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MUSC faculty senate meeting minutes  The faculty senate’s unapproved meeting minutes for September are posted on the senate’s Web site at http://www.musc.edu/facsen. Guest speakers Tom Higerd, Ph.D., associate provost for Institutional Research and Assessment—Higerd gave a brief overview of the re-accreditation process that MUSC is going through for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).   He explained that this critical process takes place every 10 years. Significant consequences occur without accreditation, including withdrawal of federal funding. A Web site was created for SACS’ reviewers so they can easily obtain required information about MUSC (http://www.musc.edu/sacs).   One component of this site is a listing of teaching faculty, along with their qualifications. Higerd asked if faculty would have concerns about this information being available online.   Senators said that faculty would like the opportunity to review credentials for accuracy. Higerd indicated that a process would be put into place for faculty to review the information and notify the SACS steering committee of needed changes.   Stewart Mixon, COO—During the senate’s meeting in August, a question was posed regarding faculty’s access to health insurance coverage once retired, if they belonged to an optional retirement plan. Mixon was invited to the September session to address this question. He provided a handout comparing optional retirement plans to the state’s. Post-retiree insurance is available in both plans and the same rule applies to both: In order to be eligible, an employee must be 60 years of age and worked at least 10 years (accruing service time). The last five must be worked consecutively, in a permanent (FTE) benefits eligible position.   A question was raised about the amount the state charges for management fees of the optional plan. Mixon is checking on this and will report to the senate in October.   Mixon encouraged all faculty and staff to investigate the 403B plan that is offered. This plan requires a minimum contribution of $50 per paycheck. New business Senate Elections Rick Albenesius, DMD, president, thanked all senators rotating off at the end of September for their service during the past two years. Election results will be posted.   The next senate meeting will be held at 7:45 a.m. Oct. 10,  in Gazes Auditorium. The agenda will be posted on the faculty senate’s Web site prior to the meeting. Senators present Basic Science: Debra Callahan, Hiroko Hama Clinical Sciences: George Johnson, Walter Limehouse (executive committee), Swapan Ray (executive committee), Sakamuri Reddy, Kenneth Vanek, Aljoeson Walker. Excused: Susan Ackerman Dental Medicine: Rick Albenesius (executive committee), Ted McGill (executive committee) Health Professions: Anne Kilpatrick (executive committee), David Morrisette. Excused: Reamer Bushardt Library Science and Informatics: Laura Cousineau, Geoff Freeman (alternate) (executive committee), Jett McCann, Mary Mauldin (executive committee), Peggy Schachte (executive committee) Nursing: Elaine Amella, Teresa Kelechi (executive committee), Marilyn King, Sharon Bond (alternate), Nancy Duffy (alternate). Excused: Barbara Edlund Pharmacy: Jean Nappi (executive committee), Andrea Wessell. Excused: Kelly Ragucci Submitted by Mary Mauldin, Secretary to the Faculty Senate  Friday, Oct. 6, 2006 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 catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.