
to serve on this committee.
Town Hall Meetings
Dr. John Raymond, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost,
will lead two Town Hall meetings sponsored by the Senate. The first
meeting is scheduled for April 19, 2005, and the topic for discussion
is “Research and Research Space”. The second Town Hall
meeting is scheduled for April 26, 2005, and the topic for discussion
is “MUSC Finances”.
Faculty Orientation Task Force
The Faculty Senate, together with the Office of the Provost, will
co-sponsor an orientation for new faculty this fall.
Merger of MUSC’s and USC’s
Colleges of Pharmacy
Dr. Chessman reported that the administrative structure of the merger
would include an Executive Dean serving both Colleges, and two Operations
Deans, one serving at each College. Representatives from both colleges
are on the search committee for the Operations Deans. The Executive
Dean will be invited to the May 2005 meeting of the Faculty Senate.
Planned
Library Experiment
Dr. Chessman reported that the library has announced an experimental
plan to extend its hours of operation to twenty-four hours, seven
days a week. Card access will provide entry during extended hours,
but no
staff will be present during this time.
II.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting
was adjourned at 9:00 AM
Next
meeting: 7:45 AM, Tuesday,May 10, 2005. Rooom 125, Gazes Auditorium.
