PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL MINUTES
July 29, 2009

Present: Phil Costello, Bo Faulkner, Jim Fisher, Chip Hood, Sarah King, John Raymond, Jerry Reves, Jack Sanders, Sabra Slaughter, Stuart Smith.

Guests: Linda Austin, Susan Barnhart, Christine Brown, Susan Edwards, Robyn Frampton (representing Tom Anderson), Steve Hargett, Mary Mauldin (representing Walter Limehouse), Kurt Nendorf, Gina Ramsey, Maurice Snook, Stephen Valerio, Patrick Wamsley, Bart Yancey.

ITEM I. WINS

Dr. John Raymond called the meeting to order at 10:10 A.M., acknowledged the adoption of the MUSC Excellence meeting agenda format in President’s Council, and recommended that Council members announce WINS during their general updates.

ITEM II. “Housekeeping”

ACTION: The Minutes of the January and February 2009 President’s Council meetings were accepted with one correction, that Jim Fisher be added to those in attendance at the February 2009 meeting. The Council agreed to identify alternate dates for its November 25th and December 30th scheduled meetings as those dates conflict with holidays and customary leave schedules.

ITEM III. Financial Update

As of the 12-month period ending 6/30/09, MUSC net income was $11.2 million; MUHA $1.8 million; UMA $7.2 million; and CFC $206,602. Mr. Wamsley explained that the University’s net income was temporarily skewed upwards in June by an unexpected $6 million Medicaid MCO pass-through payment.

ACTION: Council received this as information. Dr. Raymond complimented MUSC, MUHA, UMA, and CFC, on behalf of Dr. Greenberg, for the remarkable turnaround and commended the generous contributions and numerous sacrifices made by all to conclude the fiscal year with a positive margin.

ITEM IV. Request for Information Security Policy Changes

Mr. Nendorf revisited the proposed modification of the MUSC Computer Use Policy and Information Security Device and Media Controls discussed during the January 28, 2009 President’s Council meeting and requested endorsement of the proposed changes.

ACTION: Council unanimously endorsed the requested changes.

ITEM V. Stimulus Funds

Drs. Reves and Raymond summarized central administration’s recommendations for the distribution and use of the anticipated $12.7 million in federal economic recovery funds to MUSC. The recommendations included $1.2 million off the top for tuition abatement, 30% of the balance for central administration infrastructure needs, and the remaining 70% to be allocated to MUSC units proportionally on the basis of the reductions each unit sustained during the FY08-09 budget cuts. In addition, every effort will be made to comply with guidelines for the use of federal economic recovery funds such as job preservation and creation, maintenance and renovation, educational support, and investment in one-time opportunities that will generate a return on investment. A committee consisting of the President, Vice Presidents, and two deans will review and approve the proposed use of funds to insure that they are in compliance with federal guidelines. A template identifying acceptable categories for the use of funds will be provided to assist in the preparation of proposals. Council was reminded that there would be no tuition abatement next year. Moreover, the allocated funds do not allow for a “cushion” against budget cuts, as units need to plan for a 4-5% budget cut during FY09-10.

ITEM VI. Web Standards Proposal

Dr. Austin summarized efforts to standardize the appearance of musc.edu, as illustrated by the recently restructured College of Medicine webpage. She requested President’s Council endorsement of new web standards established by the Internal Technology Council.

ACTION: Council unanimously endorsed the Web Standards Proposal.

ITEM VII. WINS/Updates

Mr. Smith reported a 15% increase in hospital activity over last year and that additional hospital renovations will be completed within three years.

Dr. King commented about good news published, appearing in broadcast media, and disseminated via email about the Medical University. Jim Fisher complimented Dr. King and her staff on the MUSC Annual Report and recommended that a flash button be placed on the MUSC’s webpage to attract attention to the report making it immediately accessible to visitors.

Dr. Sanders applauded the work of MUSC basic science faculty and students in the College of Dental Medicine who scored 4 points above average on the basic sciences section of a national exam. He also commented about accomplishments in dental health outreach.

Dr. Costello reported that 650 faculty members are affiliated with UMA integrated practice model and expressed satisfaction with the continued growth and development underway.

Dr. Reves commented about progress in the College of Medicine strategic initiatives.

Mr. Faulkner summarized efforts in the Legislative Liaison Office to restore state funds for residency training.

Mr. Hood cited a number of negotiations and start-up activities in the Foundation for Research Development to create synergies in science and industry and to develop licenses and intellectual property.

Mr. Fisher announced a record $71 million in philanthropy raised through the Office of Development during the past year and acknowledged the extraordinary performance of members of his staff and others in the MUSC Foundation. In addition, he noted that MUSC YES Campaign contributions totaled $330,000 during the year and participation increased from 6.5% to 10%.

Dr. Slaughter reported that a proposal (Southeastern Virtual Institute for Health Equity and Wellness “SE VIEW”), which focuses on the reduction of health disparities in low-income and rural dwelling populations, received excellent reviews. The proposal was submitted to the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC) by the President’s Office in collaboration with MUSC investigators conducting health disparities research and service outreach activities.