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

MEMBERSHIP ROSTER:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes of the November 8, 2005, meeting were postponed for approval due to lack of a quorum at the beginning of the meeting. The unapproved minutes are posted on the Senate's Web site.

MEETING PROCEEDINGS

I. OLD BUSINESS

Committee Updates

Faculty and Institutional Relationships – Dr. Swapan Ray, chair, reported that the committee is reviewing the "Student Mistreatment Policy” which is under consideration for adoption by the university. Dr. Ray stated that the committee will distribute a final draft of this proposed policy to senators for comment prior to the February Senate meeting. A senate vote on this policy will be required for approval prior to consideration at Deans' Council.

Communication and Education – Ms. Peggy Schachte, co-chair, reported that Town Hall Meetings and an orientation for new faculty members are the two major areas of focus for this committee. Senators were also asked to submit ideas for speakers and/or topics for the Town Hall meetings. A "State of the University” meeting with Dr. Greenberg and Dr. Raymond will be considered for January or February.

Pre-employment Drug Screening Procedure – Dr. Rick Albenesius, President of the Senate, asked Senators for comments on the proposed procedures for the policy on Pre-employment Drug Screening. Since there were no comments, a vote was held and procedures approved.

II. NEW BUSINESS

Report of Senate Financial Account – Dr. Rick Albenesius reported that as of November 30, 2005, the Senate has $10,730 in a checking account for attorneys' fees.

Record and Data Retention Policy – Mr. Mike Wheeler from the Office of Compliance, presented the Record and Data Retention Policy for review and comment. Several faculty members asked questions related to review of records (including who and for what reason), length of retention of records, ownership of records, and resolution of disputes. Dr. Albenesius asked Senators to send further comments to Mr. Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler will incorporate changes based on the discussion and send document to all senators prior to the January meeting.

SGA Smoking Policy – Dr. Anne Kilpatrick, Vice-President of Senate, and Mr. Alex Whitley, SGA President, presented a proposal for a smoke-free work place policy. MUSC is drafting a smoking policy that will designate smoking areas. The policy, as SGA has passed it, will be sent to all Senators for review. The goal is to seek approval of this policy from the SGA and Senate in order to demonstrate support to the administration. It is hoped that this proposed policy can be presented to the Board of Trustees during their meeting in February.

Report from President's Council – Dr. Rick Albenesius provided a report from the December President Council.

• Dr. Greenberg asked Ms. Lisa Montgomery to determine final locations for smoking huts throughout the campus.
• MUSC is in good financial standing as of 11/30/05
• A tower will be located on the MUSC campus as part of the project to make downtown Charleston "wireless”.

Report from Deans' Council –Dr. Anne Kilpatrick provided a report from the November Deans' Council.

• Interprofessional Day is scheduled for January 20, 2006. All first year students are required to attend.
• The Greenville Hospital system is developing a continuing education program and MUSC is exploring possible collaborations.

III. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 AM

Next meeting: 7:45 AM, Tuesday, January 10, 2006. Room 125, Gazes Auditorium.

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