The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 8:00 AM in Room 419, Clinical Sciences Building .

MEMBERSHIP ROSTER:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Although a quorum was not present initially, the minutes from the December 7, 2004 meeting were approved as written by the end of the meeting.

MEETING PROCEEDINGS

I. OLD BUSINESS

Drug-free Workplace Policy
This policy originated approximately two years ago and has recently been revised by the Office of the Provost.  The Faculty and Institutional Relationships Committee is currently reviewing it and will present their feedback at the next Senate meeting. Diversion of drugs is not addressed in the current policy.  It is anticipated that a separate policy regarding drug diversion will be drafted in the future.  

Code of Conduct Policy
The Faculty and Institutional Relationships Committee will be reviewing for applicability across campus. The College of Medicine has a policy in place which was mandated for accreditation. The Office of the Provost would like to see a campus-wide policy in place.  One concern with the original policy was the fact that students were to be placed on the review committee for faculty who were accused of violating this policy..

Constitution and Bylaws Committee
The Governance Committee has been asked to create a "redline" version comparing the existing Constitution and By-laws (Faculty Handbook) with the proposed new Constitution and By-laws.  This has been requested by Paul Taylor prior to his final approval.  Once this is approved, the revised Constitution and By-laws will go to the Board of Trustees for approval.

II. NEW BUSINESS

Committee Reports

Governance Committee
Kelly Ragucci (Co-Chair) reported that the committee will be meeting with individuals from Information Technology on 1/18/05 to discuss the use of the web site for elections this year. The committee will also be reviewing the changes to the Constitution and Bylaws. The revised Constitution and Bylaws should go before the Board of Trustees for approval in Spring 2005.

Institutional Advancement
Libby Dismuke (Chair) reported that the committee is currently brainstorming ideas for Women’s Issues on campus and will be reviewing the Electronic Communications Policy as well. With regard to Faculty Development, Paul Gold has developed a bibliography of resources for faculty development, which will be posted on the web site.
Geoff Freeman agreed to review the Security Policy.

Faculty and Institutional Relationships Committee
Marilyn King (Chair) reported that the committee is busy working on both the Drug-Free Workplace Policy and Code of Conduct Policy.

Communications Committee
The plan is to have Dr. Joseph DiPiro and Dr. Andrew Sorensen speak at our next quarterly faculty meeting. Harmeet Walia (Chair) expressed concern about the lack of attendance at these meetings. Committee members are encouraged to send any comments/ideas for how to improve attendance to Dr. Walia. Geoff Freeman agreed to look into the idea of web streaming. Peggy Schachte discussed what currently occurs with New Faculty Orientation and encouraged continued review and brainstorming. It should be noted that the President’s Council was receptive to the Faculty Senate becoming more involved with this process.

Strategic Planning
Rick Albenesius reported that the committee had met to discuss ideas in order to develop 3-5 year goals for the Senate. More details will be presented at future meetings.

Chair's Report

Colleges of Pharmacy Merger
Kathy Chessman reported the naming of the new Dean of the College of Pharmacy – Dr. Joseph DiPiro. He will begin in this new role in May 2005. With regard to the overall merger, several committees have been formed, comprised of faculty from both MUSC and USC. These committees will develop plans for a shared curriculum, an academic calendar and the application process.

Dean’s Council
Kathy Chessman reported that the issue of allocation of University research space will be further discussed at their next meeting. In addition, the council has been reviewing a new policy for criminal background checks for all incoming students (including graduate students). It should be noted that the background checks are only completed in relation to the state in which the individual currently resides.
The Dean’s Retreat will take place on 1/29/05. The new Dean of the College of Pharmacy will attend. There will be discussion of University finances and how to best utilize resources. In addition, there will be discussion of various strategic initiatives for the University.

Clinical Simulation Laboratory
Kathy Chessman reported that there is currently an effort to collaborate with the Palmetto Health and Greenville Hospital Systems in order to utilize this technology. More details will be discussed at future meetings.

Martin Luther King Celebration
Kathy Chessman reported that there will be a tribute in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Thursday, January 13. This tribute will be a Candlelight Vigil and March, which will begin at 5:30pm at the corner of Rutledge Avenue and Calhoun Street. There will be a Commemorative Program at 6pm in the Basic Science Auditorium as well. The keynote speaker is Dr. Marguerite Archie-Hudson. All faculty are encouraged to attend.

IV. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 AM

Next meeting: 7:45 AM, Tuesday, February 8, 2005. 125 Gazes.

Respectfully Submitted by:
Kelly Ragucci, Executive Committee