PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL
November 29, 2000

Present: Thad Bell, Rosalie Crouch, Joe Good, Ray Greenberg, Jim Fisher, Sarah King, Perry Halushka, Layton McCurdy, Adrian Reuben, Sabra Slaughter (Council Secretary), Stuart Smith, John Sutusky, Marion Woodbury, and Walker Coleman

Guests: Susie Edwards, Susan Haskill

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

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL AND CASH UPDATE

Ms. Edwards' financial update for the first quarter of FY 00/01 showed revenues and expenditures very close to original projections. This is expected to continue. The University is on track for a balance budget at year's end, but must continue to stay alert for unexpected challenges. Ms. Haskill presented a cash update for the same period which showed no increase in deficit spending with levels staying essentially the same since August.

ACTION: Council received this as information.

ITEM 2. FY '00 UNIVERSITY AUDIT-PREVIEW

Ms. Haskill overviewed the draft audit which will not be finalized and published until mid-December due to delays at the State level. There was some discussion of changes between original deficit estimates and the draft audited figures.

ACTION: Dr. Greenberg will request a copy of Clemson's audit for information of Council.

ITEM 3. MORATORIUM UPDATE

Dr. Sutusky noted the continuing desired effects of the moratorium as evidenced by no significant increases in FTEs or Personnel costs. ACTION: Council received this as information.

ITEM 4. ROPER EFFORTS

Mr. Smith reported on status of the PET Scanner and the Rehabilitation Unit joint initiative discussions. The PET agreement draft may be presented at the December Authority meeting if sufficiently completed.

ACTION: Council received this as information.

EXTRA ITEMS/DISCUSSION.

Items covered included CMH update; appreciation for smooth pay day change; initiation of the Lowcountry Graduate Center; grant for updated mass spectrometry; new Center to be run through the Radiology Department by Dr. Mark George; exceptional certification pass rates in College of Health Professions; private giving up 65% for the first quarter; new Faculty Senate year starting with enthusiasm and ambitious agenda; increasing procurement protests at State level; and an electronic directory being finalized for presentation at a near future Council meeting.

Dr. Greenberg reported that the overall State budget for next Fiscal Year will be very tight and asked members of Council to suggest BUDGET STRATEGIES AND INITIATIVES FOR FY 01/02 that can be presented to the Legislature to help offset anticipated reductions to the MUSC State budget. Specifically needed would be to identify potential new revenue streams for existing clinical and educational programs at risk of closure with reduction in State support.

ACTION: Each member of Council will discuss possible strategies/initiatives with appropriate colleagues and submit specific proposals as soon as possible to Council Secretary who will then schedule a special meeting of Council and appropriate legislative liaison staff to finalize initiatives, strategies, and timetables.