Present:     Ray Greenberg, Thad Bell, Walker Coleman, Rosalie Crouch, Jim Fisher, Bob Gallager, Sarah King, Layton McCurdy, Danielle Ripich, Sabra Slaughter, Stuart Smith, Marion Woodbury   ITEM 1. Update on Governor Hodge’s February 4th Visit Dr. Slaughter and the Council discussed the many schedule changes made by the Governor over the past week (one even during the meeting). An informational resource booklet has also been prepared for the visit and will be distributed to Council. ACTION: Approval was given to the attached agenda with modification to the Walking Tours that moved all Children’s Hospital tours by Dr. Darby to the end of the agenda. ITEM 2. Financial Position Update Mr. Gallager reported that almost all payments were current, with the Council concurring that MUSC is in its best cash position of the past six months. ACTION: This was received as information. ITEM 3. (EXTRA) Contributions Mr. Fisher presented findings to date from his polling of other institutions as to their policies on donations and contributions (attached). Most clearly prohibit any contributions. ACTION: Mr. Coleman and Dr. Slaughter will draft a written policy statement for MUSC with respect to contributions after studying all of the responses received by Mr. Fisher, particularly other South Carolina institutions. ITEM 4. (EXTRA) STATE Newspaper Editorial Dr. McCurdy urged a timely response from MUSC to corrects misperceptions in the 1/31/2000 editorial ("Facts needed at MUSC") about quality of MUSC care. ACTION: Dr. McCurdy will draft a response for finalization by Dr. Greenberg and subsequent signature by an appropriate University friend. ITEM 5. (EXTRA) Public/Political Education About Indigent Care Dr. Bell recommended that every appropriate effort be made to fully inform the public and appropriate politicians about indigent care problems and needs facing MUSC over the near-term future. ACTION: In addition to the considerable MUSC activity already underway to inform and advocate on behalf indigents, Dr. Greenberg asked the Council to identify areas and suggest specific plans where more work is needed. ITEM 6. (EXTRA) MUSC Web Site Dr. Crouch has advocated changes in the MUSC Web site to improve both appearance, accuracy, and usability; however, has not been able so far to identify a sole source of authority or responsibility to effect such change. ACTION: Mr. Gallager and Dr. Crouch will meet with appropriate CCIT staff to work on needed changes as well as discuss mechanisms for setting University Web policies and the possibility of appointing a University Webmaster (possibly reporting to the Provost) to implement such policy. ITEM 7. (EXTRA) Various Informational Items Dr. McCurdy strongly recommended the lecture "Of Mice, Men and Alcohol" to be given 2/3/2000 at 5:30 PM in the Psych Institute auditorium. He also reported that he is working with appropriate colleagues to develop a system that would improve scope and consistency of identifying VIPs admitted to the Medical Center. Dr. Bell reported on an exciting new regional program just started by the Institute of Psychiatry.