The meeting
was called to order by the President at 7:45 AM in Gazes Auditorium.
Minutes of the February 2006 meeting were approved.
The approved minutes are posted on the Senate's Web site.
I. OLD BUSINESS
Committee Updates
Institutional Advancement – Dr. Teresa Kelechi, Chair, reported
that the committee has developed an online survey that all senators
will be asked to complete. The survey is an effort to identify all
committees on which senators serve and committees on which senators
do not currently serve but faculty may benefit from senate representation.
Communication and Education – Ms. Peggy Schachte and Mr. Geoff
Freeman, co-chairs, reported that there will be a Town Hall meeting
in April announcing the Clinical and Translational Science Award
(CTSA) program currently in the planning stages for MUSC. Ms. Schachte
and Mr. Freeman also reported that plans are being formulated for
another welcome for new faculty. The semi-annual event is tentatively
scheduled for August 7, 2006.
II. NEW BUSINESS
CTSA Planning Grant Proposal – Dr. Perry Halushka, Dean of the
College of Graduate Studies and Co-PI, provided a brief presentation
on the status of the proposal for the Clinical and Translational Science
Award (CTSA) Planning Grant. Dr. Kathleen Brady is the PI on this proposal.
The planning grant is designed to provide support for the planning
of a full CTSA from the NIH. If received, the CTSA would replace the
General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) and provide an opportunity
to accelerate discoveries and implementation from bench to bedside
and to take methodologies that are advantageous in academics and move
them into the clinical setting. Dr. Halushka emphasized that this grant
would have “something in it for everyone” – both
clinical and basic scientists as well as representation from all six
colleges. At the present time, workgroups are being formed for the
planning grant with chairs and co-chairs identified. The planning grant
will be submitted by the end of the month (3/06) and the full grant
submitted February 2007.
Tenure Workshop – Dr. Anne Kilpatrick reported that the Executive
Committee is planning a tenure workshop for May. The half-day workshop
will provide an opportunity for faculty to hear from the Provost and
Deans about the tenure process. In addition, tenured faculty will provide
their insights into the process.
Deans’ Council – Dr. Anne Kilpatrick attended the February
meeting of Deans’ Council and provided a report. The agenda for
Deans Council included a presentation by Dr. John Schaefer. Dr. Schaefer
is one of the Endowed Professors in the SC Research Centers of Economic
Excellence in Clinical Effectiveness and Patient Safety. Dr. Schaefer
gave a brief overview of the program’s collaborative efforts
with Greenville Hospital system, USC, MUSC and Palmetto Health.
Dr. Kilpatrick reported that the Deans’ Council also heard feedback
from the Interprofessional Day held in January. During the meeting,
Dr. Raymond suggested that it would be prudent to measure longitudinal
outcomes. Other suggestions and discussion are provided in the minutes
from this meeting.
Parking Management Update – Ms. Melinda Anderson, Director of
Parking Management, provided an update on parking. Ms. Anderson reported
that construction of the new hospital will have a major impact on parking,
especially since the new hospital will open before additional parking
is completed. For example, the 1500 space garage on the corner of Bee
and Courtney is scheduled for completion June 2008. Until this garage
is completed, Ms. Anderson said that no one will lose a space in the
County garage, but it will take longer to bring new people into that
garage since there will be a need to accommodate patients and employees
in the new hospital. She also reported that the Ashley Ave Garage opened
in June 2005 and is open after hours for employees (both faculty and
staff). In order to park in the Ashley Ave. garage after hours, employees
need to request permission and have their card activated for this garage.
Ms. Anderson also reported that Rutledge Tower is now employee only.
Students have lost the majority of A lot due to construction of the
energy facility but alternative parking has been located. Parking spaces
in G lot will also be lost in May/June 2006 as construction begins
on the new dental building. Ms. Anderson also pointed out that as additional
construction takes place across the campus, it will create new challenges
for parking. As parking challenges continue to grow, Ms. Anderson reported
that Carta has incorporated two buses into the MUSC system during peak
hours. In addition, Carta is developing express routes to MUSC from
West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant and James Island.
A senator expressed concern about the maintenance of the stairwells
in Rutledge Tower. Ms. Anderson said they are working on the possibility
of a dedicated team to work nights in order to improve maintenance
in the garages.
The possibility of increased parking rates was also discussed, and
Ms. Anderson said that the last rate increase took place in July 2005
and the next rate increase is scheduled for July 2007.
Request for Senate Volunteers – Dr. Rick Albenesius, President,
requested senators volunteer to serve on the University Parking Committee
and the Education Advisory Committee.
Reminders:
The College of Health Professions Dedication and Ribbon Cutting is
scheduled for Friday, April 7.
A link to the blog by Dr. Roger Poston,
Director of Academics and Research in the Office of the CIO, will
be available from the Faculty Senate’s
Web site in the near future. The blog will focus on current projects,
plans, and future directions related to information technology efforts
in academics and research.
III. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting
was adjourned at 8:40 AM
Next
meeting: 7:45 AM, Tuesday, April 11, 2006. Room 125, Gazes Auditorium.
