Present:     Ray Greenberg, Thad Bell, Walker Coleman, Rosalie Crouch, Jim Fisher, Bob Gallager, Sarah King, Danielle Ripich, Sabra Slaughter, Stuart Smith, and Marion Woodbury   Guests: James Delamar, Betts Ellis, Mitzi Fetner, Lisa Montgomery, Tom Moore ITEM 1. New Asset Management System Ms. Fetner and Mr. Delamar briefed the Council on this system which allows on-line entries of items under $5,000 as well as equipment transfers and retirements. It also provides full tagging and record tracking service for assets over $5,000. A key contact person will be named for each University department/office to help implement and oversee this new system. Copies of the overhead visuals from this presentation are on file in the President's Office. ACTION: This was received as information. ITEM 2. Term of Appointment Dr. Crouch reviewed a draft policy, passed by the Faculty Senate and approved by the Deans Council. It further clarified the policy/procedures for changes in term of appointment for non-tenured faculty based on financial exigencies or need for curtailment or discontinuance. ACTION: Council approved the policy and will forward to the Board of Trustees with recommendation for approval. ITEM 3. Out of State Tuition Waiver An amended policy for MUSC College of Graduate Studies was recommended to set a $1,000 minimum threshold for scholarships, and require that all must be administered only by the University Health Sciences Foundation. ACTION: Council approved for submission to the Board of Trustees with recommendation for approval. ITEM 4. Proposed Change to the MUSC letterhead Mr. Fisher recommended adding the following Mission Statement to all stationery, calling cards, publications, etc.: Our mission: To preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina and beyond. Dr. Greenberg clarified that this was a "Core University Purpose" rather than "Mission Statement" as each University segment has its own mission statement. Dean Ripich suggested that it also be placed on signage displayed prominently about the institution. Dr. Slaughter suggested it be added to MUSC's web page. ACTION: Council approved this "Core University Purpose" for implementation as suggested. It will be referred to the University Communications Council for final recommendations as to format, scope of use, and implementation plan/timetable. ITEM 5. CMH Update Mr. Smith presented the updated CMH plan (attached) which deals with the urgent budget-related need to realign CMH personnel commensurate with the many changes in service over recent years. He was assisted by Mr. Ellis, Ms. Montgomery, and Mr. Moore. This was carefully put together with the goal of an orderly transition requiring the minimal possible employee upheaval and discontent or reduced morale. The morale issue is very important with respect to the upcoming JCAHO survey of CMH as well as MUSC community relations. Employees are being kept fully informed. ACTION: Council accepted this as information and will continue to be updated periodically. ITEM 6. Financial Update Mr. Gallager presented the new formats to be henceforth used for financial updates. This included the recently requested "position posting/hiring" data. Preliminary data showed actual effects of the hiring moratorium in terms of overall head counts, indicating an overall 50% reduction in positions filled compared to the previous year. Council requested that final data reflect actual F.T.E.s as well as the relative impacts between the clinical and academic sectors of the University. There was a question as to the actual current amount of due vendor payments—whether it was approximately $ 3 million or had reached $ 6 million. Mr. Woodbury noted that there was some concern by Medical Center physicians about slow vendor payments. ACTION: Council accepted this as information and will continue to be regularly updated by Mr. Gallager in the suggested format with the suggested clarifications. ITEM 7. (Extra) CMH County Contract Mr. Woodbury updated the Council on recent discussions with some County officials about potential future adjustments required because of the deteriorating budget situation. Their first concern seemed to be with preserving jobs, and uncompensated care came next. Discussions will continue to explore areas of necessary contract renegotiations including the hospital purchase terms as well as the requirement for some County patient care funding support. ACTION: Received as information ITEM 8. (Extra) Meeting with Black Caucus Drs. Greenberg, Slaughter, and Bell overviewed this meeting which resulted in the Caucus referring the uninsured patient matter to the Committee on Health and Human Services for further consideration. MUSC will continue to pursue all appropriate communications opportunities with the Caucus. ACTION: Received as information. ITEM 9. (Extra) Authority Finances Mr. Smith reported that approval had been received for the Medical Center state appropriations being returned to the Authority once it is established. ACTION: Received as information.