The meeting was called to order by the President at 7:45 AM in Gazes Auditorium.

MEMBERSHIP ROSTER:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes of the July 11, 2006, meeting were approved. The approved minutes are posted on the Senate's Web site.

MEETING PROCEEDINGS

I. GUEST SPEAKER

Dr. John J. Lemasters, MD, PhD, Endowed Chair in Advanced Cellular Technologies
Over the next few months, the Senate is inviting faculty holding Endowed Chairs to speak to the Senate about their research and areas of interest. This month, Dr. John J. Lemasters provided a presentation on his research and the development of the Center for Cell Death, Injury and Regeneration. Dr. Lemasters encouraged faculty to contact him if they have interests in these areas. Additional information about Dr. Lemasters and his work can be found at http://www.musc.edu/pr/lemasters.htm and http://www.musc.edu/catalyst/archive/2005/co9-23endo

II. OLD BUSINESS

Committee Updates

Institutional Advancement – Dr. Teresa Kelechi, Chair, reported that the committee is continuing to compile a list of MUSC committees. The purpose of the list is to determine which committees have Senate representation and which do not. For those that do not, a determination will be made as to whether or not Senate representation is important. The list should be completed in September.

Communication and Education - Dr. Rick Albenesius, President of the Senate, commended Ms. Peggy Schachte (Co-chair), Mr. Geoff Freeman (Co-chair), and the committee for the organization of the Welcome for New Faculty held August 7, 2006. Ms. Schachte reported that an online evaluation form for the event will be published this week.

Ms. Schachte also reported that the next Town Hall Meeting for all faculty will be held in October. An update on the CTSA will be the focus of the meeting.

Governance Committee – Dr. Walter Limehouse, Chair, reported on proposed revisions to the Faculty Handbook. The proposed revisions relate to faculty separation and faculty responsibilities. The proposed revisions were sent to faculty and the working copy of the handbook incorporating these proposed changes is available through the Senate’s Web site.

Progress on plans for the upcoming Senate election was reported by Ms. Laura Cousineau. A discussion was held about the timeline for Senators rotating off the Senate. The Constitution and Bylaws recommend staggering rotation so that all senators for a particular college do not leave the Senate at the same time. Presently, there are colleges where this will happen. The decision was made that for those colleges in which all faculty representatives will rotate off the Senate at the same time, faculty within the college should decide if they prefer some Senators to serve a two year term and others to serve a one year term. The determination of which Senators serve a two year versus a one-year term will be left to the individual colleges.

Nominations and the election for new Senators will be held prior to the September 2006 meeting. Proposed changes to the handbook will be voted on at the same time. A proposed slate of new officers for the Senate will be presented by the Executive Committee at the October 2006 meeting.

Smoking Cessation

Dr. Anne Kilpatrick reported that the first smoking hut is being constructed in the Anne Edwards’ Garden near the main entrance to the hospital.

New Business

Recognition of Melissa Foster – Ms. Melissa Foster has served as the administrative assistant to the Senate for a number of years. Her retirement in October 2006 will leave “big shoes” to fill. In appreciation for her support of the Senate, Dr. Anne Kilpatrick read a Resolution of Appreciation.

Resolution of Appreciation

Whereas, Melissa Foster has served the university as an excellent employee for a number of years, and
Whereas she has provided support for all efforts of the Faculty Senate, including maintenance of important records, provision of communication among and between Senators and the administration, and staffing regular meetings and workshops for over a decade, and
Whereas her retirement is well deserved but underscores the fact that she will be truly missed by the faculty and the Senate,
Therefore let it be resolved that the Faculty Senate unanimously thanks her for her outstanding service to the Senate, and wishes her well in her future endeavors and adventures.

Retirement System and Health Benefits
Dr. Anne Kilpatrick reported that there appears to be confusion among faculty regarding the selection of a retirement system and its relationship to the State’s health benefits. The Senate agreed that additional research needed to be completed and reported to the Senate. Dr. Albenesius will contact Dr. Stewart Mixon, Office of COO, and provide a report to the Senate.

Faculty Convocation
Faculty Convocation is scheduled for August 22, 4:30 pm in the Wellness Center.

II. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 AM

Next meeting: 7:45 AM, Tuesday, September 12, 2006. Room 125, Gazes Auditorium.

Respectfully Submitted by:
Mary Mauldin, Secretary to the Faculty Senate