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

MEMBERSHIP ROSTER:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes of the June 13, 2006, meeting were approved. The approved minutes are posted on the Senate's Web site.

MEETING PROCEEDINGS

I. OLD BUSINESS

Committee Updates

Institutional Advancement – Dr. Teresa Kelechi, Chair, was unable to attend today’s meeting and in her absence, Dr. Rick Albenesius, President of Faculty Senate, provided a report. Dr. Albenesius reported that the committee is in the process of re-evaluating their charge. The committee is re-writing some of their charges to reduce duplication of efforts with other Senate committees.

The committee is currently compiling a list of MUSC committees to determine which committees currently have Senate representation and which may benefit from Senate representation. A report of this effort will be provided at the August meeting.

Communication and Education - Mr. Geoff Freeman, Co-Chair, reported that the Welcome for New Faculty is scheduled for August 7, 2006. The Welcome will be held in the Basic Science Building, Room 202, followed by a reception. Senators will be notified of new faculty and publicity will begin in the near future.

Faculty and Institutional Relationships – Dr. Rick Albenesius reviewed the edits this committee has recommended for the document, “Standards of Conduct for Relationships with Trainees (Students, Residents, and Fellows)”. The document has been reviewed by faculty, MUSC’s legal counsel, and the Senate’s legal counsel. Three concerns emerged from a discussion: First is the training and assignment of the mediators, the senate would recommend that the appointed mediator is not from the college of the accused. Second concern is the issue of record keeping of the proceedings, who maintains the records and confidentiality. Third concern, the senate recommends that the appointed council should be composed of faculty from around the university similar to a faculty grievance hearing. The Senate voted to adopt the document with concerns noted. The document will be sent to MUSC administration.

Governance – Dr. Walter Limehouse reviewed proposed Changes in articles to the Senate’s Constitution, the Preamble, and the Faculty Handbook. Senate voted on the proposed changes. The proposed changes will be sent to all faculty for comment 30 days prior to the upcoming Senate election.

The proposed changes include amending the Constitution’s wording regarding faculty eligible to vote in Senate elections. The Senate proposed and voted to accept the terminology, “Full-time, primary academic appointment at MUSC with rank of instructor and above,” to identify faculty eligible to vote in Senate elections.

New Business

Report from Dr. John Raymond - Dr. Rick Albenesius reported that Dr. Raymond provided a confidential letter outlining general results from the Deans' surveys. Dr. Raymond indicated in the letter that he reviews individual results with each Dean.

Grievance Policy – Dr. Anne Kilpatrick reported that the Faculty Handbook does not address procedures for a grievance if lodged against a higher education administrator. Dr. Kilpatrick suggested a Senate committee conduct a survey to determine procedures used at other universities. Dr. Walter Limehouse suggested that the committee on Institutional Affairs review this issue. Mr. Philip Sprinkle, attorney for the Senate, will also be asked to comment.

College of Dental Medicine
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new College of Dental Medicine building is scheduled for August 11, 2006

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

II. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 AM

Next meeting: 7:45 AM, Tuesday, August 8, 2006. Room 125, Gazes Auditorium.

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