PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL
January 2, 2002

Present: Tom Anderson, Thad Bell, Rosalie Crouch, John Cormier, Bruce Elliott, Joe Good, Ray Greenberg, Anne Kilpatrick, Leigh Manzi (for Jim Fisher), Jerry Reves, Ken Roozen, Sabra Slaughter (Secretary), Stuart Smith, John Sutusky, Paul Taylor, and Walker Coleman

Guests: None

NOTE: Copies of all handout and visual materials used at the meeting are on file in the Office of the Council Secretary.

ITEM 1. Updates

Dr. Crouch reported that research awards were still coming in at projected levels; noted several campus leaking problems that were being worked on; and updated on the Dean of Nursing Search.

Dr. Elliott informed that negotiations with the new UMA CEO had been completed; December payrolls were met without using the line of credit; insurance allowances of the Federal Government as well as the State Plan were a growing concern and subject of study; all aspects of UMA operation continue to be studied to further identify savings opportunities; and that the special call meeting of all UMA employees , with the MUSC President and Dean of Medicine in attendance, had been well received.

Ms. Manzi reported that contributions were still ahead of last year, with a strong December highlighted by several major pledges.

Mr. Good summarized the positive EEO meeting he and Mr. Bonaparte held with Federal officials to update on significant MUSC strides in this area.

Dr. Bell reminded of the January 15 MLK activities including a noon lecture, 5:30 vigil in the horseshoe, and 6:00 memorial program in the Baruch Auditorium. All Council members were urged to attend.

Mr. Anderson informed that the Foundation had secured very favorable terms in the December 27 renegotiation of the tax exempt bond issue on all real estate leased to MUSC. This will result in savings of more than $ 300,000 a year.

Dr. Roozen noted a recent Eli Lilly award, and that the Governor's Technical Transition Team and State business leaders will announce on January 8 a business coalition advocating some portion of Lottery proceeds being devoted for the support of endowed chairs at SC research universities.

Mr. Smith discussed alternate possible plans for the Authority to deal with the cold weather of the next several days. He also updated on the floor replacements of 9 and 10 in the hospital.

Dr. Reves announced progress on the selection of a new Urology Chair as well as ongoing measures being taken within the College of Medicine to insure no deficit spending by departments.

Dr. Sutusky overviewed the BSB gas problem and the substantial measures underway to correct this as well as make effective alternate provisions to minimize research interruptions. His staff is in the final stages of preparing for Council review draft policies for voluntary separation programs, retirement incentives, and minority business utilization.

Dr. Sutusky, Dr. Crouch, and Dr. Roozen reported on the recent Indirect Cost Rate Study site visit which was perceived as very successful.

Dr. Greenberg informed of exploratory discussions with several major health care institutions to consider potentially beneficial joint endeavors as well as the most appropriate organizational mechanism for formalization of any resultant agreements.