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Committee members update faculty senate The faculty senate’s December meeting minutes were approved and posted on the senate’s Web site at http://www.musc.edu/facsen. Committee Reports Governance Committee—Elaine Amella said that the governance committee revisited the proposed constitution and by-laws specifically to review the process for removal of senators.  This process is to be included as an article within the constitution and outlined as a procedure within the by-laws.  Amella stated that the amended by-laws including the new committee structures would be ready for review prior to the next faculty senate meeting.  The senate will vote on the proposed constitution and by-laws during the February meeting. All faculty will have an opportunity to review and vote on these documents during the planned general faculty meeting in March. Kathy Chessman, chair of the senate, said that  Philip Sprinkle, legal consultant to the faculty senate, has submitted a contract designed to officially retain him as consultant to the senate. For the past year, Sprinkle has worked on a pro bono basis with the senate. Since significant work by  Sprinkle for the senate would now involve the use of the senate’s legal fund, Chessman has charged the governance committee to develop guidelines for access to and use of this fund. In addition, the committee will develop guidelines for the roles of various officers including the chair, vice-chair and secretary. Committee on Communication and Education—Rick Albenesius reported that the committee will meet in the near future.  One of the charges of this committee is to plan the general faculty meeting scheduled for March. Strategic Planning Committee—Geoff Freeman reported that the committee should have a draft of the senate’s mission statement for review by the senate during the February meeting. Committee on Faculty and Institutional Relationships—Anne Kilpatrick reported on the tenure/mentoring workshop held in December.  More than 65 faculty members attended throughout the day, and faculty had the opportunity to hear from Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., John Raymond, M.D., as well as  deans and tenured faculty. Faculty members also had time to review their portfolios with tenured faculty. Kilpatrick thanked the administrators and faculty who participated in the workshop. Paul Gold reported that at least three documents may come back to this committee for review: conflict of commitment, drug- free  workplace, and faculty conduct policy. Chair’s Report—Kathy Chessman College of Pharmacy—As steps are taken to merge the Colleges of Pharmacy at MUSC and USC, the boards of trustees of both universities approved the hiring of one dean.  A consultant group will be formed to study and make recommendations regarding the location of the College of Pharmacy (MUSC or USC), and recruitment for the dean is planned to being in Spring 2004. The faculty senate will follow the progress of this process and may consider drafting a letter regarding the proposals as they become available. Tenure Discussion Group—The tenure discussion group last met on Dec. 2.  The group is discussing issues related to a tenured faculty member’s salary as well as the tenured faculty member’s responsibilities to the university.  Senators were asked to send their comments on either of these issues to Chessman. Academic Affairs Newsletter—Raymond sent the first Academic Affairs Newsletter to all faculty via e-mail.  The newsletter is designed to showcase faculty members and to keep faculty informed. Raymond hopes to send the newsletter at least once a month and has invited the senate to be a regular contributor.  The committee on communication and education was asked to ensure articles were submitted on a regular basis. Status of Policies Drug-free Workplace and Conflict of Commitment—Both of these policies will be discussed with Paul Taylor from the Department of Internal Audit. Chessman will also meet with Melvin Berlinsky, chair of the education committee of the Board of Trustees, to discuss concerns regarding the proposed conflict of commitment policy.  The legal consultant to the faculty senate will also review the conflict of commitment policy. Faculty Conduct Policy—This policy is currently in place in the College of Medicine and discussions are taking place to determine if it should be implemented across the university.  The faculty senate’s committee on faculty and institutional relationships has been asked to review this policy for comment and recommendations Meetings with Raymond The chair of faculty senate meets with Raymond on the second Tuesday of each month to ensure consistent communication regarding issues of importance to the faculty senate.  Chessman asked senators to notify her of any issues that need to be addressed during one of her monthly meetings with Raymond. Examples of previous topics include the need to interpret promotion and tenure guidelines for faculty who have chosen the TERI plan and the possibility of implementing an operating budget for the senate. News from President’s Council meetings  Health Benefits for Part-time Employees—A proposal to extend health benefits to part-time employees is being carefully reviewed to determine long-term financial impact. Chessman will ask a follow-up question on this issue as a result of a senator’s concern regarding health benefits for visiting faculty (e.g., as a visiting faculty member on sabbatical leave from another university).  Smoking On Campus—A committee is studying the issue of smoking on campus (by visitors and employees).  The committee has made a recommendation to construct smoking pavilions throughout the campus. A pilot pavilion is located on the corner of Sabin Street and Ashley Avenue. A decision has not been made as to whether or not additional pavilions will be constructed. Electronic Patient Medical Record—A need has been identified for a unified patient record system. Frank Clark, Ph.D., chief information officer, has written a request for proposal (RFP) for such a system. News from Deans’ Council Meetings Consolidation of Classes—Raymond has encouraged all deans to examine ways that courses can be consolidated between colleges. Classroom Scheduling and Food Policies—The Office of Enrollment Services has been asked to examine classroom usage and food policies when determining schedules.  Attendance at meetings may be impacted by classroom food policies. Library—Due to significant budget cuts, tuition and technology fee allocations will be reorganized to provide additional support to the library. Parking Committee Due to budget cuts and increased cost of health benefits, the parking committee has submitted a letter requesting no increase in parking rates. The next senate meeting will be held at 7:45 a.m., Feb. 3, in room 107 of the Library/Administration Building. The agenda will be posted on the faculty senate’s Web site prior to the meeting. Senators present Basic Sciences: Eberhard Voit (executive committee), Daynna Wolff , Lucille London (alternate).  Clinical Sciences: Susan Ackerman, Christopher Frueh, Paul Gold (executive committee), Lucinda Halstead, Rochelle Hanson, Arch Mainous, John Osguthorpe, Andrew Gelasco (alternate), Walter Limehouse (alternate), Swapan Ray (alternate), Kenneth Vanek (alternate). Excused: George Johnson. Dental Medicine: Rick Albenesius (executive committee), Michele Ravenel. Health Professions: Libby Dismuke (executive committee), Jack Thomas, Anne Kilpatrick. Library Science & Informatics: Mary Mauldin (executive committee), Nancy McKeehan, Peggy Schachte, Tom Smith (alternate), Geoff Freeman. Nursing: Elaine Amella, Liz Erkel, Teresa Kelechi (alternate), John Welton (alternate). Excused: Tara Hulsey (executive committee). Pharmacy: Kathy Chessman (executive committee), Sandra Garner (executive committee), Kelly Ragucci, (alternate). Excused: Marc Lapointe. Submitted by Mary Mauldin, secretary to the faculty senate   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.