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

MEMBERSHIP ROSTER:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A quorum was not present. Unapproved minutes of the February 13, 2007, meeting are posted on the Senate Web site. Feburary minutes will be presented for approval at the April 10, 2007, meeting.

MEETING PROCEEDINGS

I. Presentation by Mr. Ryan Rhone, President of MUSC's Gay Straight Alliance

Mr. Ryan Rhone, President of MUSC’s Gay Straight Alliance, requested that the Senate endorse a resolution by the MUSC Student Government Association that the admissions equal opportunity policy at MUSC be revised and changed to read as follows:

The Medical University of South Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or marital status in the administration of admission policies, education policies, financial aid, employment, or any other university activity.

Senators present at the meeting supported the resolution. However, there was not a quorum, and support for this resolution will be voted upon during the April 2007 meeting.

II. Committee Reports

Governance Committee – Dr. Walter Limehouse, Chair, reported that a subcommittee is being formed to determine faculty’s commitment to MUSC’s disaster plan. If passed, the commitment to the plan would be incorporated into the Appendix of the Faculty Handbook.

Dr. Limehouse requested Senators recruit faculty members to fill vacant slots in the Senate.

Ms. Laura Cousineau and Dr. Limehouse have created a working Appendix for the Faculty Handbook. The working copy of the Appendix will be presented to the Deans’ Council, President’s Council and the MUSC auditor for approval prior to presentation to the Board of Trustees.

Communication and Education Committee – Mr. Geoff Freeman reported that that Senate sponsored a Town Hall Meeting on February 20th. Dr. Ray Greenberg gave a presentation on the “State of the University” and Dr. John Raymond, provided an update on MUSC’s accreditation process through the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS), including our Quality Enhancement Plan.

Mr. Freeman also reported that the Second Annual Tenure Workshop was well-attended. This workshop was held March 9th, and Dr. John Raymond’s Powerpoint slides from the workshop are available on the Faculty Senate Web site.

A Town Hall Meeting is being planned for April 2007. The tentative topics are copyright, Fair Use, and the TEACH Act.

II. Updates

President’s Council – Dr. Albenesius, President, reported that the Council approved the change in wording to the discrimination clause in MUSC’s Admission Policy. However, the Council is reviewing the legal aspects of changing the policy. The Council also approved a new program in the College of Health Professions: A Masters of Research Administration.

Standard of Conduct for Trainees, Students, Residents and Fellows – Dr. Barbara Edlund reported that a subcommittee from the Senate and representatives from the Administration reviewed proposed changes to this policy. Presently, it is proposed that each Dean will appoint a Standard of Conduct Mediator. Mediators will receive training by Human Resources and will serve a 2-year term. If a student does not feel comfortable meeting with the mediator for their college, they have the option to work with a mediator from another college. If an issue cannot be resolved at the college level, the case will go to a conflict resolution council composed of mediators and students. The subcommittee is continuing to meet with the administration on a monthly basis in order to resolve legal issues related to the process and wording of the policy.

Post-tenure Review and TERI – Dr. Albenesius provided an update on the final draft of the Post Tenure Review Policy. The policy states that if the post-tenure review process has been implemented for a tenured faculty member, subsequent enrollment in the TERI program will not alter the established review process. Dr. Albenesius reported that this policy has been approved by the Deans’ Council and President’s Council.

Commencement Committee – Dr. Albenesius requested a volunteer to represent the Senate on the Commencement Committee,

Merger of MUSC and USC Colleges of Pharmacy – Dr. Kathy Chessman reported that a Memorandum of Understanding between the two universities is currently under revision. A recommendation has been made for the merged colleges’ promotion and tenure process. This process will require approval by Faculty Senate, appropriate councils/committees, and Board of Trustees at both universities.

III. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 AM

Next meeting: 7:45 AM, Tuesday, April 10, 2007. Room 125, Gazes Auditorium.

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