Return to Main Menu

Rumor Mill separates fact from fiction E-mail Privacy Rumor: I heard that individual department managers have access to read e-mail messages to/from anyone in the department. I understand the university must have access to e-mails to randomly check what is being transmitted, but to what extent and to what level of administration? Truth: Managers do not have direct access to the e-mails of others. Since the system is property of the university and state, e-mail administrators  have access only under special conditions. If administrators access someone's e-mail, an audit and log trail is activated. These logs are checked regularly.  There are specific written policies in effect that must be observed and can be directly accessed at the following Web site: http://www.musc.edu/ccit/policy/computersearch_guide.html. The following two policy excerpts speak directly to the question: “Note that MUSC's Computer Use Policy grants employees a certain expectation of privacy with respect to the computer workstations assigned to them, with respect to their electronic communications (including e-mail), and with respect to files stored on network servers (including home directories).” “Obtain clearance: The legal and policy framework governing computer searches is complex. If you have any doubt as to  whether a specific search that you are contemplating is both legal and in compliance with applicable MUSC policies, then you should consult with your management and/or with MUSC legal counsel.” Cafeteria Rumor: I have heard that dietary department employees get a discount in the cafeteria. Is this true, and if so, why does this discount not apply to all MUHA employees? Truth: This rumor is incorrect. Dietary workers do not receive a discount in the cafeteria. Child Care Rumor: There have been several rumors submitted recently about the current status of the child care center. Thus the Rumor Mill asked responsible officials to provide the following update. Truth: Representatives of the childcare solutions committee and the Church of the Holy Communion have agreed in principle to form a partnership to provide child care at the church's location on Ashley Avenue. The next step was to confirm that renovations necessary to meet the state fire marshalls code would meet with the city of Charleston's approval in order to issue work permits and licenses. In order to begin this part of the project, the city of Charleston has required the church to provide architectural drawings of the renovations for their approval. In order to accomplish this, an architect had to be retained. Delays were experienced when architect proposals proved too costly to continue the project. There being  no alternatives, representatives appealed to architectural firms to provide services on a pro bono basis. A local firm came forward and agreed to provide these services for free.  The architect is currently working with the church to secure accurate architectural drawings of the church's building(s) that are proposed for use in housing the child care operation. The architect will then verify that proposed renovations are necessary and will satisfy the fire marshalls code standards for entities providing child care services. The extent and expense of  renovations will be the next hurdle to overcome. Preliminary reports are encouraging and indicate that renovations will be limited and not as extensive as first thought. Following the completion of this report, church and committee representatives will assess the results, cost and extent of renovations and will make further recommendations.  The MUSC Child Care Advisory Committee continues to address this and other details regarding space, service providers and the pilot program as it progresses. It will keep the university family updated. Political Ad in The Catalyst Rumor: I have heard concern from several people about the recent advertisement in The Catalyst for a Charleston mayoral candidate, and the rumor is going around that The Catalyst and the university are endorsing this particular candidate. If so, is this appropriate? Truth: As stated in the ad in question, it was “paid for by the Riley for Mayor Campaign.” It does not reflect an endorsement by either the university or The Catalyst. As a public agency, it is not appropriate for the university or The Catalyst to take a position on any election, including the race for mayor of Charleston. At the same time, the university does not restrict its employees from engaging in political activity as private citizens, as long as they do so outside of their university responsibilities. The ads in The Catalyst are sold by the publisher of the paper, Island Publications. They retain all proceeds from the advertisements, which in turn, are used to fully fund the cost of publishing the newspaper. The university does impose certain restrictions on advertisements, given our responsibilities as an educational institution and a health care provider (e.g., no advertising of tobacco or alcohol products). There is no prohibition on paid political advertisements. Reproduced from http://www.musc.edu/rumor/.    Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.