The official minutes of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees are maintained by the Secretary of the Board. Certified copies of minutes may be requested by contacting the Board of Trustees’ Office. Electronic or other copies of original minutes are not official Board of Trustees' documents.

The Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina met at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 1998, via telephone conference call. The call originated from the Board Conference Room in the Osborne Administration Building.

Mr. William C. Hubbard, Chairman, was present in the room. Members participating via telephone were: Mr. Mack I. Whittle, Jr., Vice Chairman; Dr. C. Edward Floyd, Chairman Emeritus; Mr. Herbert C. Adams; Mr. Arthur S. Bahnmuller; Mr. James Bradley; Mr. Mark W. Buyck, Jr.; Mrs. Helen C. Harvey; Mr. Toney J. Lister; Mr. Miles Loadholt; Mr. Robert N. McLellan; Mr. J. DuPre Miller; Mr. Michael J. Mungo; Mr. Robert C. Osborne, Jr.; Mr. M. Wayne Staton; and Mr. Othniel H. Wienges, Jr. Mr. Donald A. Bailey; Mr. Samuel R. Foster, II; Mr. William M. Gregg, II, and Dr. Barbara S. Nielsen were absent. Faculty representative, Professor Eldon D. Wedlock, Jr., was also present in the room.

Others present were: President John M. Palms; Secretary Thomas L. Stepp; Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Jerome D. Odom (via telephone); General Counsel Walter (Terry) H. Parham; Vice President for Development Charles D. Phlegar; Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School Marsha G. Welsh; Chancellor, USC Spartanburg, John C. Stockwell (via telephone); Director, Department of Internal Audit, Alton McCoy; Chief Executive Assistant to the President J. Lyles Glenn; Director, Presidential Communications and Research, Pete F. Mackey; Legislative Liaison John Gregory; President's Staff Member Gail Widner; Director of Public Affairs Russell McKinney; and representatives from the media.

Chairman Hubbard called the meeting to order. He welcomed those participating and invited the Secretary to call the role. Those present in the room were invited to introduce themselves. Chairman Hubbard then stated that notice of the meeting had been posted and the press notified as required by the Freedom of Information Act, the agenda had been circulated to the members of the Board, and a quorum was present. Mr. McKinney stated that representatives from the media would join the meeting following the Executive Session and requested to introduce them at that time.

Chairman Hubbard stated that there were personnel matters and receipt of legal advice dealing with the Graduate Regional Studies program at USC Lancaster appropriate for Executive Session. He called for a motion to enter Executive Session. Mrs. Harvey so moved, and Mr. Mungo seconded the motion. The Secretary was requested to call the roll for the vote. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.

The following persons were invited to remain: Dr. Palms, Mr. Stepp, Dr. Odom, Mr. Parham, Dr. Welsh, Mr. Phlegar, Mr. Glenn, Mr. Gregory, Mr. McCoy, Dr. Mackey, Dr. Widner, Dr. Stockwell, Mr. McKinney, Ms. Hyatt, and Ms. Medich.

Executive Session

Return to Open Session

Chairman Hubbard invited Mr. McKinney to introduce the representatives from the media. Report on USC Lancaster: Dr. Palms gave the following executive summary of his report "The Graduate Regional Studies Program Conducted from the University of South Carolina Lancaster Campus: Investigations, Actions, and Conclusions." [A copy of the report is maintained in the permanent meeting file held by the Board Office.]

A thorough investigation conducted out of the President's Office has uncovered irregularities in the Graduate Regional Studies program conducted out of Columbia on the USC Lancaster campus. These irregularities involve policies and admissions requirements, class attendance, class size, class evaluations, the charging of fees, degree application processes, and independent study authorizations.

No factual evidence was discovered, however, which would warrant or allow the cancellation of awarded credits or degrees. Corrective actions have been taken which include the termination of administrative and instructional responsibilities, acceptances of retirements and resignations, changing of administrative responsibilities, and the establishment of an accountability program. One case was remitted to the Sixth Circuit Solicitor for possible prosecution.

The University expresses appreciation to all who cooperated in the investigation. These included the students, faculty, and staff of the University, and a considerable number of superintendents, assistant superintendents, and school teachers.

Mr. Hubbard invited questions and comments regarding the report. Mr. Mungo expressed his profound appreciation to the President and Provost and their staffs that, in compiling the document, the situation was thoroughly examined and addressed. Over twenty punitive and corrective actions had been taken; the situation was professionally and thoroughly handled. Mr. Loadholt concurred with Mr. Mungo's comments.

Dr. Palms expressed his appreciation for the individuals in his office and staff, administrators, and superintendents who assisted in compiling the report. He said the superintendents were very appreciative of the services that the University renders to improve the teaching qualifications in their districts. They realize that the University goes to great lengths to try to accommodate their needs. Dr. Palms said he was proud of the University's ability to offer these services. The University would continue to do that and uphold the character and the integrity of the institution.

Mr. Hubbard made the following statement:

Mr. President, will you allow me to close by thanking you and your office, especially Mr. Glenn and Mr. Parham, for their hard work in preparing this report. It is a very thorough report. I know that it was a distraction and a burden on them on top of all of their additional duties to make the necessary inquiries and conduct such a thorough investigation. None of us like the fact that this problem developed. We can only deal with problems, once they develop, in a responsible way. I commend the administration for dealing with this problem in a responsible way in trying to establish new procedures and in putting into place immediately new procedures to see that these kinds of situations do not occur again and also in taking decisive personnel actions such as were taken so that the people involved in causing these problems in the University no longer have involvement with the Graduate Regional Studies program. On behalf of the Board of Trustees I thank the administration for those firm and fair actions.

Dr. Palms thanked Mr. Hubbard for his comments.

There being no further business to come before the Board, Chairman Hubbard called for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Mungo so moved, and Mrs. Harvey seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 2:17 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas L. Stepp

Secretary