PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL MINUTES
February 26, 2003

Present: Tom Anderson, Thad Bell, Wallace Bonaparte, Bruce Elliott, Jim Fisher, Joe Good, Ray Greenberg, Anne Kilpatrick, Sarah King, John Raymond, Jerry Reves, Ken Roozen, Stuart Smith, Gail Stuart, John Sutusky, and Walker Coleman

Guests: Brian Cuddy, James Krause, Mark Kindy, Lisa Montgomery, Ralph Green, Patrick Wamsley, and Bruce Quinlan

ITEM 1. Spinal Cord Injury Fund Progress Update

Board Chair Cuddy along with Scientific Directors Krause and Kindy overviewed the first two years of progress, current status, and near future plans of this State program administered by MUSC through Mr. Coleman in the Office of the President. Over $ 1.4 million has been raised so far from the $ 100 surcharge on each DUI conviction which has funded an initial round of eight research projects across the state for $720,000 with proposals currently being solicited for a second round of up to $ 1 Million targeted for 07/01/03 awards.

ACTION: Council commended the Fund for its substantial accomplishments to date, urged greater proactivity in solicitation of proposals, and pledged continued MUSC support.

ITEM 2. Financial Updates

As of the end of January '03 and after the second round of State budget cuts, MUSC was $ 2.1 Million plus; MUHA $ 1.4 Million; UMA $ 5.4 Million (but subject to a series of outstanding obligations); and CFC at $ 658,000.

ACTION: Council strongly commended all of the University segments for so positively and effectively dealing with the ongoing budgetary challenges. It also asked that future financial updates be simplified to current cash positions and outlook for remainder of the budget period.

ITEM 3. Updates Mr. Fisher reported that the HSF Board had appointed an ad hoc committee to facilitate fundraising for the remaining Children's Research Institute construction balance.

Dr. Kilpatick summarized the successful joint Faculty Senate initiative with corresponding bodies of USC, Clemson, and other State colleges to eliminate faculty (and the concept of "Tenure") from the "Employment at Will" legislation being drafted by the S. C. Senate.

Dr. Raymond distributed for Council review and vote at a subsequent meeting the "Organizational Requirements of the Organized Health Care Arrangement" for MUHA, CFC, and MUHA as required to meet HIPAA requirements.

Ms. King noted several positive recent media coverages including the Children's Hospital and the Spinal Cord Injury Research Fund. Council suggested that stories be as "broadly focused" as possible to insure recognition reaching all so deserving.

Mr. Good updated on several legal matters.

The HSF is in process of an evaluation of the total spectrum of its investment strategy which should result in appropriate adjustments by the new year. Mr. Anderson also reported that the Charleston High School bids were due this week and would be evaluated next week.

Dr. Stuart announced that by next week the initiative with state hospitals for additional nurses trained over the next five years will have received its target commitments of $ 800,000 for a first year of activity ($ 4 Million for all years). She will arrange appropriate press coverage then, as well as supply MUHA with a requested list of the exact ways this initiative benefits hospitals.

Mr. Bonaparte updated status of the OFCCP draft "Conciliation Agreement" which is close to final negotiation/settlement. He stressed the critical importance of strict future compliance after this has been settled.

ACTION: Council asked that a summary of overall statistics be prepared to reflect the magnitude of reduction from original figures being considered, as well as requested that Dr. Sutusky determine if any State Budget and Control Board approval is required.

Mr. Smith informed that the new Orthopedic Unit was open and operating at close to capacity.

Dr. Elliott noted success so far of the UMA program to improve access for referring physicians with 80% of the previous month's referrals from CFC.

Dr. Reves reported on the "positive and productive" COM retreat for research chairs and center directors. At a near future Council meeting he will present a summary of the 16 future research goals they set including being among the top 25 research institutions in the country.

Dr. Greenberg led discussion on making sure institutional press protocols for clinical issues are understood and observed by all faculty and staff.